Amidst an unrelenting mesh of trees lies the Kenyan gem that is Marsabit National Reserve. Not to be confused with its eastern neighbour Marsabit National Park, this reserve has an allure all of its own. Gazetted as a national reserve in 1949, the area was placed under protection for its ecological significance.
Above the reserve, birds such as the determined peregrine falcon swoop and dive in mesmerising patterns. The area is home to over 350 different species of birds. Those with an affinity for birdwatching are spoilt with breathtaking views of the African olive pigeon and Somali coursers among many others.
A Place of Mountains
On the ground, Marsabit is known for mountains that cut daunting silhouettes in the horizon. Smaller mountains yet roam across its expansive terrain. They are otherwise known as elephant bulls and this reserve as well as the park are their last refuge. These giant animals retreat to Marsabit’s lush, forested areas during the dry seasons and return to the lowlands when rain is plentiful with their colossal tusks often grazing the ground.
Their lineage extends back to Ahmed the famous elephant – a mildly tempered legend of Marsabit who often disappeared into the reserves thick vegetation leaving bystanders guessing as to his whereabouts. His name is etched in history as one of the largest tusker elephants known to man. His tusks weighed in at over 150 pounds. The largest in Africa at the time!
Sharing Between Land, Man and Animal
Though striking, the presence of these imposing animals presents its own challenges. They share their habitat with members of the Rendille, Gabra, Borana, and Burji communities – and as they tell it – living with elephants is a costly affair. Originally nomadic communities, formal education catalysed the introduction of sedentary crop farming. Elephants, though majestic, can destroy whole fields of crops – leaving these communities at a loss.
The consequences of the co-habitation of man, animal and land at Marsabit have been felt by all parties involved. Poaching has been documented as a major cause of dwindling elephant numbers on the reserve. Their population plummeted from 900 to a measly 219 between 1973 and 1992. The forest area itself has diminished from 30,214 hectares of open forest in 1990 to a mere 7,345 hectares in 2010.
Splendour in Strife
Policymakers and researchers have spent time taking stock of the cost of this destruction and new solutions are being considered including fencing, compensation for crop losses and reforestation. These discussions signal new hope for the inhabitants of this rare territory.
Even in its challenges, Marsabit Reserve has an irresistible charm. Each day, as golden sun beams kiss the mountain peaks for the last time, the sky above the Reserve relaxes into a captivating canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples—a resplendent display that marks the final curtain call of the day. The hum of nocturnal creatures rises into the air before the magnificent wilderness prepares to showcase its untamed, unrivalled beauty once more in the beaming light of day.
Have you ventured into the rugged terrain of Marsabit Reserve? Share your memories of Marsabit in the comments below!