Whether or not you’re a wildlife fanatic or just a curious traveler, an African safari in Kenya is bound to be one of the crucial unforgettable experiences of your life!
From witnessing elephants, lions and rhinos roaming within the wild to seeing a few of nature’s most stunning sunsets amidst lush inexperienced plains and gently rolling hills—there are such a lot of explanation why visiting Kenya’s safari parks ought to be on everybody’s journey bucket record.
To assist information you thru the very best Recreation Reserves, Nationwide Parks and different locations for having fun with wildlife in Kenya, we compiled our record of the ten finest Nationwide Parks, Reserves, and Safari Parks for a Kenyan safari journey.
Our curated choice options well-liked safari parks like Maasai Mara and Amboseli Nationwide Park but additionally lesser-known ones such because the Mugie Conservancy that provide numerous landscapes and ample animal species exterior of the everyday vacationer circuit.
With out additional ado, let’s dive in!
Safari Parks in Kenya
Kenya is the right vacation spot for an unique wildlife expertise like no different. Residence to over 50 wildlife reserves, safari parks, and nationwide parks, Kenya impresses guests with the sheer quantity of breathtaking nature that exists throughout the nation.
From Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, to Samburu and Lake Nakuru, these safari parks are stuffed with quite a lot of wild animals like elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions and lots of extra. The pure panorama of every park is exclusive and particular, and lots of of them supply distinctive experiences, like seeing the wildebeest migration and sleeping in a treehouse within the bush!
Sundown in Kenya
1. Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve
Situated southwest of Nairobi, Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve (additionally spelled as Maasai Mara) is one in all Kenya’s jewels and among the best safari locations within the nation. It’s a must-visit for anybody seeking to expertise one of many continent’s most spectacular wildlife.
Wildlife in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Reserve is residence to the Huge 5 (African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros). It’s significantly well-known for its massive focus of huge cats, together with massive prides of lions, a major variety of cheetahs, and leopards.
A go to to Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve will help you come face-to-face with massive herds of elephants and giraffes roaming by means of the grassy plains that stretch all the best way all the way down to Tanzania’s border. Masai Mara boasts a plethora of different wildlife, together with a number of mammals and birdlife. You’ll possible additionally to see hippos, buffalo, hyenas, jackals, gazelles, zebras, impalas, and hartebeest, amongst many extra species. With over 500 fowl species, this reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Since this park is situated greater than 4 hour drive from Nairobi, benefit from your time by spending not less than 3-4 days on a safari in Masai Mara.
Though it is without doubt one of the finest safari parks in Kenya, Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve affords rather more than simply animals. Skies blanketed by tens of millions of stars, savannas stretching for miles, and placing sunsets make this a very well-liked vacation spot for photographers.
Don’t Miss
The nice wildebeest migration occurs yearly between July and October. Yearly, over two million wildebeest cross the Mara River searching for water and higher grazing throughout the dry season. The migration is a singular pure occasion like no different. It’s thrilling and memorable and one in all our private safari experiences!
Magical morning in Masai Mara
A tower of giraffes in Masai Mara
2. Amboseli Nationwide Park
Amboseli Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the hottest Kenyan wildlife reserves because of its beautiful location, numerous wildlife, and wealthy tradition. Situated on the southern base of Mt Kilimanjaro, Amboseli affords unbelievable picture alternatives with Africa’s highest mountain within the background.
Wildlife in Amboseli Nationwide Park
Amboseli Nationwide Park is residence to massive herds of African elephants, so you’ll be able to rise up shut and actually respect these unbelievable creatures of their pure habitat. You’ll discover loads of different species right here, together with the remainder of the Huge 5, in addition to cheetahs, giraffes and lots of of fowl species.
Within the marshes and lakes, you’ll see wallowing hippos, and if you happen to go on a guided stroll or drive you’ll spot blue wildebeest within the plains.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Amboseli Nationwide Park is situated near the Tanzanian border, round a 4-hour drive from Nairobi. Most individuals spend a couple of nights on a safari in Amboseli, though day excursions from Nairobi are additionally accessible.
Don’t miss
Take a simple hike up Commentary Hill: the very best vantage level in Amboseli Nationwide Park. On high of the hill, there may be informative signage concerning the geological historical past and wildlife of the park. Be certain that to deliver your digicam or binoculars to see and seize the superior views from this spot.
The view of Mt Kilimanjaro at Amboseli Nationwide Park. Picture by Rolf Dobberstein from Pixabay
3. Tsavo Nationwide Parks
Situated within the southeast a part of the nation, Tsavo Nationwide Parks are one other wonderful safari vacation spot in Kenya. As one in all Kenya’s high nationwide park complexes, it encompasses practically 22,000 sq km (8494 sq miles) and is residence to spectacular animals like lions, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, buffalos and hyenas – all of them make their residence on this spectacular pure marvel.
This big park is split into Tsavo East Nationwide Park and Tsavo West Nationwide Park, every with its particular options.
- Tsavo East Nationwide Park is comparatively flat and is understood for its plains and the Galana River.
- Tsavo West Nationwide Park has mountains, springs, and different points of interest just like the Ngulia Rhino sanctuary.
Wildlife in Tsavo Nationwide Parks
Apart from the Huge 5, Tsavo Nationwide Park is residence to the well-known crimson elephant. Enjoyable reality concerning the crimson elephant: they’re really the identical grey color as different African elephants. Their crimson look comes from their mud baths within the park’s iron-rich, crimson soil.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Situated a 5-½ hour drive from Nairobi, Tsavo Nationwide Parks are very near the coastal metropolis of Mombasa. Guests normally spend a couple of nights on a safari in Tsavo Parks and mix the journey with a seashore keep on the Kenyan Coast.
Don’t Miss
Be certain that to go to the Shetani lava circulate, a folded black lava panorama that covers 50 sq km in Tsavo West Nationwide Park. You can even discover the close by Shetani caves, which have been additionally shaped by volcanic exercise.
Elephant in Tsavo Nationwide Park
4. Samburu Nationwide Reserve
Wildlife in Samburu Recreation Reserve Nationwide Reserve is a lesser-known safari vacation spot in Kenya, well-known for its beautiful landscapes and uncommon species like Grevy’s Zebra and the Somali Ostrich.
Wildlife in Samburu Recreation Reserve
Samburu is residence to all kinds of wildlife and birds, together with reticulated giraffes, gerenuks – a sort of antelope – plus elephant and buffalo herds.
Certainly one of Samburu Nationwide Reserve’s “particular 5” consists of the beisa oryx, native to this particular area in northern Kenya.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Samburu Recreation Reserve is situated a couple of 6-hour drive north of Nairobi and is fairly distant. If you’re going to make it to Samburu in your safari, we really helpful spending not less than 2-3 nights experiencing the area.
Don’t miss:
A cultural tour to study concerning the Samburu individuals. The Samburu tradition has been comparatively unaffected by modernity, they usually have fastidiously protected their pastoral traditions.
Elephants in Samburu Nationwide Reserve. Photograph by Pictures By Beks on Unsplash
A curious zebra at Samburu Nationwide Reserve. Photograph by sutirta budiman on Unsplash
5. Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Designated as a conservation space in 1957, Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is a refuge for over one million pink flamingos and over 400 fowl species.
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is legendary for its flamingo colonies, however there may be loads of different wildlife and points of interest to see on this safari park. There are over 50 mammal species, together with waterbucks, impalas, rhinos, in addition to lions and even leopards.
There are a number of viewpoints in Lake Nakuru and even a waterfall on the southern finish of the park. Lake Nakuru can also be an outstanding place to birdwatch and is especially really helpful for birdwatchers.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is situated 3 hour’s drive from Nairobi. We visited the park on a day journey from Lake Naivasha, however most guests decide to spend an evening or two at one of many safari camps within the park.
Don’t miss
Take a drive to Baboon cliff, a viewpoint on the western shore of Lake Nakuru. You’ll get an ideal view of the lake and may even get to see baboons up shut.
If you happen to plan to have lunch within the park, preserve an eye fixed out on the bush close to the picnic spot on your likelihood to identify the white colobus monkeys that hand around in that space.
Flamingos at Lake Nakuru
Lone flamingo in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
6. Mugie Conservancy
Nestled within the coronary heart of Laikipia, a couple of 5-hour drive north of Nairobi, Mugie Conservancy is without doubt one of the lesser-known safari parks in Kenya.
The Mugie Conservancy was established with a deal with sustainable growth and tourism, and there are numerous ongoing initiatives to preserve biodiversity and endangered species. It’s one in all Kenya’s youthful conservancies, however its scenic magnificence, together with its wealthy biodiversity, make it effectively value a go to.
Contained in the conservancy is a 156-acre lake, the right spot for a nature stroll or boat safari.
Wildlife in Mugie Conservancy
Over 70 mammal species stay within the park, with greater than 280 fowl species. The area options verdant grasslands and numerous wildlife, with widespread sightings starting from elephants, hyenas, and wildebeest to the uncommon oryx, lions, and cheetahs.
Jackson’s hartebeest is endemic to the world, and Mugie Conservancy is devoted to defending the endangered Grevy’s zebra.
Don’t Miss
For an interactive expertise, ask your information concerning the large cat monitoring program, go to the orphaned giraffe Tala or study all concerning the in-park anti-poaching program and take part in an enchanting demonstration of a “poacher search.”
Oryx at sundown in Mugie Conservancy
On an anti-poaching demonstration with Mugie’s bloodhounds
Dry terrain in Mugie Conservancy
Magical sundown on a Kenya safari at Mugie Conservancy
7. Nairobi Nationwide Park
Situated simply 7 km from the bustling Kenyan capital of Nairobi, Nairobi Nationwide Park stands out from many different wildlife reserves and nationwide parks all through Kenya. It’s distinctive as a result of it’s the solely formally declared wildlife sanctuary in an city space.
It’s the one safari park in Kenya that gives guests with rewarding wildlife viewing alternatives with a metropolis backdrop.
Wildlife in Nairobi Nationwide Park
This well-liked safari vacation spot is residence to 4 of the Huge 5 African species—African elephant, African rhino, Cape buffalo and lion—in addition to a myriad of different species equivalent to zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes and gazelles,
Nairobi Nationwide Park can also be a sanctuary for the black rhino, a critically endangered species.
Don’t miss
Ivory-burning Web site, the place Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi made a dramatic protest in opposition to poachers by burning 11 tons of seized ivory. A number of years later, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the burning of one other 100 tons of confiscated ivory on the similar web site.
Rhinos in Nairobi Nationwide Park. Picture by Alexander Strachan from Pixabay
8. Meru Nationwide Park
Meru Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the nation’s lesser-visited safari reserves. However, its beautiful panorama, lush rainforest, and numerous wildlife make it an distinctive vacation spot.
Wildlife in Meru Nationwide Park
The dynamic panorama and abundance of rain in Meru Nationwide Park has created a haven for all kinds of wildlife. The park’s rivers are residence to a big inhabitants of hippos, and the park is ample in birdlife, elephants, rhinos, antelopes, buffalos, zebras, and reticulated giraffes.
Whereas tougher to identify, the Meru Nationwide Park can also be residence to predator species just like the African wild cat, leopard, and cheetah. Different elusive species that you simply may see in Meru Nationwide Park embody snakes like pythons and cobras.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Meru Nationwide Park is a protracted 6-hour drive from Nairobi. So, it’s finest to make this a 2 or 3-day tour, looping in close by locations like Mount Kenya Nationwide Park and Mwingi Nationwide Reserve.
Don’t Miss
The rhino sanctuary in Meru Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the finest locations to view black and white rhinos. Adamson’s Falls can also be an ideal spot to calm down and benefit from the surroundings.
9. Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park
Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park is understood for its rugged, dramatic geology, breathtaking views, and numerous wildlife. There are extinct volcanoes, cliffs, and rock towers you can climb with a information. The park is known as for its geothermal options, and there are lively sizzling springs on web site.
Wildlife in Hells Gate Nationwide Park
Wildlife on this safari park is much less numerous than among the different safari locations on this record. Anticipate to see zebras, gazelles, hartebeests and different grazing animals.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
Situated simply 2-½ hours away from Nairobi, Hells Gate Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the finest safari parks in Kenya to go to on a brief safari journey. You’ll be able to spend the evening one of many safari lodges within the space or go to the park on a day journey from Nairobi. You can even mix a go to to Hells Gate with a guided tour and boat journey that may take you to Hells Gate Nationwide Park and Lake Naivasha.
Don’t Miss
A possibility to discover Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park by bike. You’ll be able to hire one contained in the park and discover the paths by yourself or with a information.
Hells Gate Nationwide Park
10. Loisaba Conservancy
Loisaba is a 57,000 acre wildlife conservancy and a working ranch and wildlife refuge managed by the Loisaba Neighborhood Belief. The conservancy focuses on wildlife analysis and sustainable tourism.
Wildlife in Loisaba Conservancy
Loisaba Conservancy is situated on the western fringe of an elephant motion hall. So, you’ll be able to count on to see massive herds of elephants throughout your go to. You may additionally see Grevy’s zebra, Oryx, reticulated giraffes and even endangered wild canines.
You’ll be able to take part in recreation drives, guided bush walks, and a cultural go to to the neighbouring group.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep
A 6-hour drive north of Nairobi, Loisaba conservancy is a hidden gem nestled away in northern Kenya. It’s far sufficient that you’d wish to spend a couple of nights right here. We advocate combining a stick with a couple of nights within the close by Mugie Conservancy.
Don’t Miss
An opportunity to see wild canines! Loisaba is without doubt one of the few safari parks in Kenya with an lively African wild canines initiative. On the time of our go to in 2023, the wild canines rely within the area was near 30. And whereas seeing the playful canines is in fact, not assured (we didn’t get fortunate), the prospect to identify them makes a go to right here worthwhile!
Loisaba Conserancy, Kenya
Giraffes in Loisaba Conservancy
Have you ever ever been to a safari park in Kenya?
What different Nationwide Parks or Non-public Reserves would you advocate for visiting