National Parks
Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity make it one of the best safari destinations in Africa. From the iconic Masai Mara and Mount Kilimanjaro to the remote wilderness of Samburu and Tsavo, each park offers unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. Furthermore, Kenya’s well-established safari infrastructure, expert guides, and conservation initiatives ensure that your safari experience is memorable, educational, and sustainable.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
The Masai Mara is perhaps Kenya’s most famous safari destination, known for its vast plains and high concentrations of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The annual Great Migration is a highlight, with over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River between July and October. Visitors can also enjoy hot air balloon safaris over the Mara for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations, renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Located in the southern part of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania, Amboseli covers an area of about 392 square kilometers and offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes, including vast savannahs, swamps, acacia woodlands, and the dry bed of Lake Amboseli.
Tsavo East
Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, covering approximately 13,747 square kilometers. It forms part of the greater Tsavo ecosystem, which is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks by the Mombasa-Nairobi highway and railway. Located in southeastern Kenya, it is approximately 333 kilometers from Nairobi and 173 kilometers from Mombasa, making it a popular safari destination for visitors traveling from either city.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. It is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, sitting at an elevation of about 1,884 meters (6,181 feet) above sea level. The name “Naivasha” is derived from the Maasai word “En-aiposha,” meaning “rough water,” which refers to the sudden storms that can arise on the lake, causing its waters to become turbulent.
Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in Laikipia County, Kenya, near the foothills of Mount Kenya. Spanning over 90,000 acres, it is one of East Africa’s most significant private conservancies and a leader in wildlife conservation and community development. Ol Pejeta is particularly known for its pioneering efforts in endangered species conservation, its innovative anti-poaching strategies, and its role as a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo).
Tsavo West
Tsavo West National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse national parks, covering an area of about 9,065 square kilometers. It forms part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, which also includes Tsavo East National Park, together making up one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Tsavo West is located in the southeastern part of Kenya, near the Tanzanian border, and is approximately halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, making it easily accessible from both cities.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s premier national parks, located in the Great Rift Valley, around 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. The park is centered around Lake Nakuru, a shallow, alkaline soda lake that is part of the larger Rift Valley lakes ecosystem. Established in 1961, Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the spectacular birdlife that draws visitors from around the world.
Samburu Game Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a renowned wildlife haven in the northern part of Kenya, known for its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences. Covering an area of about 165 square kilometers (64 square miles), it is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which serves as a lifeline for the region, attracting a variety of animals and birds. Samburu is famous for its unique “Samburu Special Five” – five rare and endemic species found in the region: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk (also known as the giraffe gazelle), and Beisa oryx.
Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is a picturesque protected area in the central highlands of Kenya, established in 1950. Covering an area of approximately 767 square kilometers, the park is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, which stretches from north to south through Kenya’s Nyandarua and Nyeri counties. Its elevation ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, resulting in a unique ecosystem with varied landscapes, including deep ravines, dense forests, bamboo groves, open moorlands, and mist-covered peaks.