Kenya National Parks & Game Reserves, Wildlife & Interests

Kenya is renowned for its incredible wildlife and is one of the best destinations for safari experiences. Visitors can explore famous National parks and reserves such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu to see the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other iconic African animals in their natural habitats. There are 24 Kenya National Parks, 15 Kenya national reserves, 6 Kenya marine Parks, and Private Conservacies, all distributed between the Northern, Eastern, Southern & western parts of Kenya.

Attractions That Draw Tourists in Kenya National Parks & Game Reserves

Masai Mara National Reserve: This is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa, known for its spectacular wildebeest migration usually occurring between July and October. The Mara also offers abundant opportunities for game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and cultural interactions with the Masai people.

Mount Kenya: Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mount Kenya, offers stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and excellent opportunities for trekking and mountain climbing. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for hikers and climbers seeking adventure.

Beach Destinations: Kenya’s coastline along the Indian Ocean is dotted with beautiful beaches and resorts, including Diani Beach, Watamu, and Malindi. These destinations offer pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing.

Cultural Experiences: Kenya is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with its own rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Masai or Samburu culture, visit vibrant markets, and experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

Lake Nakuru National Park: Famous for its flamingo populations and diverse birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park is also home to rhinos, giraffes, lions, and other wildlife species.

Nairobi: Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, offers a blend of urban attractions and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the Nairobi NationalPark, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, The Giraffe Manor, Karura Forest, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, National Museum, Ngong Hills, Bomas Of Kenya

Complete List Of  National Parks, Game Reserves, Conservancies & Marine Parks In Kenya

Aberdare-Kenya national Parks

Aberdare National Park

Experiences.
Walking safaris, forest elephants & tree hotels

Best Time To Visit Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Experience
Great elephant viewing, famous for its Mt Kilimanjaro views

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve

Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Experience
Hiking, no Big Five, birding hot spot and butterflies

Borana Conservancy (Laikipia)

Borana Conservancy

Experience
Horseback safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, lots of rhino

Buffalo Springs National Reserve Kenya

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Experiences.
Classic dry-country safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), adjoins Samburu NR

chyulu hills national park

Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya

Experience
Caving, cloud forests and antelope species

Hells gate national park

Hell’s Gate National Park

Experience
Cycling, walking and climbing, with mainly buffalo and antelope species

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Experience
Hiking, small antelope species and primates, birding hot spot

Laikipia Plateau

Laikipia Plateau

Experiences.
Area containing multiple private reserves, abundant wildlife (many rhino)

Lake Bogoria birding-10 best things to do in Kenya

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Experience
Stunning scenery, mainly antelope species, famous for its flamingos & Hot springs

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Experience
black and white rhino, lion and leopard, no elephant, family-friendly

Lewa wildlife conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Laikipia)

Experience
Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

Loisaba Conservancy (Laikipia)

Loisaba Conservancy (Laikipia)

Experiences.
Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, northern Kenyan specials

Best Time To Visit Amboseli National Park

Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara)

Experience
Classic Mara safaris without the crowds, fantastic for big cats, wildebeest migration

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve

Marsabit National Park

Experience
Crater lake, big-tusked elephants, excellent birding

The best time to visit Masai mara for wildebeest migration

Masai Mara National Reserve

Experience
Classic safaris, Big Five present (rhino rare), many big cats, wildebeest migration

Meru national Park

Meru National Park

Experiences.
Classic safaris, Big Five present (rhino in fenced sanctuary).

Attractions in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

Experience
Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no elephant), city skyscrapers as backdrop

chimps in olpejeta

Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia)

Experience
Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, chimpanzee sanctuary

Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park

Experience
Off the beaten track, black rhino, leopard, giraffe and antelope species present

sitatunga in saiwa swamp

Saiwa Swamp National Park

Experiences.
Hiking, sitatunga antelope, no major safari animals, birding hot spot

Attractions in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve

Experience
Classic dry-country safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), adjoins Buffalo Springs NR

Shaba National Park

Shaba National Reserve

Experience
Classic dry-country safaris, although wildlife can be scarce

Shimba hills National Park-southwest safari circuit

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Experience
Classic safaris, abundant elephant

Solio Ranch (Laikipia) -

Solio Ranch (Laikipia)

Experiences.
Classic safaris, private reserve, famous for its rhino population

Taita Hills National Sanctuary

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Experience
Classic safaris, rarely crowded, lush scenery, fascinating history

Lions in Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Experience
Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo West, good for elephants and big cats

When is the best time to visit Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park

Experience
Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo East, Big Five present, low wildlife densities