12 Best National Parks in Kenya
12 Best National Parks in Kenya to Visit for African Wildlife Safaris
Discover the 12 best National Parks in Kenya that guarantee you unforgettable African wilderness experiences. National Parks in Kenya are most popular for their biodiversity and breathtaking landscape.
Each of the Kenya National Parks you visit promise unparalleled game viewing experience to all first-time or seasoned African safari-goers.
Want to enjoy Big 5 safaris or witness the Great Migration? Then consider booking a Kenya safari to explore its enriching National Parks.
The best National Parks and Reserves to visit in Kenya include Amboseli National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park. Masai Mara National Reserve, Meru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West. Aberdare National Park, Nairobi National Park, and more.
Expect to also immerse yourself in the walking safaris in Hell’s Gate National Park or visit Watamu National Marine Park for coral reefs or snorkeling experiences.
Ultimate Guide to the 12 Best National Parks in Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Located in Narok, Southwestern Kenya, is a pristine Masai Mara National Reserve, the leading wildlife destination. Visit the Masai Mara to unearth its wonders, including the Big 5, the Great migration, and vibrant savanna landscapes.
Over 95 mammal species reside in the diverse habitats of the Masai Mara and harmoniously live with about 450 species of birds.
The main reasons to choose the Masai Mara for your Kenya safaris include witnessing the powerful Great Migration River crossing. The River Mara crossing is best experienced from June to October.
Visit the Masai Mara for the Big 5 game –get to encounter elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, leopards, and more. The extensive savanna plains are worth appreciating, and to any enthusiastic photographer, the Masai Mara Reserve should be a must-visit.
Enjoy excellent hot air balloon experiences, which come with breathtaking views of the open savannas. After the Big 5 search and Great Migration, don’t miss the ultimate immersion in the Maasai village as you explore the Maasai’s traditions and cultures.
Where to stay
After or before you join the Savannah Wilderness Experiences, you should be certain about the places to stay.
The ideal accommodation options to consider booking on Kenya safaris in Maasai Mara include Mara Sopa Lodge, Governor’s Camp, Olare Mara Kempinski, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Little Governor’s Camp, and Sarova Mara Game Camp, etc.
At Flawless Adventure Planners, we prioritize top mid-range and luxury/high-end accommodation properties that guarantee you value for your money.
Amboseli National Park
Explore Amboseli, a 392 sq. km protected area that towers the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro. A total of about 80 mammal species, including cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, zebras, and over 400 species of birds, all live in Amboseli.
During the guided wildlife safaris, expect to search for big cats, the huge elephants, herbivores, and birds.
At Amboseli National Park, visitors have a remarkable treat of a range of experiences. The exceptional safari highlights to appreciate include guided game drives, birding, hot air balloon safaris, photography tours, cultural visits to Maasai villages, nature walks, and exploring the observation hill.
Where to stay –midrange and luxury accommodation in Amboseli
The best places to stay on a Kenya safari in Amboseli include AA Lodges Amboseli, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp, and Satao Elerai Camp.
Tsavo East National Park
Created in 1948 and currently covering an area of 13,747 sq. km, Tsavo East National Park is one of the magical destinations to explore in Kenya.
Tsavo East can be reached in about 4-5 hours’ drive from the vibrant Nairobi capital. Drive on the Mombasa road, and a 4×4 Kenya safari car is suitable for your connectivity to Tsavo East Game Park.
Tsavo East National Park is situated in the semi-arid region, formerly referred to as the Taru Desert. It makes up part of the vast Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) in Kenya, which overall covers the land area of 22,000 sq. km.
Tsavo East (theatre of the wild) and holds all the big 5: lions, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, & elephants. It is in Tsavo East where the red elephants reside and can be witnessed around the Galana River.
Other wildlife that range within Tsavo East National Park include lesser Kudus, fringe-eared oryx, hartebeest, zebras, long-necked gerenuks, waterbucks, and warthogs.
At the Galana and Voi Rivers, expect to find aquatic species, including hippos and the Nile Crocodiles.
A checklist of about 500 species of birds live in Tsavo East and includes the African hawk-eagles, martial eagles, Eastern chanting goshawks, African finfoot, secretary bird, rufous chatterers, Somali buntings, red-bellied parrot, and more.
The preferred safari park activities to do include camping, bird watching, nature walking, game viewing, or game drives.
Available accommodation alternatives to consider booking in and around Tsavo National Park include Kilaguini Serena Safari Lodge, Ithumba Camp, Voi Safari Lodge, Kipalo Hills, and Patterson’s Safari Camp. Other lodges include Ndololo Tented Camp, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, and Galdessa Camp.
Tsavo West National Park
Situated in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya, is the stunning Tsavo West National Park. The premier Tsavo West Game Park is a 9,065 sq. km park and can be reached on the A109 Nairabo-Mombasa route.
The famous wildlife that live in the Tsavo West include giraffes, elands, zebras, elephants, lions, buffaloes, Kudus, impalas, hippos, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, crocodiles, and rhinos.
Tsavo West National Park’s top experiences or activities to do include game viewing, cave exploration, walking/hiking experiences, rock climbing, visiting the Mzima springs, and a boat excursion on Lake Jipe.
Where to stay on a safari in Tsavo West
The main lodges to secure for an overnight stay include Severin Safari Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Salt Lick Safari Lodge, and more.
Nairobi National Park
Explore abundant wildlife within the reach of Nairobi city. Accessible in just 7-10km, Nairobi National Park is an exceptional place to explore with ease when in Nairobi city. This park contains about 100 mammals and includes leopards, lions, and black rhinos.
The places to stay in and around Nairobi include Nyati Hill Cottages, Ololo Safari Lodge, Emakoko Lodge, and Masai Lodge.
Lake Naivasha National Park
Visit Lake Naivasha National Park, 80km away from Nairobi city. The park is set in the Northwestern part of Nairobi and sits in the Great Rift Valley.
The 140 sq. km Lake Naivasha is part of the unique attractions in this park and is an ideal place to enjoy boat tours. You may also engage in walking excursions, birding, and others.
Where to Stay in/around Lake Naivasha
The places to stay include Great Rift Valley Lodge, Loldia House, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodges, Chui Lodge, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, & Elsamere Lodge.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, a superb spot for you to find flamingos and also explore the breathtaking cliffs. At Lake Nakuru, expect to enjoy bird watching experiences and also game viewing. This park prides itself on breathtaking landscapes.
The popular wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park includes Rothschild giraffes, elephants, leopards, waterbucks, buffaloes, lions, and zebras.
About 500 bird species are confined in Lake Nakuru National Park, which make it a famous birding destination in Kenya. They include the lesser and greater flamingoes, African fish eagles, pelicans, yellow-billed storks, and more. This is a perfect spot for all ornithological enthusiasts on Kenya birding tours.
Where to live in Lake Nakuru
At Lake Nakuru National Park, expect to retire for the night in some of the best midrange and luxury lodges. The available accommodation options in and around Lake Nakuru National Park include Lake Nakuru Lodge, Naishi Guesthouse, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, and Sopa Lodge..
Aberdare – Best National Parks in Kenya
Welcome to the spectacular Aberdare National Park, which is situated in Central Kenya and is near the East African Rift Valley area.
Covering an area of about 767 sq. km, Aberdare is most popular for its scenic waterfalls –Chania waterfalls, Karuru, and Gura waterfalls. These captivating features and wildlife make Aberdare National Park stand out.
Aberdare’s landscape is characterized by unique steep forested ravines, open moorland, and other habitats, each holding unique attractions.
The unique wildlife to find in Aberdare includes spotted hyenas, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, colobus monkeys, and olive baboons.
Where to Stay/lodges –Aberdare
At Aberdare, expect to retire for a night at the Ark Lodge, Aberdare Country Club, Treetops Lodge, Kichakani Paradise, and Aberdare Cottages.
Mt. Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is home to Africa’s 2nd highest mountain peak and one of the ancient extinct Volcanoes. It is in this park that scenic Mount Kenya is located, and features 12 glaciers.
Mt. Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the park contains wildlife such as giant forest hogs, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, elands, rock hyrax, and more.
Possible activities to do in Mount Kenya National Park include game drives, nature walks, cave exploration, mountain climbing, and camping.
Places to consider overnight include Serena Mountain Lodge, Castle Forest Lodge, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Buffalo Bay Resort, Bantu Mountain Lodge, and others.
Hell’s Gate National Park -Top 12 Best National Parks in Kenya
Join Flawless Adventure Planners on a walk on the wild side –Hell’s Gate National Park. Located along the Great Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate is most popular for its over 100 species of birds and diverse wildlife.
Hell’s Gate is also managed by Kenya Wildlife Services and supports animals such as Thomson’s gazelles, giraffes, zebras, and Hartebeests.
Mt. Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park is popular for its picturesque landscapes. It features exceptional volcanoes, rift valleys, and lush forests. The main animals include gazelles, bushbucks, buffaloes, elands, leopards, and prey birds.
When choosing places to stay on a Kenya safari in Longonot National Park, the majority of accommodation can be found in Naivasha or around Maai Mahiu. Â They include Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, which is 13km away.
Mombasa Marine National Park among 12 Best National Parks in Kenya
Want to see a variety of African marine species? Then embark on a safari to Mombasa Marine National Park. The tropical marine life include dolphins, coral reefs, sea turtles, and different species include surgeon fish & parrotfish. The popular reptiles to find in this marine park include olive ridley turtles, green sea turtles, and many more.
The thrilling water activities to enjoy in Mombasa Marine National Park include jet skiing, wreck diving, scuba diving, & other special water experiences, etc.
Other National Parks in Kenya include Ol Donyo Sabuk, Sibiloi, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, Ruma National Park, Marsabit National Park, Malka Mari National Park, and Kora National Park. Malindi Marine, Meru, Arabuko-Sokoke National Park, Chyulu Hills, Kisite-Mpunguti National Game Park, and Central Island National Park.
National Game Reserves to Visit in Kenya; Lake Bogoria, Samburu National Reserve, Kakamega Forest Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, and Buffalo Springs G/Reserve.