TOP PARKS IN KENYA

Here are Safari parks you can choose from

 

It is the quality of its parks and reserves that make Kenya one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Here are the top 10 in order of popularity:

The Masai Mara National Reserve

Often referred to as “the jewel of Kenya”, the Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in the country, thanks to its size, natural appeal, and the sheer variety of wildlife it houses. Here you can witness the incredible annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from July to October. There are also big families of lions, elephants, hippos, and buffaloes among many more.

Best time to go — July – October

Lake Nakuru National Park

Located in central Kenya, this shallow lake hosts numerous lesser flamingos, sometimes more than one million at once. This amazing scene is often regarded as one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth, Lake Nakuru is also home to warthogs, white rhinos and hippos.

Best time to go — Year-round

Amboseli National Park

This relatively small park is located at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Tanzanian border. Here you can get close to free-ranging elephants and enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best time to go — June – October

Tsavo National Parks

Comprised of Tsavo East and Tsavo West, the Tsavo parks are home to the “Big Five” and an array of breathtaking landscapes where you can see elephants bathe among the crocs, and  hippos.

Best time to go — May to October

Mount Kenya

If you are looking to hike in Kenya, then this is the place for you. At 17,057 ft, it is the highest mountain in Kenya, offering panoramic views of forests and snow. Mount Kenya is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to spectacular lakes and mineral springs, which provide water and hydroelectric power for the Kenyan people.

Best time to go — Year-Round

Aberdare National Park

This park is situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters, so it’s pretty cold and foggy there. It is famous for its rare species of a black leopard, rhino, and bongo antelope, as well as its lovely waterfalls.

Best time to go — May to October

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Also known as Lewa Downs, this private reserve spans 250 square kilometers and was set up to protect the black rhinos, sitatunga, and the endangered Grevy’s zebras. It is also home to the Big Five, over 60 species of mammals and over 200 bird species.Here you can even enjoy your game viewing on the back of a camel.

Best time to go — January – April Or June – October

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

These three reserves border one another and are home to abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, leopards, and blue-legged ostriches. The Uaso Nyiro River in Samburu also contains large numbers of Nile crocodiles.

Best time to go — June to October

Nairobi National Park

This is one of the most successful black rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. Here you can also enjoy the spectacle of the wildebeest and zebra migration, as well as the over 400 bird species. Nairobi National Park is about 10 minutes away from the city so you can easily spot the skyscrapers and metropolis.

Best time to go — Year-round, but the migration usually takes place from July to August.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve

This marine reserve is situated along the coastal waters of Southern Kenya. Experience the thrill of sailing back and forth to the underwater park on traditional Dhows. Enjoy the diving or snorkeling among colorful coral reefs and spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles, angelfish, and parrotfish.

Best time to go — October – January

Other places worth mentioning include:

  • Hell’s Gate National Park
  • Lamu Island
  • Malindi Marine National Park