In this article, we will cover the best national parks in Kenya. The national parks in Kenya offer a breathtaking experience, with a wide range of options to choose from. There are 24 national parks, 15 national reserves, 6 marine parks, and private conservancies to explore, making it an overwhelming choice for visitors. However, there’s more to these parks than just wildlife.
The stunning scenery, geothermal springs, colourful birdlife, and indigenous communities living in and around these areas make it a must-visit destination. The Big Five (rhinos, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and lions) are the star attractions, but the parks have a lot more to offer. Here’s a quick list of some of the best national parks in Kenya:
Best National Parks In Kenya
1. Nairobi National Park
Located just a stone’s throw away from Kenya’s bustling capital, this iconic park offers a remarkable safari experience within reach of the city. As you venture into Nairobi National Park, you’ll be greeted by vast savannah plains, acacia-dotted landscapes, and a thriving wildlife population. Spot majestic lions, graceful giraffes, herds of zebras, and a plethora of bird species against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline. The park is also home to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can visit and learn about their incredible conservation efforts for orphaned elephants and rhinos. Nairobi National Park presents a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of nature without straying far from the city’s vibrant energy.
Best Time To Visit June-September
Major Attractions: Nairobi Mosque, Galleria Mall, Ivory Burning Site Museum
Must Experiences: picnic, camping, sighting of black rhino, walking trails at hippo pools
Where To Stay and Eat: Twiga Campsite
How to Reach: The national park is located at a distance of 10 km from the Nairobi city centre. The nearest airports to the national park are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport.
2. Maasai Mara National Park
The Maasai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife and unbeatable views and is one of the most famous national parks in Kenya. On thrilling safaris in the reserve, you could witness some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife, including the ‘Big 5’ and experience the annual wildebeest migration over the Mara River. There are plenty of things to see and do during your visit to the Maasai Mara, from traversing across the savannah on exciting game drives, soaring over the plain on a magical hot-air balloon safari or perhaps experiencing the best parts of Kenya on an epic tour around the country.
Best Time To Visit: July-October
Major Attractions: Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Olare Orok Conservancy, Mara Triangle, Mara River
Must Experiences: Witness the wild beast migration, Jungle safari
Where To Stay and Eat: Elephant Pepper Camp, Enkewa Camp, Mara Bush Camp
How to Reach: The national reserve in Kenya is at a distance of 270 km from Nairobi, which usually takes 4-5 hours by road and 40–45 minutes by flight.
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is best known for the thousands of flamingos that call it home. The blue of the lake is complemented by the pink plumage of the birds, which flock to the area to feed on algae. Lake national park is also home to rhinos, warthogs, zebras and baboons, as well as amazing viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff and an unmissable hike to the seasonal Makalia waterfall. Nakuru means “dusty place” in Maasai.
Best Time To Visit: June-March
Major Attractions: Lake Nakuru, Hyrax Hill prehistoric site, Makalia Falls
Must Experiences: Watching flamingos on Lake Nakuru, wildlife safari
Where To Stay and Eat: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
How To Reach: The park is located at a distance of 156 km from the northwest of Nairobi. The easiest access to the park is via the main gate which is 4 km away from the Nakuru Town Center.
4. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, part of an ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border, has Mount Kilimanjaro as its backdrop. Amboseli is the best place to encounter free-ranging African bush elephants, which are the largest land animals in the world. Low rainfall and a system of swamps also make this region a bird spotter’s paradise, with 400 species to be found here, including pelicans, kingfishers and hamerkops.
Best Time To Visit: July–September (January and February)
Major Attractions: Elephant Research Camp, Lake Amboseli, Sinet Delta
Must Experiences: hiking at Mt. Kilimanjaro, visiting the Observation Hill, meeting the Masai Tribe
Where To Stay and Eat: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Kimana Lodge, Tortilis Camp
How to Reach: The national park is easily accessible by road. The route from Nairobi to Namanga is quite rough, whereas the journey from Namanga to Meshanani Gate leads to potholes. The flight also connects Nairobi to Amboseli.
5. Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park
These are two national parks, separated by a road and railway, totalling around 22,000 sq km. Tsavo East is home to the hippopotamus-lined Galana River, the 300-km-long Yatta Plateau, which is the longest lava flow in the world, as well as enormous herds of red elephants, tainted by the red-oxide soil with which they dust themselves. Tsavo West is home to the Mzima Springs, the Shetani lava flows and some magnificent game-viewing landscapes: spot birds, leopards, buffalo and rhinoceros in the open grasslands.
Best Time To Visit: June-October and January and February
Major Attractions: Tsavo East, Epiya Chapeyu Tented Safari Camp, Agenzia Safari Vera Africa
Must Experience: Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Mzima Springs, Ngulia Hills, Lake Jipe
Where To Stay and Eat: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Voyager Ziwani Camp
How to Reach: One can take a personal transport or bus from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. Chartered flights can also be used, which will land at one of the six airstrips in the south or 13 airstrips in the north.
6. Samburu National Reserve
In the northern corner of Kenya, on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, sits the idyllic Samburu National Reserve. Renowned for its abundance of rare species such as Grevy’s Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe and the Somali Ostrich, few places make for a more unique safari experience than Samburu. Several critically endangered species call this park home, including the elusive African wild dog. Named after the Samburu people, who called the region home for generations, Samburu National Reserve is one of the more secluded national parks in Kenya, offering exceptional landscapes and a diverse range of animal life. This is the perfect park for travellers who have done the basics but now want something a bit more unique on their safaris.
Best Time To Visit June-September
Major Attractions: rare species such as Grevy’s Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe and the Somali Ostrich
Must Experiences: game drives, nature walks, bird watching, sundowners, and Samburu cultural experience.
Where to Stay and Eat: Samburu Game Reserve has some of Kenya’s best safari lodges and campsites. Some of them include Samburu Intrepids, Samburu Sopa, and the Grevy Campsite.
How to reach: Samburu National Reserve‘s main gate (Archer’s Gate) is about 345 km from Nairobi. The reserve is reached by road from Nairobi through Nanyuki and Isiolo. It can also be accessed by flying into the Oryx Samburu airstrip.
7. Meru National Park
One of the most famous national parks in Kenya is Meru National Park, which is the place where George and Joyce Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, whose story was then depicted in a book and the movie Born Free. Elsa is buried in Meru and Joy’s ashes are scattered with her. For those hoping to enjoy a more remote and rugged experience, why not plan a visit to the magnificent Meru National Park, located in East Kenya? Within its borders, you can take in Meru’s rolling grasslands, winding rivers and exotic jungle, home to a wide variety of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, such as cheetahs, lions and giraffes. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the area also hosts a large population of rhinoceros, which can be spotted roaming across its varied terrain. Meru is one of the best national parks in Kenya, with its dynamic landscapes, plentiful things to do, diverse native wildlife and commanding views over Mount Kenya.
Best Time To Visit: June–September and also January and February
Major Attractions: Thompson Falls, Kereita Cave and Waterfall, Soysambu Conservancy
Must Experiences: Bird watching, trout fishing, visits to the Lesatima and Kinangop peaks, hiking to the Elephant Hills and twin hills
Where To Stay and Eat: The Ark Lodge, Outspan Golf and Country Club
How to Reach: The Aberdare National Park is at a distance of 160 km from Nairobi city. The easy-to-access routes to reach the park are from the towns of Nyahururu and Naivasha.
8. Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park hosts one of Kenya’s most valuable natural resources, the Aberdare Forest. The forest is a hiker’s paradise, with over 11 marked trails and several spectacular waterfalls. The latter includes Karuru Falls, which is the tallest in Kenya. Aberdare National Park is also a wildlife and bird haven. Animals spotted in the park include the Columbus monkey, sykes monkey, leopards, black rhinos, and elephants. If you’re lucky, there are also occasional sightings of lions, wild dogs, and the elusive bongo here. Besides hiking trails and wildlife, the park is best known for the Tree Tops Hotel, which is where the late Queen Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne in 1952.
Best Time To Visit: June–September and also January and February
Major Attractions: Thompson Falls, Kereita Cave and Waterfall, Soysambu Conservancy
Must Experiences: Bird watching, trout fishing, visits to the Lesatima and Kinangop peaks, hiking to the Elephant Hills and twin hills
Where To Stay and Eat: The Ark Lodge, Outspan Golf and Country Club
How to Reach: The Aberdare National Park is at a distance of 160 km from Nairobi city. The easy-to-access routes to reach the park are from the towns of Nyahururu and Naivasha.
9. Mount Kenya National Park
Known for its unique alpine ecosystem, snow-capped peaks, and varied wildlife, Mount Kenya National Park offers you a safari experience unlike any other. The park covers an area of about 715 square kilometres around Mount Kenya, with plenty to see and do within its borders. Mount Kenya National Park doesn’t have the same density of wildlife as some of Kenya’s other national parks and game reserves, due to its higher altitude. Regardless, this park is still home to a considerable variety of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and even rare species adapted to higher altitudes, such as the rock hyrax. Aside from its picturesque landscapes and rugged terrain, Mount Kenya is unique as the only mountain in Kenya with permanent glaciers, making it one of the only places on the equator where snow can be found—a great choice for those interested in experiencing a different side of Kenya.
Best Time To Visit: December-March
Major Attractions: Mount Kenya, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Must Experience: Mountain climbing, camping and caving
Where To Stay and Eat: Kinondoni campsite, Austrian head campsite, Like North Hut
How to Reach: The park is located at a distance of 175 km from Nairobi. The park can be reached on the Nanyuki-Isiolo road via the Sirimon Track or the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru.
10. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 km2. It may be smaller than other parks in Kenya, but there’s nothing comparable to cycling past zebras, giraffes, and buffalos. It’s one of the few national parks in Kenya where cycling, walking, and horseback riding are permitted. Visitors can bring their bikes or hire them at the gate and ride in the park, watching wildlife and enjoying the varying landscapes. The park is characterized by diverse scenery and has something for every traveller. It’s home to countless wildlife types, birds, and features such as geysers, gorges, and rock formations. While in the park, you can’t miss Fischer’s Tower (a volcanic plug with a height of approximately 25 meters) and Pride Rock, which was the inspiration for The Lion King. You can also go swimming at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa or visit a Maasai village.
Best Time To Visit: June-March
Major Attractions: The Olkaria Geothermal Station, The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
Must Experiences: Nature trails, Raptor nesting in cliffs, Wildlife viewing, Hot springs
Where To Stay and Eat: Endachata Campsite, Naiburta Campsite, and Oldubai Campsite
How to Reach: The park is easily accessible via the Tarmac Road, which connects to Nairobi, passing through Naivasha town. The Naivasha airstrip is also an easy way to reach the park via flight.
