National Parks 

National Parks are large protected areas managed by the government. They are home to diverse ecosystems, including a myriad of animal species. 

Nairobi National Park

Situated merely 7 kilometers from the bustling city center of Nairobi, Nairobi National Park is a unique juxtaposition of urban life and pristine wilderness. It is an animal kingdom within a stone’s throw of a modern metropolis, a fact that adds a special charm to its allure. Covering an area of 117.21 square kilometers, the park is a compact yet diverse habitat that offers visitors a taste of Africa’s stunning wildlife without venturing far from the city. 

Nairobi National Park is known for its variety of ecosystems, from open grass plains nourished by the Embakasi River to acacia bushlands, each supporting distinct wildlife species. The park is an ornithologist’s paradise, hosting over 400 avian species, both resident and migratory. For bird lovers, a tour of Nairobi National Park is a delightful feast of colorful and melodious bird species. 

One of the park’s main attractions is its thriving rhino sanctuary. It is one of the few places where visitors can be almost certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat. In addition to the rhinos, the park is home to four of the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, and buffalo. Spotting the majestic lions against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyscrapers provides a unique “wildlife meets urban” experience. 

The park also features diverse wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and more. The Nairobi Safari Walk, a raised walkway that allows for up-close viewing of the animals, and the Nairobi Orphanage, which provides a refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife, are also part of the park’s appeal. 

Nairobi National Park is not just about wildlife. The park is rich in history and heritage. For instance, the Ivory Burning Site Monument is a powerful symbol of Kenya’s fight against poaching, marking the spot where tonnes of ivory were destroyed to demonstrate the country’s stand against the illegal ivory trade. 

This unique wildlife haven offers a quick, yet immersive, safari experience for those with limited time. It is a testament to Nairobi’s commitment to conservation and serves as a reminder that even amidst rapid urbanization, nature and wildlife can still thrive. 

Amboseli National Park 

Amboseli National Park nestled approximately 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, captures the essence of an African safari. Famous for its massive elephant herds and the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Amboseli is a gem of the Kenyan wilderness. 

The park spans approximately 392 square kilometers and forms a part of the larger Amboseli ecosystem that extends across the Kenya-Tanzania border. The park’s diverse habitats – open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps, and marshlands – create a varied landscape teeming with wildlife. 

Elephants are the main draw for many visitors. These magnificent creatures can often be seen in large numbers, with the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background – a sight that has become symbolic of an African safari. Apart from the elephants, the park hosts a variety of other wildlife, including the Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, giraffe, and over 600 species of birds. 

The marshlands, fed by the melting snow of Kilimanjaro, attract an impressive variety of bird species and act as a crucial water source for the park’s wildlife during dry periods. Birdwatchers will be delighted by sightings of pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, hammerkops, and 47 types of raptors. 

Amboseli also offers a unique insight into the Maasai culture. The local Maasai people live in harmony with the wildlife and land, and visitors have the opportunity to visit Maasai villages, known as ‘manyattas.’ Here they can learn about the Maasai way of life and traditional practices, adding a cultural depth to their safari experience. 

With its unrivaled landscapes and abundant wildlife, Amboseli National Park guarantees an authentic African safari that will leave you with lifelong memories. 

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park, located about 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, is a wilderness of diverse habitats, ranging from open plains, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, to rocky ridges and outcrops, Mzima Springs, and the Chaimu Crater. The park, covering an expansive area of about 9,065 square kilometers, is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, Kenya’s most extensive protected area. 

The park is renowned for its magnificent game-viewing opportunities. A myriad of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species, roams its vast plains. It is also home to the ‘red elephants’ – a unique spectacle where the elephants appear red due to dust-bathing with the park’s red-oxide soil. 

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs producing about 250 million liters of fresh water daily. The springs are a vital water source for the region’s wildlife and are inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. A unique underwater viewing chamber allows visitors to observe these aquatic giants from a close yet safe distance. 

The park also houses some of the oldest geological formations in the world, such as the Chaimu Crater, a black lava hill that you can hike for a panoramic view of the park. Bird watchers are also in for a treat, with over 600 bird species reported in the park, including the threatened corncrake and near-threatened Basra Reed Warbler. 

Tsavo West National Park is not just about wildlife and landscape. It’s about the entire ecosystem and understanding the intricate balance of nature. This park provides a complete safari experience with an edge of the wilderness that’s hard to resist. 

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park, located approximately 156 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, is one of Kenya’s most beautiful and conservation-centric national parks. Famous for its alkaline lake that attracts millions of pink flamingos, the park offers an incredible spectacle of color and birdlife, earning it a reputation as the greatest bird spectacle on earth. 

The park spans around 188 square kilometers, featuring a range of habitats, including the lake, surrounding grasslands, dense woodlands, and rocky escarpments. This diversity of habitats supports a wide array of wildlife. For example, it’s one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can see both the endangered black and white rhino. Other wildlife that can be spotted in the park includes lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffes, and about 450 species of birds, including the famous flamingos and the great white pelican. 

Beyond the abundant wildlife, the park also offers stunning viewpoints like Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the park and the shimmering lake, peppered with the pink hue of flamingos. 

Tsavo East National Park

Approximately 333 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest parks. The park, covering an area of about 13,747 square kilometers, is known for its stunning wilderness and vast array of wildlife. 

Tsavo East hosts large mammals, including vast herds of dust-covered elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, pods of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to unique antelope species like the fringed-eared oryx, the gerenuk, and the lesser kudu. 

The park is crossed by the Athi and Tsavo Rivers, which merge to form the Galana River – one of the park’s unique features. The Lugard Falls on the Galana River are worth a visit, with their remarkable, naturally sculpted rock formations. 

Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park, located about 150 kilometers north of Nairobi, is a high-altitude national park created to protect the slopes and moorland of the Aberdare Mountains. The park is an amalgamation of topographies – from the high moorland, bamboo forests and rainforests, to mountain peaks of over 4,000 meters.

The park is home to a significant population of black rhinos, African elephants, leopards, spotted hyenas, buffalos, and the rare bongo antelope. Aberdare National Park also has over 290 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

A unique feature of the park is the tree-top lodges, from where visitors can view wildlife visiting the salt-licks and waterholes.

Hells Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park, located around 100 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, offers a unique blend of attractions. Named for its pair of massive red-tinged cliffs, the park is one of the few in Kenya where visitors can explore on foot or by bicycle.

The park features diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and various bird species. However, the park’s stunning landscapes – complete with rock towers, volcanoes, geysers, and geothermal activity – set it apart.

The park’s two extinct volcanoes, Olkaria and Hobley’s, are worth visiting, as are the natural geysers and hot springs. In addition, the park’s Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower offer challenging climbing opportunities for those interested in rock climbing.

Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve

Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve, located approximately 175 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. The park protects the region surrounding Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa.

Covering an area of approximately 715 square kilometers, the park features a range of ecosystems determined by altitude. These vary from lower montane forests and bamboo zones to high-altitude alpine zones near the mountain’s peak. This diverse range of habitats hosts an array of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Wildlife in the park includes tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhino, suni, black-fronted duiker, and a significant population of rare bongo antelope. Bird watchers will also enjoy the park, with over 130 species recorded, including the rare and threatened Abbott’s starling.

The park is also a favorite for climbers and hikers, offering numerous trekking and climbing routes of varying difficulty leading up to the mountain’s stunningly beautiful peaks.

Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park, located around 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, is a haven for adventurers. Centered around Mount Longonot, an extinct stratovolcano, the park offers a unique blend of wildlife and hiking experiences.

The park is home to various wildlife species, including buffalos, elands, lions, giraffes, zebras, and a host of bird species. However, the challenging trek up to the rim of the crater attracts most visitors. The trek offers fantastic views of the volcano’s crater, the Great Rift Valley, and Lake Naivasha.

Meru National Park

Located around 350 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, Meru National Park is a wild, beautiful landscape characterized by riverine habitat, grasslands, and wooded hills. The park is crossed by numerous rivers that are lined with doum palms.

The park hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, black rhinos, zebras, gazelles, and over 300 species of birds. The park was also the original home of Elsa the Lioness, made famous by the book and movie “Born Free.”

Marsabit National Park & Reserve

Marsabit National Park & Reserve, located about 560 kilometers north of Nairobi, is an oasis of green rising from the desert of northern Kenya. The park encompasses the forests of Mount Marsabit and its three crater lakes.

The park is home to elephants, buffalos, greater kudus, hyenas, and various species of monkeys. The park’s lakes also attract a variety of birdlife.

Malindi National Park

Malindi National Park, located approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Mombasa, is one of Kenya’s marine national parks. The park offers beautiful beaches, clear water, and rich marine life. These include fish, turtles, coral reefs, and dolphins.

Game Reserves 

Game Reserves are areas, often within or adjacent to National Parks, specifically dedicated to conserving wildlife species. 

Maasai Mara Game Reserve 

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve, situated approximately 280 kilometers southwest of Nairobi, is a wildlife haven with an unrivaled reputation. Stretching over an area of about 1,510 square kilometers, the reserve is an extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is named after the Maasai people and the Mara River, which divides it. 

Maasai Mara is renowned for its exceptional wildlife. Notably, it’s home to an impressive population of big cats – lions, leopards, and cheetahs – alongside elephants, buffalos, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous species of antelope. Further, over 470 bird species, including vultures, ostriches, and long-crested eagles, make the reserve a birdwatcher’s paradise. 

The jewel in the crown of Maasai Mara is the Great Migration, a world-renowned natural phenomenon. Between July and October every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle traverse the perilous Mara River in a spectacular quest for fresh grazing, attracting a host of predators and resulting in dramatic river crossings. 

Samburu Game Reserve 

Samburu Game Reserve is an incredible wildlife destination about 350 kilometers north of Nairobi. This rugged, semi-desert park, stretching over an area of 165 square kilometers, is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, providing a critical water source to the animals in this arid region. 

The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including species found only north of the equator, such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Additionally, it hosts substantial populations of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Bird lovers can expect to see over 350 species, including sunbirds, bee-eaters, and Marabou storks. 

Samburu Game Reserve’s unique landscapes, featuring rocky battlements, dry grasslands, and the palm-lined banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, create a picturesque setting for game viewing, making it a must-visit destination. 

Shaba Game Reserve 

Shaba Game Reserve is an exceptional wildlife sanctuary situated around 314 kilometers north of Nairobi. Covering an area of approximately 239 square kilometers, the reserve is named after Mount Shaba, an extinct volcano that lies on the border of the reserve. 

The reserve is home to diverse fauna, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. In addition, the reserve’s birdlife is fascinating, with over 350 species recorded, making it a premier bird-watching destination. 

Shaba Game Reserve is also famous for its association with Joy and George Adamson, renowned conservationists who raised and released Elsa the Lioness into the wild, as documented in the book and film “Born Free.” Visitors to the reserve can explore Joy’s Camp, where Joy Adamson spent her final years. 

Solio Game Reserve 

Solio Game Reserve, a privately-owned wildlife conservancy, is situated around 22 kilometers north of Nyeri town, approximately 190 kilometers north of Nairobi. Spanning an area of 175 square kilometers, the reserve has gained international recognition for its success in rhino conservation. 

The reserve is home to one of Kenya’s most significant populations of black and white rhinos, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition, the reserve hosts other wildlife besides the rhinos, including lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species. The bird life is also impressive, with over 300 species recorded, making it a bird-watchers delight. 

Aside from game drives, visitors to Solio Game Reserve can enjoy various activities, including walking safaris and horse riding. The reserve also offers night game drives, allowing one to see the nocturnal wildlife. The beauty of Solio Game Reserve lies in its raw, untouched wilderness and the up-close experiences it offers with one of Africa’s most endangered species, making it a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast. 

Conservancies 

Conservancies are privately or community-owned lands where conservation activities coexist with the livelihoods of the local communities. 

Ol Pejeta Conservancy 

Situated around 217 kilometers north of Nairobi, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a remarkable wildlife conservation area covering roughly 360 square kilometers. This conservancy, nestled between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya’s foothills and holds some of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, including the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard). 

Ol Pejeta is recognized for its innovative, sustainable, and community-centric approach to conservation. It’s home to the world’s last two remaining northern white rhinos and operates a thriving black rhino sanctuary. It also provides sanctuary to rescued chimpanzees, offering a haven for these endangered primates. 

Visitors can engage in a wide range of activities, including game drives, lion tracking, night game drives, and bush walks. They can also visit the Endangered Species Enclosure to meet the last two northern white rhinos and learn about conservation efforts. 

Lewa Conservancy 

Approximately 225 kilometers north of Nairobi, the Lewa Conservancy, also known as Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, stands as a testament to successful wildlife conservation in Kenya. Spanning an area of 250 square kilometers, the conservancy is home to a significant number of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino and Grevy’s zebra and over 70 mammal species. 

Lewa Conservancy is also a bird lover’s paradise, supporting over 440 species. But, it’s not just the wildlife that makes Lewa unique. The landscape, ranging from savannah grasslands to swamps, acacia woodlands, to riverine forests, also adds to the beauty and diversity of the conservancy. 

Visitors to Lewa can enjoy a plethora of activities, such as game drives, night drives, bush walks, horseback riding, and camel treks. In addition, cultural tours to local Maasai and Samburu villages offer insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. The annual Lewa Marathon, a significant fundraising event for conservation, also draws visitors from around the world.

Laikipia Nature Conservancy 

Laikipia Nature Conservancy, located around 225 kilometers north of Nairobi, is a vital sanctuary for wildlife in Kenya. With an area of about 9,500 square kilometers, it’s one of the world’s most exciting wilderness safari and wildlife conservation areas. 

The conservancy is home to Kenya’s second-highest density of wildlife, including the Big Five and endangered species like the African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, and Jackson’s hartebeest. It’s also a sanctuary for over 2,000 elephants. 

The diverse habitats, ranging from semi-arid grassland and bushland to high-altitude forests and wetlands, support a broad spectrum of flora and fauna. Visitors to Laikipia can enjoy game drives, horse riding, bush walks, and cultural visits to local communities. The Conservancy also offers a unique opportunity for night game drives, where nocturnal species such as aardvarks, leopards, and bat-eared foxes can be seen. With its impressive biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and commitment to community-led conservation, Laikipia Nature Conservancy is truly a gem of Kenyan wildlife destinations. 

Namunyak Conservancy 

Located in the remote northern region of Kenya, about 600 kilometers from Nairobi, the Namunyak Conservancy is a community-led initiative aimed at wildlife conservation. Covering an area of approximately 394,000 hectares, this conservancy is a testament to the harmony that can exist between local communities and wildlife. 

Namunyak is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, African wild dogs, kudu, and over 400 species of birds. In addition, its hilly terrain, dotted with acacia and desert date trees, offers a habitat for the endangered Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. 

One of the most notable features of Namunyak Conservancy is the Sarara Camp, renowned for its elephant watch. There’s also the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first community-owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and abandoned elephant calves for eventual release back into the wild. 

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary 

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, located on Lake Naivasha about 80 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, is a sanctuary of tranquility and a unique place to experience wildlife. This sanctuary is one of the few places in Kenya where you can wander on foot among herds of wildlife, free from the confines of a vehicle. 

Crescent Island is home to more than a dozen varieties of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and numerous species of monkeys. The absence of predators makes it a safe place for these animals and an ideal location for walking safaris. 

The birdlife on Crescent Island is also impressive, with over 200 bird species recorded, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. In addition, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Naivasha and the surrounding landscape from the island. The combination of its peaceful atmosphere, the close encounters with wildlife, and the stunning views make Crescent Island a truly special destination for any nature lover.