Explore the 10 Best Wildlife Parks and Reserves in Kenya

Kenya’s top ten wildlife parks and reserves are listed below and reflect my personal opinion. The exceptional quality of Kenya’s parks and reserves make it the most popular safari destination in Africa, with each offering unique experiences throughout the best times to visit.

For more insights into each park listed below, click on the headings.

The Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in Kenya. From July to October, visitors can witness the breathtaking migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. The Maasai tribesmen also offer fascinating cultural tours that enhance the experience. The Mara is home to large families of elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, and many more.

Best Time to Go: July – October
Where to Stay: Numerous lodges and campsites are available both inside and outside the reserve.
Getting There: Charter flights are accessible from Nairobi or Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Address: Nakuru, Kenya

Phone: +254 728 355267

Website: Lake Nakuru Park

Lake Nakuru is renowned for its massive flocks of flamingos that thrive in the alkaline waters of this shallow soda lake. In addition to millions of flamingos and other bird species, the park is home to white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, hippos, ostriches, and lions. Lake Nakuru is slowly recovering from environmental pressures that led to a decline in its flamingo population during the 1990s.

Best Time to Go: Year-round
Where to Stay: The park offers two main lodges along with several public and private campsites.
Getting There: Accessible by road from Nairobi (3-hour drive).

Mount Kenya National Park

Address: Kenya

Phone: +254 716 493335

Website: Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya stands as Africa’s second highest peak and inspired Kenya’s modern name. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and believed to be the seat of the Kikuyu God, Ngai. The park houses rare animal species and features stunning lakes, mineral springs, and lush forests. This vital watershed provides water for approximately 50% of Kenya’s population and generates about 70% of the country’s hydroelectric power.

Best Time to Go: January – February and July – October
Where to Stay: Options include huts on the mountain and various lodges and private camps in the neighboring area.
Getting There: Reachable by road from Nairobi (3-4 hour drive).

Amboseli National Park

Address: Kenya

Phone: +254 716 493335

Website: Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is celebrated for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This park features Observation Hill, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding plains. The Maasai community inhabiting the area coexists with wildlife, boasting over 50 mammal species and more than 400 bird species, including elephants, hippos, cheetahs, and leopards.

Best Time to Go: June – October
Where to Stay: Several lodges and campsites are available within the park.
Getting There: Accessible by road from Nairobi (4-hour drive) or daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.

Tsavo National Parks

Address: Tsavo National Park, Kenya

Website: Get directions

Tsavo National Park is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The landscape is vast and untamed, with Tsavo East being less developed yet more accessible. In Tsavo West, visitors can observe elephants bathing alongside hippos and crocodiles from a unique glass tank. The “Big Five” roam these parks, though spotting them may take time and patience.

Best Time to Go: May to October
Where to Stay: Tsavo East features Voi Wildlife Lodge, while Tsavo West offers several lodges. Private campsites are available in both parks.
Getting There: Reachable by road from Mombasa (3-4 hours) or Nairobi (10 hours), or via charter flights.

Aberdare National Park

Address: Rware, Ndaragwa, Kenya

Phone: +254 20 2046271

Website: Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is famed for its stunning waterfalls and rare species including black rhinos, leopards, and bongo antelopes. Consistent rainfall keeps the park lush and green year-round, creating ideal conditions for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Time to Go: May to October
Where to Stay: Upscale lodges such as Treetops and The Ark, along with public and private campsites, are available.
Getting There: The park is accessible by road from Nairobi (3-4 hours).

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Address: 6CGR+58 Isiolo, Meru, Kenya

Phone: +254 722 203562

Website: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa is a private reserve primarily aimed at protecting black rhinos, sitatungas, and the endangered Grevy’s zebras. It’s carefully maintained and hosts over 60 mammal species and 200 bird species. Unique game viewing poses opportunities to explore on foot, by camel, or in a traditional safari vehicle.

Best Time to Go: January – April and June – October
Where to Stay: Multiple lodges within the park and on community land are available.
Getting There: Access is available by air from Nairobi on Safari Link.

Nairobi National Park

Address: Nairobi, Kenya

Phone: +254 800 597 000

Website: Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya’s most successful black rhino sanctuaries and even features its own wildebeest migration. The park is conveniently located near Nairobi’s bustling capital and is home to over 400 bird species. Walking trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning African bush.

Best Time to Go: Year-round (migration peaks in July/August)
Where to Stay: Various accommodations are available in Nairobi.
How to Get There: By road, it is less than 5 miles from the city center.

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

Address: Kenya

Website: Get directions

The Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs reserves are situated in the arid terrain of North Central Kenya. Wildlife gathers around the Ewaso Ngiro River which flows through the reserves. Visitors can expect to see elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras, and even blue-legged ostriches. A highlight of any visit is interacting with the Samburu people and enjoying camel safaris offered at most lodges. Additionally, nearby attractions include the Laikipia Plateau.

Best Time to Go: June to October
Where to Stay: Various lodges in the parks.
Getting There: Daily flights from Nairobi or a full day drive.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve

Address: Kenya

Phone: +254 800 597 000

Website: Visit Kisite

Kisite is a marine reserve situated in the picturesque Indian Ocean waters of Southern Kenya. Experience traditional Dhows sailing to the underwater park, where stunning opportunities for snorkeling and diving abound among colorful coral reefs. Expect sightings of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, angelfish, and parrotfish.

Best Time To Go: October – January
Where to Stay: There are various guesthouses and bandas available in the marine reserve.
Getting There: A 1.5-hour drive from Mombasa, followed by a Dhow ride.