Kenya's Wild Side: 10 Must-Visit National Parks & Reserves (Beyond the Mara)
Kenya's Wild Tapestry: A Guide to National Parks & Reserves
Kenya is a safari paradise, boasting a diverse range of national parks and reserves, each with its own unique character and wildlife viewing opportunities. Choosing the right park can be overwhelming, so we've put together a guide to help you navigate this incredible landscape and discover the perfect safari for your adventure. Here is a list of 12 of the most interesting national parks in Kenya some are more known than others and for you adventurous souls out there! We will show you some properties you probably have never heard of!
Kenya's Must-Visit Parks & Reserves:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 5/5
Landscape & Scenery: 4/5
Unique Features: 5/5 (The Great Migration!)
Accessibility: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 1/5
Adventure Rating: 3/5
Description: The Masai Mara is arguably Kenya's most famous game reserve, renowned for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains. It also boasts abundant big cat populations and classic African savanna landscapes.
Why visit: A must-see for first-time safari-goers and those seeking the iconic African wildlife experience.
The Plains of the Mara
Amboseli National Park
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 4/5
Landscape & Scenery: 5/5 (Kilimanjaro views!)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Large elephant herds)
Accessibility: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 2/5
Adventure Rating: 3/5
Description: Amboseli is famed for its large herds of elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The park also offers diverse landscapes, from swamps to open plains.
Why visit: For those who want to see elephants with the backdrop of Kilimanjaro and experience a more relaxed pace.
The Classic Shot of the two giants of Amboseli
Tsavo National Park (East & West)
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 3/5
Landscape & Scenery: 4/5 (Vast and varied)
Unique Features: 3/5 (History, geological formations)
Accessibility: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 3/5
Adventure Rating: 3/5
Description: Tsavo is Kenya's largest national park, divided into East and West. It offers diverse landscapes, from rolling plains to volcanic hills, and a chance to see a variety of wildlife. Tsavo West is particularly known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and recent volcanic activity.
Why visit: For those seeking a larger and more remote safari experience, with opportunities for geological exploration.
The Iconic Earthy Red Elephants of Tsavo
Lake Nakuru National Park (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE)
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 4/5 (Especially birds!)
Landscape & Scenery: 3/5 (Lake and surrounding woodland)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Flamingos, rhinos)
Accessibility: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 3/5
Adventure Rating: 2/5
Description: Lake Nakuru is a relatively small park known for its large flocks of flamingos (though numbers fluctuate) and rhino conservation efforts.
Why visit: For birdwatchers and those wanting to see rhinos.
The classic Flamingos and Rihnos set with the background of lake Nakuru
Samburu National Reserve
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 4/5 (Unique species)
Landscape & Scenery: 4/5 (Arid and dramatic)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Northern Kenya species)
Accessibility: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 4/5
Adventure Rating: 3/5
Description: Samburu, in northern Kenya, offers a more rugged and remote safari experience. It's known for its unique wildlife adapted to the arid environment, such as the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.
Why visit: For those seeking a more adventurous and off-the-beaten-path safari.
The Clay coloured Hills of Samburu are quite unique
Sibiloi National Park
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 2/5
Landscape & Scenery: 4/5 (Lake Turkana, desert)
Unique Features: 5/5 (Archaeological sites)
Accessibility: 1/5
Value: 2/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 5/5
Adventure Rating: 4/5
Description: Located on the shores of Lake Turkana, Sibiloi National Park is a remote and rugged destination known for its archaeological sites and unique desert landscapes.
Why visit: For those interested in pre-history and exploring a truly remote and challenging environment.(Largest Nile Crocodile Colony in the World)
The arid landscape of Sibiloi, the cradle of Mankind.
Meru National Park
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 3/5
Landscape & Scenery: 4/5 (Diverse, less crowded)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Elsa the lion legacy)
Accessibility: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 4/5
Adventure Rating: 3/5
Description: Meru National Park offers a diverse safari experience with abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, including forests, swamps, and savanna. It's also known for its connection to the story of Elsa the lioness.
Why visit: For those seeking a less crowded safari experience with good wildlife viewing and a chance to explore a park with a rich history.
The Vast expanse of Meru national park
Aberdares National Park
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 3/5 (Unique montane species)
Landscape & Scenery: 5/5 (Montane forests, waterfalls)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Treetop lodges)
Accessibility: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 3/5
Adventure Rating: 4/5
Description: Aberdares National Park is a montane forest park known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and unique wildlife, including the elusive bongo antelope. It's also home to the famous Treetops lodges.
Why visit: For those seeking a different kind of safari experience in a cool, lush environment, with opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
The Varied landscape of Abederes, Perfect for Hiking, Forest to Waterfall
Kerio Valley National Reserve
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 2/5
Landscape & Scenery: 5/5 (Dramatic escarpments)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Geology, hiking, paragliding)
Accessibility: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 5/5
Adventure Rating: 4/5
Description: Kerio Valley National Reserve is a lesser-known gem, offering dramatic escarpments, geological formations, and opportunities for hiking and paragliding. Wildlife viewing is less abundant than in other parks.
Why visit: For adventure seekers and those interested in geology and scenic landscapes.
The dramatic formation of Kerio river gorge
Nasolot National Reserve
Rating:
Wildlife Abundance: 2/5
Landscape & Scenery: 4/5 (Remote, arid)
Unique Features: 4/5 (Endemic species)
Accessibility: 1/5
Value: 3/5
Off the Beaten Path/Unknown: 5/5
Adventure Rating: 4/5
Description: Nasolot National Reserve is a very remote and rugged park in northwest Kenya, known for its arid landscapes and some endemic species. It's a true off-the-beaten-path destination.
Why visit: For the truly adventurous seeking a remote and challenging experience, with a focus on unique wildlife and stunning scenery.
Dramatic landscape of Nasolot
