When you think of top safari destinations, Kenya is often the first place that comes to mind, thanks to its impressive wildlife and over 50 game reserves and safari parks. Approximately 8% of Kenya’s land is set aside for wildlife conservation, split into national parks, game reserves, marine parks and reserves, and sanctuaries.
Having lived in Kenya most of my life and visited more than half of the game reserves, I can share what you can expect in these incredible destinations. Whether you’re looking to witness the Great Migration, spot herds of elephants, track the “big five,” or go bird watching, there’s a park in Kenya for you. Here are some of the best national game reserves and wildlife parks in Kenya for an unforgettable safari experience.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located in Nakuru, this park was once famous for its millions of flamingos, although they have moved to other lakes due to changing conditions. The park’s grasslands and woodlands are home to many mammals and over 400 bird species. Here, you can see hippos, lions, leopards, white rhinos, and more. Attractions include Bamboo Cliff, Makalia Falls, and Lion Hill.
Location: Nakuru City, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi.
Getting There: From Nairobi, take the A104 road to Lanet Gate, 4 km south of Nakuru city center, or join a guided game drive.
Activities: Bird watching, camping, and enjoying lake views from Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill, and Out of Africa Hill.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $70 (adults), $20 (children). East Africans and residents: Ksh 800 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge and various other options in Nakuru city.
Amboseli National Park
Known for its stunning savannah ecosystem across the Kenya-Tanzania border, Amboseli is the place to get close to herds of elephants, hippos, and various wildlife species. The park also offers a magical view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Location: Oloitoktok, Kajiado County.
Getting There: Access by road from Namanga via Meshanani Gate, Emali via Erimito Gate, or Kimana Gate from Mombasa or Tsavo West. Alternatively, join a tour or fly to Amboseli airstrip using Empusel Gate.
Activities: Bird watching, camping, game viewing.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $70 (adults), $20 (children). Kenya citizens and residents: Ksh 800 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Chui Cottages, and Oltukai Lodge.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Famous for the Great Migration and luxury tented camps, Masai Mara offers one of the best safari experiences with its widely abundant wildlife and open grasslands. The highlight is visiting a Masai Village and witnessing the annual wildebeest migration from July to October.
Location: Narok, about 247 km southwest of Nairobi.
Getting There: Drive from Nairobi via Mai Mahiu-Narok road or fly to Keekorok, Olkiombo, or Musiara airstrips.
Activities: Bird watching, hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, and witnessing the migration.
Entrance Fee: $80 per adult (24 hrs), $70 if staying within the reserve.
Accommodation: Talek Bush Camp, Mahari Mzuri, and other safari camps.
Mount Kenya National Park
A UNESCO Heritage Site, Mount Kenya offers stunning landscapes of glaciers, forests, lakes, and wildlife, making it a delightful spot for climbers and nature lovers.
Location: About 176 km from Nairobi along the Great North road.
Getting There: Via Sirimon Gate (Nanyuki-Isiolo road), Chogoria Gate (Embu-Meru road), or the common Narumoru Gate.
Activities: Mountain climbing, cave exploration, camping, bird watching.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $52 (adults), $20 (children/students). Residents and citizens: Ksh 430.
Accommodation: Sirimon bandas, Batian Guesthouse, Mackinders campsite, and other options.
Nairobi National Park
A must-visit if you’re short on time, this park is close to the city center and known for its rhino sanctuary, safari walk, and animal orphanage. It’s unique for offering wildlife views with a city backdrop.
Location: Less than 20 minutes from the city center.
Getting There: Hire an open-roof van, join a tour, or use a matatu or taxi.
Activities: Game viewing, visiting the ivory burning site, camping, picnicking.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $60 (adults), $20 (children). Kenyans and residents: Ksh 500.
Accommodation: Various options in Nairobi.
Aberdare National Park
This park is a paradise for hikers with over 11 marked trails and several spectacular waterfalls like Karuru Falls. It’s also home to diverse wildlife, including the black rhino, elephants, and leopards.
Location: Central Kenya, higher areas of the Aberdares mountain ranges.
Getting There: Drive to Njabini, Mweiga, Shamata, and Nyahururu or join a hiking tour.
Activities: Hiking, camping, chasing waterfalls, trout fishing, bird watching.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $60 (adults), Ksh 1200 (residents), Ksh 500 (citizens). Children pay half.
Accommodation: Tree Tops Hotel, The Ark Limited, Aberdare Country Club, and various campsites.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Unique for allowing activities like cycling, walking, and horseback riding, Hell’s Gate offers wildlife viewing amidst stunning landscapes.
Location: Along South Lake Road, about 90 km from Nairobi.
Getting There: Access by road from Nairobi, hire bikes at the gate.
Activities: Hiking, cycling, camping, rock climbing, bird watching.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $30 (adults), $20 (children). Kenyans and residents: Ksh 300 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Options in Naivasha; campsites like Olduvai and Nairburta.
Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
This tropical forest in Watamu is home to over 600 bird species and diverse wildlife, including rare birds like Clarke’s Weaver and Sokoke scops owl.
Location: Watamu, about 110 km from Mombasa City.
Getting There: Access via the Mombasa–Malindi road or fly to Malindi Airport.
Activities: Hiking, bird watching, tracking the golden-rumped elephant shrew.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: Ksh 600 (adults), Ksh 400 (residents), Ksh 200 (citizens). Children pay less.
Accommodation: Medina Palms, boutique hotels in Watamu.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Forming Kenya’s largest game park, Tsavo is known for large herds of elephants and striking landscapes like Lugard Falls. Visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife in Tsavo’s scrublands, grasslands, and woodlands.
Location: About 232 km south of Nairobi.
Getting There: Join a safari, or use Mtito Andei gate by road or rail. Flights available to Voi, Aruba, Satao, Maktau, and Tsavo Gate.
Activities: Game viewing, bird watching, camping, viewing attractions like Lugard Falls, Mzima Springs, and Mudanda rock formations.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $60 (adults), $20 (children). Citizens and residents: Ksh 500 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Tsavo West’s Severin Safari Camp, Tsavo East’s Ashnil Aruba Lodge, or camping sites.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Located near Diani Beach, this exceptionally scenic reserve is host to primeval forestland and various wildlife, including the rare sable antelope.
Location: 3 km from Kwale town, south of Mombasa.
Getting There: Road access via Diani, around 56 km from Mombasa, or fly to Diani Airport.
Activities: Nature walks, game viewing, chasing waterfalls, bird watching.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $25 (adults), $15 (children). Kenyans, residents, and East Africans: Ksh 300 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Shimba Hills Lodge.
Kakamega Forest Reserve
This reserve provides a rich wildlife experience with unique species like the potto and the rare deBrazza’s monkey, along with over 350 species of birds.
Location: Kakamega, about 400 km from Nairobi.
Getting There: By flight to Kisumu Airport or Kakamega Airstrip, or by road from Nairobi.
Activities: Game viewing, bird and butterfly watching, camping, nature walks, picnicking.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $25 (adults), $15 (children and students). Kenyans and residents: Ksh 300 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Lodges and hotels in Kakamega.
Lake Turkana National Parks
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these parks feature stunning scenery and wildlife like hippos and Nile crocodiles. Explore Central Island National Park’s crater lakes or South Island’s excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Location: Inside Lake Turkana National Park.
Getting There: Reach by road via Lodwar or Loiyangalani, or fly to Lodwar airport, Sibiloi airstrip, or Loiyangalani.
Activities: Viewing crocodiles, boat rides, camping, visiting the El-Molo people.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $25 (adults), $15 (children and students). Kenyans and residents: Ksh 300 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Oasis Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp, Allia Bay Guesthouse.
Samburu National Reserve
A hidden gem in Kenya, Samburu offers sightings of unique species like the Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. It’s part of a larger ecosystem shared with Shaba and Buffalo Springs.
Location: About 345 km from Nairobi.
Getting There: Drive from Nairobi through Nanyuki and Isiolo or fly into the Oryx Samburu airstrip.
Activities: Game drives, nature walks, bird watching, cultural experiences.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $70 (adults), $40 (children).
Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids, Samburu Sopa, Grevy Campsite.
Marsabit National Reserve
Close to Marsabit town, Marsabit National Park features dense forests, crater lakes like Lake Paradise, and diverse wildlife, including the legendary Ahmed the Elephant.
Location: Near Marsabit town, about 8 hours from Nairobi.
Getting There: By road via Nanyuki and Isiolo, or fly to Marsabit airport.
Activities: Game viewing, bird watching, hiking, visiting Lake Paradise.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $25 (adults), $15 (children and students). Kenyans and residents: Ksh 300 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Sand and Rock Resort, park campsites, special camp on Lake Paradise.
Sibiloi National Park
Located on Lake Turkana’s eastern shore, Sibiloi offers significant archeological sites and wildlife like Grant’s gazelle and cheetahs. It’s known for its prehistoric sites linked to human origins.
Location: Northern Kenya, near the Ethiopian border.
Getting There: Travel by road via Marsabit and North Horr or Mararal and South Horr, or take a boat ride from Kalokol.
Activities: Archeological safaris, bird watching, camping, game viewing.
Entrance Fee: Non-residents: $25 (adults), $15 (children). East Africans and residents: Ksh 300 (adults), Ksh 215 (children).
Accommodation: Old Kokai Camp, Lobolo Tented Camp, Alia Bay Guest House.
Getting Around Kenya
The best ways to explore the parks in Kenya include flying (domestic airlines like Jambojet and SafariLink), trains (Kenya Railways), renting a car, or joining safari tours. Matatus (minibusses) and ride-sharing taxis (like Uber) are also common.
Itineraries
– 3 Days: Explore Nairobi’s wildlife attractions, visit Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Nakuru.
– 1 Week: Wildlife safaris including Masai Mara, Mt. Longonot, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli.
– 10 Days: Visit Nairobi’s parks, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Hell’s Gate, and coastal parks like Shimba Hills and Arabuko Sokoke.
This guide aims to inspire a fantastic safari experience in Kenya. Happy travels!