🌿 All Kenya Parks & Highlights

Park / Reserve Key Wildlife & Natural Features What Makes It Special / Highlights Best For…
Masai Mara National Reserve Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo), large predator populations, wildebeest & zebra migration Great Migration (July–October), balloon safaris at sunrise, cultural Maasai village visits. Ecotour Adventure Safaris+2Wildlife Nomads+2 Classic safari; photographers; first-time safari visitors
Amboseli National Park Huge elephant herds, large mammals, wetlands attracting many bird species Spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, easy game viewing, great birding near swamps. Landscape lovers; short safaris; photography
Lake Nakuru National Park Thousands of flamingos, black & white rhinos, rich birdlife, Rothschild’s giraffes, acacia woodlands Flamingo spectacle, scenic viewpoints (Baboon Cliff), great for both wildlife and birds. Birdwatchers; mid‑length tours; families
Tsavo East & West National Parks Big herds of elephants, predators, different landscapes (open plains, lava flows, springs) Tsavo East with red‑dust elephants; Tsavo West with Mzima Springs, scenic hills, volcanic features. Wilderness safaris; off‑beaten track; adventure seekers
Samburu National Reserve Rare northern species: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx; dry river ecosystems More remote; authentic experience; cultural interactions with the Samburu people. Less crowded safaris; wildlife diversity; culture seekers
Nairobi National Park Wildlife close to city: lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos; large numbers of birds Unique: a wildlife park bordering a capital city; ideal for short excursions; orphanage & wildlife‑education opportunities. Day trips; people with limited time; combined urban + wildlife experience
Aberdare National Park Forests, waterfalls, highlands, rare species like bongo and black leopard Cool climate, lush scenery, less visited; good for nature walks, waterfalls, birding. Birders; cooler climate travelers; those preferring lush scenery
Meru National Park Rivers, bush, open grassland; Big Five; varied habitats Quiet and wild; less trafficked; famous from “Born Free” (Elsa the lioness); very scenic and feeling of remoteness. Wilderness lovers; those wanting peace and authenticity
Hell’s Gate National Park Dramatic gorges, cliffs, rock formations; birds; opportunities for adventure sports (hiking, rock climbing, cycling) Very accessible; interesting geology; one of few parks where walking / cycling among wildlife is allowed. Adventure lovers; families; people who want active rather than only drive safaris
Saiwa Swamp National Park Sitatunga antelope (rare swamp antelope), rich birdlife, swamp ecosystem Smallest national park in Kenya; unique swamp environment; good for short visits and focused wildlife observation. Wikipedia Birdwatchers; people interested in rare species; short, niche wildlife stops
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve Coral gardens, many fish species, sea turtles, marine biodiversity One of Kenya’s prime marine parks; snorkeling, diving; pristine beaches; marine conservation area. Wikipedia Beach + marine tourism; those wanting water‑based nature activities
Mount Elgon National Park Unique caves, hot springs, waterfalls, montane forests, wildlife like elephants, buffalo, primates Scenic hikes, caves (e.g. Kitum Cave), views from bluffs, relatively cooler climate. Wikipedia Hiking; eco‑tourism; people who like both wildlife & landscapes
Malka Mari National Park Riverine woodland, semi‑arid scrub, riparian habitats; wildlife like giraffe, crocodile, antelopes, hyenas, many bird species Very remote; few visitors; sense of wildness; challenging travel but high reward for off‑grid experience. Wikipedia Adventurous travellers; those wanting more solitude; bird watchers