5 Must-Visit National Parks In Kenya For An African Wildlife Experience
Kenya is an outstanding destination for viewing wildlife, including various endangered species. In fact, the East African country is known as the wildlife capital for this reason. The country boasts 22 national parks and 28 national reserves, so it can be hard to decide which national park to visit for the best wildlife experience. The following are five recommended national parks and national reserves to visit in Kenya in 2023.
1. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the greatest of its kind in Africa and is located in the southwest of Kenya. Together with the iconic Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara hosts around 95 species of mammals and 570 different bird species making it ideal for those seeking wildlife or bird life in Africa.
The best time to visit Masai Mara is between July and October. Meanwhile, the major attractions here are Olare Orok Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Mara River and Mara Triangle. The reserve is located 270 km (168 mi) from Nairobi, a distance covered in 4-5 hours by road, or around 45 minutes by plane.
2. Amboseli National Park
Nestling at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is among the best national parks in the country. Here, herds of elephants, zebras, lions and more can be seen on safari, as well as gathering at the water hole each evening.
The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is from July to September and its main attractions are Lake Amboseli, Elephant Research Camp and Sinet Delta. Meanwhile, hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime, along with meeting the Masai tribe. Getting here by road can be rough, but convenient flights are available from Nairobi to Amboseli.
3. Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Tsavo is one of the oldest and largest of Kenya’s national parks and has varying terrains. In fact, the park covers extinct volcanoes, rocky landscapes and sparse grasslands and is split in two parts. One is Tsavo East National Park, while the other is Tsavo West National Park. A wide variety of wildlife can be seen here between June and October, and also in January and February.
Among the must-see attractions are the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Ngulia Hills, Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe. To get here, catch a bus from Nairobi, Malindi, or Mombasa. Alternatively, chartered flights are also available and land at one of the six airstrips in the south, or 13 airstrips in the north of the park.
4. Aberdare National Park
Spreading out at the foot of the Aberdare Mountain Range, the national park was first created to protect the moorland and the slopes of the mountain. Due to its high altitude, the park is prone to misty and rainy weather. Meanwhile, despite its altitude, the park hosts the largest herds of the endangered Black Rhinos, as well as elephants, bongo antelope and black leopards.
The best time to visit Aberdare National Park is between June and September, and in January and February. Best attractions include the Kereita Cave and Waterfall, Thompson Falls and Soysambu Conservancy. The park is around 150 km (93 mi) from Nairobi and can also be accessed from Naivasha and Nyahururu.
5. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Lake Nakuru National Park is a beautiful place to view various bird species up close and personal, including the elegant pink flamingo. Meanwhile, the water attracts all kinds of major African wildlife at the water’s edge.
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru is between June and March and besides viewing flamingos on the lake, the Makalia Waterfall and Hyrax Hill prehistoric site are other major attractions. Meanwhile, Lake Nakuru National Park is located around 156 km (97 mi) North West of Nairobi. Moreover, the easiest access is via the main gate, 4 km (2.5 mi) from Nakuru town center.
Experience an adventure in Kenya this year, enjoying magnificent landscapes and some of the best wildlife in Africa.