park safari kenya

The Masai Mara in Kenya is nature's epic masterpiece.

A little bit about Masai Mara

Rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings and of course... more wildlife and adventure than any movie could ever portray. Welcome to the Masai Mara, home to the lions of ‘Big Cat Diary’, temporary residence of the ‘Great Migration’, mighty Maasai warriors and some of the most luxurious safari lodges on earth.

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travellers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies for a high-flying hot-air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road for a 4x4 safari, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

Going on a Masai Mara safari

Part of the fun of going on safari is planning your safari. We’ve been there... and know how it feels. As avid travellers we can imagine you have loads of questions while planning your trip to the Masai Mara. Very few places on earth are as unspoilt, adventurous and authentic as the Mara eco-system.

Reading up on the Masai Mara, finding out what you might encounter, exploring your accommodation options... we've done most of the work for you and created this site to help you find all the answers to any questions you may have. To top it off, we've brought together a top-notch collection of Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from. Naturally, we're only an e-mail or message away if you need a little extra help planning your safari.

About the Masai Mara

Known as one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas or ‘the world’s eight world wonder’, the Masai Mara has endless plains, breath-taking vistas and abundant wildlife. Learn more about the Masai Mara here.

Masai Mara special offers

Dreaming of the perfect safari holiday? We’ll help you find your way while planning your trip and provide you with a selection of the best available deals. Check out our latest Masai Mara special offers and discounts.

Getting to Masai Mara

Whether you’re arriving from far, far away or travelling to the Masai Mara from a destination in the region. We’ll guide you through your options for getting to the Mara and for getting around once you’re here.

As newbie safari travellers, we were blown away by our experience of the Conservatory - the animals in abundance; the landscapes; the people; the smells and sounds.

It was an amazing experience to actually see the river crossings, that we had seen so many times on TV during the wildebeest migration.

We saw a leopard on a tree and we were lucky enough to watch four lionesses and three cubs eating a fresh hunt. In the evening safari we were able to explore a massive variety of hippopotamus and a crocodile.

Masai Mara lodges & camps

The Masai Mara is rough and rugged, however you don't have to rough it during your stay. Eco-chic safari lodges with four-poster beds, sundowners with your favourite G&T and infinity pools overlooking the African savanna await.

We’ve selected a variety of warm and welcoming Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from during your stay. Each of the accommodation options we’ve selected is known for offering premium safari activities, first-class accommodation and every creature comfort you could wish for during your stay.

All accommodations in Greater Masai Mara

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National Reserve accommodation

Browse Masai Mara NR accommodations

Mara conservancies accommodation

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Masai Mara lodges we love

We would like to share a few accommodation options with you for your stay in the Masai Mara. Our safari lodge options come in a variety of price ranges, giving you plenty of possibilities to find the right Masai Mara safari camp for your travel budget.

Keep in mind that the following are simply suggestions. We offer tailor-made safari experiences and look forward to creating just the right mix of Masai Mara safari accommodation and activities based on your personal preferences. We look forward to helping you create the bespoke Masai Mara safari of your dreams.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

lodge location Mara Triangle

Kenyan hospitality meets Maasai-inspired luxury on the lush green banks of the Saparingo River. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

from US$ 435 per person per night

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp

lodge location Olderkesi

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers guest vintage luxury at its very best. Cream-coloured tents decorated in 1920s epic safari style, professional Maasai safari guides and above all a sense of elegance and class - this classic Kenyan safari camp has it all.

from US$ 1,059 per person per night

Elewana Sand River Camp

lodge location Musiara Sector

Ideally situated in one of the most remote parts of Masai Mara National Reserve, Sand River Camp pays homage to romantic 1920s safaris. Its design reminds guests of the many African adventure themed Hollywood movies created in that time period.

from US$ 670 per person per night

There were lion cubs galore, a baby zebra born in front of my eyes, pretty much everything an avid photographer could hope for.

The Maasai people were extremely welcoming, and were there to make sure our experience was nothing but the best. We will definitely be back.

The Big 5 and more - giraffes, zebras, hippos, lions with their families, cheetahs and hundreds of wildebeests - no shortage of amazing game sightings every day...

Masai Mara highlights

The Masai Mara is a dream come true for everyone who ever watched ‘Out of Africa’ and longed for the adventurous, romantic nostalgia of an African safari in the wild. The Great Migration, big cats and Maasai warriors await.

The Masai Mara is a photographer's paradise. This region is known for pristine riverine forests, dramatic towering escarpments, stunning sprawling savannahs and of course... all the creatures, big and small, that roam the land. Add a visit to a Maasai village to your stay for a cultural immersion and gain some insight in the day-to-day life of your hosts. For an extra special birds-eye view of the African plains, take to the skies during a hot-air balloon safari. When it comes to crafting the safari of your dreams, the sky is the limit.

Balloon safari

View golden plains from above

Maasai people

Extraordinary cultural meetings

Exhilarating wildlife

Wildlife up close and personal

The Great Migration

Wildlife spectacle in the Masai Mara

Safari activities

Drive, walks & more

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya's premier wildlife reserve

Luxury accommodation

A luxury safari home from home

Mara North Conservancy

Enjoy the perks of a conservancy

Conservancies in Kenya are the way to go; protecting the extraordinary wildlife whilst giving the local community an income, together with education on the interaction between the two.

Wonderful area for wildlife viewing. Having been there twice both times were awesome experiences! Will return again.

The highlight of our trip to Mara was seeing the migration at the Mara river. A once in a lifetime experience to see the Wildebeest migrating. An amazing scene of nature it was.

Masai Mara video

The best way of understanding what the Masai Mara and its conservancies are about is by seeing some thrilling footage from the area. Watch this video to experience Kenya's Masai Mara, its splendour and to meet some of our celebrity wildlife species.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to Kenya. Today.

We saw 8 lions in one drive, and a hippo pod being circled by a dozen crocodiles that launched into the water, trying to get the baby hippos in the center of the pod. Wow!

I was fortunate that when I was recently in the Mara North Conservancy there were so few tourists. I saw plenty of wildlife. The sightings of big cats were especially good.

The Mara Triangle is the most beautiful, lush area of the Masai Mara. Loads of elephants and all types of wildlife without all the land cruiser traffic found in other areas of the Mara.

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Masai Mara in Kenya is the perfect place for your next safari adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

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1 Day Nairobi National Park Safari

$ 240.00

Nairobi National Game Park is a unique ecosystem by being the only protected area in the world close to a capital city. Located just 7kms from Nairobi’s city centre, Nairobi National Park is the perfect place for a half-day or full day excursion or Tour from the Kenyan capital. One of the only places on earth where you can be on safari with skyscrapers as part of your backdrop, it’s an ideal layover escape or add-on to your existing safari.

• See lions, rhinos, buffaloes in the Nairobi national park
• Visit the Animal Orphanage

Deposit : $ 48.00 Per item

Description

Nairobi National Park tour ,Baby elephant tour- Giraffes & Karen Blixen Museum Tour in Nairobi This full day tour is an excellent way to begin or end your East Africa safari. Search out wildlife at Nairobi National Park, on the outskirts of Nairobi. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Karen Blixen Museum. Stop by the Giraffe Center for a close up look at the endangered Rothschild giraffe 1 full day Nairobi National Park tour, Baby elephant Giraffes & Karen Blixen Museum Tour in Nairobi

GREATER NAIROBI CITY TOUR 7am- 10am  – NAirobi Park Tour – Enjoy wildlife game viewing at Nairobi National park with close luck of lions and rhino among other animals

1100hrs-1200hrs : Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage, where young orphaned elephants are brought after being rescued and fed till they are mature to be released to the wild.

1200 -1300hrs:  Visit the Giraffe Centre where you feed the friendly Rothchilds Giraffe. They accept a kiss as they pick their food from your palms! Stop over at some shopping areas enroute.

1300-1400 hrs : You break for lunch at the Utamaduni -Verandah restaurant (paid direct as per the client’s choice of menu. Some shopping around.

1400-1500hrs : Visit the Karen Blixen museum, the house in the movie out of Africa.Visit the kazuri beads enroute.

1500hrs -1700hrs  Visit Bomas Of Kenya – Nairobi Tribal Toura Place named a tourist village in Langata, Nairobi. Bomas (homesteads) displays traditional villages belonging to the several Kenyan tribes.enjoy local tradition dances and acrobats and clients join as well in celebration local culture !

1630 : drop at airport for onward flight / your hotel for a deserved rest.

Welcome to Kenya’s most accessible yet incongruous safari experience. Set on the city’s southern outskirts, Nairobi National Park (at 117 sq km, it’s one of Africa’s smallest) has abundant wildlife which can, in places, be viewed against a backdrop of city skyscrapers and airliners coming in to land – it’s the only national park on earth that borders a capital city. Remarkably, the animals seem utterly unperturbed by it all.

Nairobi National Park has acquired the nickname ‘Kifaru Ark’, a testament to its success as a rhinoceros (kifaru in Kiswahili) sanctuary. The park is home to the world’s densest concentration of black rhinoceros (over 50). But even proximity to Kenya’s largest city couldn’t prevent poachers from killing one of the park’s rhinos in August 2013. It was the first such attack in six years.

Lions and hyenas are also commonly sighted within the park; park rangers at the entrance usually have updates on lion movements. You’ll need a bit of patience and a lot of luck to spot the park’s resident cheetahs and leopards. Other regularly spotted species include gazelle, warthog, zebra, giraffe, ostrich and buffalo.

The park’s wetland areas also sustain approximately 400 bird species, which is more than in the whole of the UK.

Ivory Burning Monument

Not far inside the park’s main Langata Road Gate, the Ivory Burning Monument marks the spot where, in 1989, Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi burnt 12 tons of ivory at a site near the main gate. This dramatic event improved Kenya’s conservation image at a time when East African wildlife was being decimated by relentless poaching.

Getting There & Around

Apart from the main entrance, which lies 7km from the CBD, there are other gates on Magadi Rd and the Athi River Gate; the latter is handy if you’re continuing on to Mombasa, Amboseli or the Tanzanian border. The roads in the park are passable with 2WDs, but travelling in a 4WD is never a bad idea, especially if the rains have been heavy.

Unless you already have your own vehicle, the cheapest way to see the park is on the park shuttle, a big KWS bus that leaves the main gate at 2pm on Sunday for a 2½-hour tour. You need to book in person at the main gate by 1.30pm. There was talk of this service being discontinued so ring ahead to avoid disappointment.

What’s included on the price of the safari.

Transport based on customized seven-sitter safari Van with specially modified suspension.Seats designed with seat belt and all clients are guaranteed window seats.

• All applicable game Park Entrance fees.
• All Camping Fees
• Finest accommodation offered in tent.
• Three meals a day while on Safari.
• Airport picks up on arrival in Nairobi.
• Professional Safari Guide/Driver.
• Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari.
• Round trip transport from Nairobi to the designated National Park.
• Pre–tour itinerary document.
• Extensive Game drives.

What’s not included on the price of the safari.

• Personal expense such as communication charges like emails, faxes, and phone calls
• Drinks like sodas, water, beer and wines
• Gratuity for the driver guide, waiter
• The cost of obtaining visa
• Pre- tour accommodation which can be arranged on request.

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10+ Best Safari Parks in Kenya

It’s no secret that Africa captured my heart from a young age (hello, Lion King), and kept it ever since. If you haven’t been to Africa it’s time to plan a trip. With an incredible history, diverse cultures, and of course storybook animals – you’ll be able to find somewhere that will steal your heart in Africa. Kenya will always have a special place in my heart. It’s considered home to some of the best safari parks in the world! While many visitors only think of the Great Migration in the Masaai Mara Game Reserve, there are a variety of safari parks in Kenya worth visiting!

When planning a trip to Kenya, it can be a bit overwhelming with where to go. There are just so many options and an incredible variety of habitats. That’s why I teamed up with travel bloggers to bring you descriptions of the parks so you can decide which parks are the best for your trip! Be sure to get your free Kenya travel guide (pictures below) for practical tips and information for your trip!

If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase something, I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

Maasai Mara National Park

The most renowned safari park in Kenya is the breathtaking Maasai Mara. It’s the best place to see the Great Migration – the annual movement of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle between Kenya and Tanzania. The Mara is also home to the elusive leopard, lions, and cheetahs! “The Mara” as it’s commonly referred as, was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1961. The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland making it a great wildlife spotting destination.

One of my favorite things to do (that truly was worth the $500 additional fee) was to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Waking up at 3:00am was not fun, nor driving in the dark, but to see the sun rise over giraffes and hyenas was worth it. It made me feel connected to nature in a way I’ve never felt before (or since!). After the hot air balloon ride, we were treated to a champagne breakfast in the Serengeti. Everything was temporary (even the bathroom) so we didn’t leave anything behind!

One of the best places to stay in the Maasai Mara Park is Mara Bush Camp . You can check out my full review of this amazing camp here.

Samburu National Reserve

The wild and remote Samburu National Reserves lies hidden away in northern Kenya, with landscapes that are very different from the grasslands of the Masai Mara. Here you’ll find lofty mountain escarpments punctuating semi-arid plains, with the Ewaso Ng’iro river snaking through the heart of the reserve.

One of the main reasons to come here is to see the  Samburu Special Five  – a collection of unique animals endemic to northern Kenya. These include an ostrich, zebra, and giraffe, as well as an unusual antelope called the ‘gerenuk’ which stands on its hind legs to eat shoots from high tree branches.

There are lots of safari activities to enjoy here, with game drives being the most popular. Bush walks and night drives are on offer in the surrounding conservancies, as well as sumptuous bush breakfasts on the banks of the river. The animals and local Samburu cattle herders use the dry riverbed as a bit of a motorway in their search for water, so it’s a great place for wildlife sightings.

The best place to stay is Saruni Samburu in the adjacent Kalama Conservancy. Views from the private luxury suites and infinity pools stretch far out across the reserve, and the warrior guides are incredibly knowledgeable about their home area. For something different, you can go scorpion hunting at night, or walk down to the concealed hide and watch elephants drinking from the waterhole.

Crescent Island, Lake Navaisha

Located in the Lake Naivasha , Crescent Island offers a unique opportunity to do a walking safari. The island was populated with animals to shoot a movie. The animals remained afterwards and multiples and now have a big population of all sorts including zebras, giraffes and wildebeests. 

The way to get there is to arrive at Lake Naivasha which is an amazing place on its own. There’s plenty of birds to watch and tons of hippos to watch. From there you’re I’ll need to book the walking safari and take a guide with you. The usual cost is $40-60 for this excursion. You will be taken via bot to the crescent island with your designated ranger to begin the safari. 

The hippos love to chill at the edge of the island as well as waterbucks. The island is quite beautiful and walking around is really fun. The giraffes are especially beautiful so close to you without the barrier of a safari jeep. The walking safari takes 2-3 hours and is a great chance to explore the small island as well as the animals which are usually shy and run away the moment you come close to them. Here though. without predators they have becomes bolder. The rangers also act as guides and provide useful information and fun facts about the place. 

A walking safari in Crescent island and Lake Naivasha  is a unique experience not to be missed.

Meru National Park

Meru National Park, located east of Mount Kenya and around 350 km from Nairobi, is a must-visit. Established in 1966 and encompassing an area of 870 km², this beautiful grassland park has an unspoiled feel to it and is particularly attractive to those looking to get even more off of the beaten path. This, however, does not mean a lack of infrastructure. As part of one of the richest African countries , the region has the facilities and groundwork to cater to the international traveler. The park features a luxuriant jungle, numerous rivers, tall grassland, and lush swamps. Featuring a dedicated rhino sanctuary, Meru National Park is one of the best places to see rhinos in the wilderness among the other Big Five. Other animals that live in the area include hippos, gazelle, reedbucks, and a countless number of bird species.

The variety of wildlife in Meru makes it one of the best safari parks in Kenya! Rainfall in this area is abundant and the best time to visit would be during the dry season of July to October. The park is easily reached from Nairobi via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or via Embu all-weather roads. It is also small enough that it can be seen in a day, although an additional day is recommended to get a good feel of this undiscovered region.

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is still relatively young. It was opened in 1949 and is also home to the 2nd largest mountain in Africa. This beautiful mountain alone with its 5200 meters height is a highlight of Mount Kenya National Park. But this is not the only natural spectacle. There are also numerous glaciers and lakes and unique animal species to admire. This is just one of the reasons why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Every year numerous hikers make a pilgrimage to this national park to hike up Mount Kenya. The way to the top requires some experience. The slogan for the hike is “Come touch the sky”. This National Park is especially recommended for anyone who is an enthusiastic adventurer. But of course there is also the possibility of a more relaxed tour, where you can see the unique nature and biodiversity of Africa. A highlight are certainly the leopards. Here you can find more information about  Africa Travel Guides .

Location: It is a 2-3 hour drive from Nairobi. You can either book a tour and get picked up in Nairobi, or drive yourself with a rental car. If you book a tour, accommodation is already taken care of. But don’t worry, there are also numerous guesthouses and camping sites. The best time to visit would be between December and March.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Located about 5,800 feet (1800m) above sea level rests the beautiful Lake Nakuru. This lake is protected as part of the Lake Nakuru National Park. The Lake used to attract a huge quantity of flamingos due to its abundance of algae. Thousands of birds still flourish in the area, but many of the flamingos have migrated to Lake Bogoria (they can still be spotted in Lake Nakuru though). In 2013, the lake received an alarming increase in water levels that were not beneficial to the algae and flamingos.

Due to the variety of habitat located in the park, it’s not only the best safari park in Kenya for bird watching, but also baboons! Baboons frequent the area and can be spotted in the trees. Eastern black rhinos have also been introduced to the park and peacefully wander. We were luck to spot these four male rhinoceroses during our drive through the park. Lake Nakuru National Park has one of the largest concentrations of rhinoceroses in the country. Flamingo Hill Camp is a great place to stay in the area – with mouthwatering food for dinner!

Hell’s Gate National Park

Located in western Kenya near the town of Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the best destinations in Kenya if what you’re looking for is a bit of a unique safari experience. What makes Hell’s Gate so special is that, due to the fact that there are no major predators here, you can actually enjoy a walking and cycling safari! Not only will this give you a totally different perspective of the bush, but you’ll also get the chance to get close and personal with the animals and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the area.

Another aspect that makes Hell’s Gate so special is its unique scenery made up of cliffs and gorges that you can spend hours hiking through. It’s also a somewhat geothermal hotspot, which means there are tons of natural hot springs sitting in the middle of the unique rock formations that make up the park.

There are a few campsites inside of Hell’s Gate if you’re up for spending a night in the wilderness. If you’d rather have a few more amenities, you can find tons of accommodation options for every budget in nearby Naivasha (a fabulous option is L ake Naivasha Resort ).

One of the best safari destinations in Kenya is Tsavo West National Park. It can easily be combined with a trip to Tsavo East, which is just across the road. Both parks are located around a  3 hour drive from Mombasa , which could be a good option for a base if you plan on exploring Tsavo National Park. The West side of the park is a little more overgrown compared to the East, which does make it more difficult to spot ‘The Big Five’ while on a game drive. It is awesome for bird watching though. There are several unique features of Tsavo West, such as its red soil, the volcanic landscape, and the Shetani Lava Flows.

A great thing to see in this part of the National Park, is the Mzima Springs. This natural spring is home to crocodiles and hippos, which can often be seen close the the surface of the spring. A short walking trail leads to an underwater viewing area, but views of the hippos may be obstructed by hundreds of fish! This unique experience makes Tsavo West one of the best safari parks in Kenya!

Tsavo West is home to the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. A highlight of a stay at this luxury lodge, is the main communal seating area which looks out over a large watering hole. Early in the morning, it is full of many different species, including: giraffes, monkeys, antelope and more.

Tsavo East National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Kenya and forms half of the largest protected area in Kenya, Tsavo National Park which combines Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is lesser known and an underrated gem when thinking about a safari in Kenya, it is a budget friendly destination that is easy to cover as part of a  3-day Tsavo Safari tour  meaning it is great for a family friendly safari.

Tsavo East is easily accessed by road from both Nairobi and Mombasa or by train or bus to the town of Voi. Inside the park, you can find a range of safari lodge accommodation and there are plenty of opportunities to spot ‘The Big 5’ as Tsavo East is flat and dry with savannah grassland and acacia trees. Tsavo East is home to herds of Kenya’s famous red elephants, named after the dusty red roads throughout the park, you can also spot lions, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, zebra, wild boards and many more mammals, Tsavo is also home to over 500 species of unique birds.

The Yatta Plateau is the one of the main attractions of Tsavo East National park, after the wildlife of course. The Yatta Plateau is the world’s longest lava flow at 300km long and it runs along the boundary of the park on the western side. Tsavo East and West both have incredible things to see making them two of the best safari parks in Kenya!

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park , just 3 hours from Nairobi is one of the most scenic safari experiences in Africa as it is set against majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The Park is huge at 400 sqm and is one of the best places to see African elephants in their natural habitats. Would you believe over 1600 of these gorgeous creatures live in Amboseli?  The incredible size of the park makes it one of the best safari parks in Kenya!

Amboseli Lake is a popular spot to sight animals and make sure to ask your driver to stop at Telegraph Hill for your lunch for the most outstanding views over the Lake. A hot air balloon safari is a must-do in Amboseli . It offers you magnificent views of Kilimanjaro Mountain and the wildlife in the park (including giraffes, lions, zebras, and elephants). It’s the ultimate bucket list-worthy experience. 

A great place to stay in Amboseli is at the unique Maasai Simba Camp, which is owned & operated by a Maasai tribe.  Your room is a comfortable but basic wooden cabin. Part of your accommodation package here is a sunset and sunrise walking safari with a Masai warrior as well as the opportunity to meet with Maasai women. Worth noting is this camp is located on the outskirts of the park and not within the park itself. If you wish to stay within the National Park – Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is an excellent option.  Getting to Amboseli – located just 240km southeast of Nairobi. It is easily reached by car or taxi from Nairobi. Alternatively, you can catch the train from Nairobi to the nearby Emali station and get a taxi or hotel pick-up to the park from there. 

Kimana Sanctuary

Kimana Sanctuary is Kenya’s hidden gem safari park in Kenya that only the locals know.  This pocket-sized conservancy sits next door to its superstar sister Amboseli.  It has the same Mount Kilimanjaro views, the same population of Big Tuskers but only a fraction of the tourists.  Kimana Sanctuary is 5700 acres located in an elephant corridor that stretches between the Chyulu Hills and Amboseli.  The corridor is used by some of the last bull elephants known as Tuskers, famed for their enormous tusks which reach nearly to the floor. Sadly, poaching in the area and human-wildlife conflict means that many of them are accompanied by 24-hour armed guards.  The sanctuary is home to all the Big 5 but it’s the sheer quantity of elephants that makes it special. Kimana sits under the shadow of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. They say the best view of Kilimanjaro from here, and it is hard to disagree.  The famous white peak is visible from nearly everywhere in the picture-perfect park.

Kimana Sanctuary has two options for accommodation. You can stay in the lushly palatial Kimana House, a sprawling safari-style home that has 4 bedrooms or you can choose to camp.  Kimana is one of my favorite places for camping in Kenya. The sites are next to a stream where animals come to drink and owls roost in the trees. Completely wild camping, we’ve had elephant and hyena walk through the camp

Kimana is special for its intimacy and quantity and quality of wildlife.  It is notable for its lack of tourists it is one of my favourite wildlife conservancies in Kenya. 

Read More about Kenya

How to Plan a Safari to Kenya

10 FAQ’s for Visiting Amboseli National Park

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara

Visiting Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi

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6 thoughts on “10+ Best Safari Parks in Kenya”

I hope one day to do such a Safari. Thanks for letting your readers virtually experience it.

Wow i never knew there are so many National parks in Kenya..Can’t wait to explore this beautiful land.

I wouldn’t have known the first thing about picking a safari park to visit while in Kenya, so this was really interesting to read. Thanks for sharing!

I’ve had many trips to Kenya cancelled in the past so this is going to be a fab resource for me for when I start planning again!

Oh I hope you get to go soon! Kenya is truly magical!

Such a helpful list! We have only started to consider an Africa adventure but your blog on the different parks is a great starting point as we begin our research. I loved reading about the hot air balloon ride…we did one in AZ and loved it. You are right, it’s totally worth it. I can’t imagine taking a ride in Africa!

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Traveling Without a Passport

The Best Safari Parks in Kenya

If you’re the type of traveller who dreams of seeing the natural world in all its glory, chances are you’ve spent some time fantasizing about a safari trip! Safaris are an incredible way to see animals – even rare or endangered animals, occasionally – in their natural habitat. Travellers are able to observe these wild animals from a safe distance, while supporting conservation efforts; truly a win-win situation.

If you have been dreaming about the perfect safari trip, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about a Kenya safari (and if you haven’t, start!). Not only will you have chances to see the Big Five (the five biggest game animals travellers can see on a safari: elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards), you’ll have jaw-dropping views of Mount Kilimanjaro in nearby Tanzania, stretches of amazing beaches, and incredibly welcoming locals.

Travel on: A safari tour

The best time to visit Kenya for a safari

Kenya is known as a year-round safari destination, but there are always things to consider when deciding when to visit this beautiful country! Much of the wildlife can most easily be seen during the dry season, from late June into October. There are a couple of reasons for this: firstly, the dry season means animals gather in massive packs around available water, meaning a visit to a waterhole can mean checking every animal off your list with one game drive! Secondly, the Great Migration – a natural event in which millions of wildebeest and zebras travel from Tanzania into Kenya – reaches the Masai Mara reserve in July and remains until October. Not only will this mean guaranteed sightings of these grazing animals, it also increases your chance of spotting a predator or two!

See Also: Best time to visit Kenya

The best safari parks in Kenya

The only thing left to do, really, is decide where in Kenya you’d like to visit! Thankfully, there’s no shortage of amazing safari parks in Kenya – here are a few of our favourites.

See Also: How to Choose the Right Safari for You

Masai Mara National Reserve

Easily the most famous safari park in Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best safari destinations in the world! One of the main reasons this expansive park attracts so many visitors is the Great Migration – from about July to October, travellers will be able to witness herds of wildebeest and zebras in the millions travelling from nearby Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in search of food and water. This experience is one of nature’s most incredible natural occurrences, so travellers looking for something truly amazing during their safari should put Masai Mara National Reserve at the top of their list.

Travel on: a Kenya and Tanzania safari

Amboseli National Park

Located in southern Kenya, Amboseli National Park is best known for one animal in particular: elephants! Travellers dreaming of seeing this impressive member of the Big Five should consider a visit to Amboseli National Park, as visitors are almost guaranteed views of large elephant herds. Beyond the wildlife, Amboseli also provides amazing natural views – here, travellers have the chance to wake up in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro; the highest mountain in Africa and one of the famous Seven Summits.

See Also: Can a Safari Take You Back to Your Childhood?

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve in northern Kenya is a popular safari destination – here, travellers will enjoy sightings of classic safari animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and African buffalo, as well as more unique animals, such as the endangered Grevy’s Zebra, or the Somali ostrich (a larger bird than the Masai ostrich). There is also some incredible bird life in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, with a species for every day of the year – over 365 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve!

Lake Nakuru National Park

Calling all photography lovers! Lake Nakuru’s colours will leave you breathless. Known as a haven for several animals – including both black and white rhinos – Lake Nakuru is filled to the brim with amazing sights. The park serves as a protected area for relocated animals, such as Rothschild’s giraffes, which were relocated from western Kenya from 1977. Lake Nakuru is also a fantastic spot to look for one of the rarer members of the Big Five – in recent years, leopard sightings have become increasingly-common in the park. One of the biggest draws of Lake Nakuru? The area’s flamingo population is massive, and serves for perfect photos of bright pink against vivid blue water.

Samburu National Reserve

Made famous by the award-winning book and movie Born Free, Samburu National Reserve is possibly best known as being the place in which conservationists raised Elsa the Lioness. Travellers looking to spot some of Africa’s most famous predators should certainly head to Samburu – here, you’ll find large amounts of Nile crocodiles, cheetahs, leopards, and, as the reserve is part of a Lion Conservation Unit, there are countless opportunities to spot these amazing creatures here.

While no one is guaranteed good weather conditions or sightings of specific animals on a safari, choosing Kenya for your safari is sure to be an amazing experience. Whether you’re setting out in search of the country’s colourful birdlife, looking for the Big Five, or just trying to soak in as much of this beautiful country as possible, it’s easy to see why Kenya is a top safari destination!

Which safari park would you most like to visit?

Maggie Soares

Maggie is a life-long traveller with a special affinity for the United Kingdom. When she's not reading, writing, or dreaming about her next trip, you can find her talking at length about her dog to anyone who'll listen.

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Masai Mara National Reserve is located in south west Kenya and is a vast scenic expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains measuring 1510 square kilometers in area and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. Masai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife and is the premier Kenya Safari location in East Africa, offering visitors numerous reasons to visit this animal paradise. Large numbers of Lions, Cheetah, Elephant, Rhino, African Buffalo, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra and many more animals are found in the park in their natural habitat, unconfined and free to roam the vast Kenyan wilderness stretching for miles on end. It is no surprise that tourists from the world over travel here to experience a Masai Mara Safari tour, more so as the reserve has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Regarding the origin of the name, the word 'Masai' comes from the Maasai tribe, nomadic inhabitants of the area and the word 'Mara' is their word for 'spotted', referring to the ubiquitous flat topped acacia trees, shrubs and bushes that dot the landscape across most of the reserve.

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Masai Mara now also comprises a number of conservancies and group ranches bordering the main reserve and is home to some of the most diverse species of African wildlife and is also the site of the annual Wildebeest migration, simply known as the 'Great Migration'. Masai Mara National Park is famous for this migration, during which large herds of a million plus wildebeest, zebra and other wild animals including the "Big Cats" migrate north into the Mara from Serengeti National Park . This migration typically takes place between July to mid September and involves the wildebeest making dangerous crossings through crocodile-infested rivers. The 'Mara', as Masai Mara is also known, is among the best wildlife reserves not just in Kenya but also in Africa and the aim of this website, Masai Mara .Travel , is to offer comprehensive information to guide visitors and tourists in planning their visit or for booking a Safari in Masai Mara, suited to their preference. Travelers are expected to have numerous questions while planning their visit, everything from which is the best month to visit, to which is the better reserve, Serengeti or Masai Mara or even information on how to book a trip to this magnificent reserve. We aim to answer most if not all your questions through this platform.

In case you require any information, guidance or suggestions regarding a visit or to plan a Kenya Safari to Masai Mara, Africa's premium Game Reserve, do get in touch with us via email. We are also available on Chat or on Skype.

things to do in masai mara

There are several exciting activities one can enjoy in Masai Mara. The most thrilling of these has to be the Hot Air Balloon safari, taken at the break of dawn and ending with a leisurely 'Champagne Bush Breakfast'. This is a truly unique adventure activity and the Mara provides the perfect backdrop for the amazing balloon excursion. The flight lasts for about an hour as you glide gracefully over the African savannah watching the magnificent wildlife below. The pilots are highly experienced and the activity boasts of an exceptional safety record. Another popular experience is visiting a traditional tribal Maasai village which allows visitors a fascinating insight into the unique way of life of the famous Maasai, a nomadic warrior tribe found in Kenya and parts of East Africa. There are also nature walks, bush meals and sundowners as some of the other popular things to do in Masai Mara as a tourist visiting this reserve.

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Animals in masai mara

The reserve has a magnificent collection of wildlife and it is quite possible to spot not just the 'Big Five' as often mentioned widely, but also infact the 'Big Nine', to include the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Girrafe, Zebra, Cheetah and Hippo. It is quote possible that due to the nature and richness of flora and fauna in the national park, one can see all of the above animals not just in a single 2-3 hour game drive, but also with a little more luck, within an hour of your drive in the reserve. The section above lists photos and brief information on some of the amazing wildlife and animals that you will find in Masai Mara including a list of Birds commonly seen here. The game reserve is quite the animal kingdom and likely the very best place to see an amazing eco system of African wildlife in the wilderness.

Click on the link above to open the list of animals in Masai Mara . Here you will find information on the many species of mammals and birds naturally habitating in Maasai Mara Game Reserve free and unconfined even across the border into Serengeti National Park, spread over thousands of square miles. The Masai Mara National Reserve official website can be accessed from the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Government or Narok County Government.

Nairobi National Park safari | Travel guide 

Nairobi National Park is a national park in Kenya that was established in 1946 about 7 km south of Nairobi. It is fenced on three sides, whereas the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains. 

The park is sometimes called Kifaru Ark, which means “Rhinoceros Sanctuary”. It is one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries, and it is one of only a few parks where visitors can be certain of seeing a black rhinoceros in its natural habitat.

Herbivores are also known to gather in the park during the dry season and the park itself brings a unique charm that sets it apart from other parks in Kenya with the proximity alone outside the capital city making it an easy addition to most visitors travel plans. 

Table of Contents

Why visit Nairobi National Park? 

Nairobi national park safari.

There are plenty of great things to do in Kenya and as Kenya’s first national park, Nairobi National Park has been a wild haven for the capital city since 1946. At 45 square miles, the park is small compared to most national parks. 

Size aside however, Nairobi National Park’s landscape hosts thousands of wild animals at home in various ecosystems. Primarily the park consists of open grasslands dotted with scrub and upland forests, making it an ideal habitat for many of Kenya’s native species. 

But given the relatively restrictive size of the park, its carrying capacity for predators is limited. Most are shocked to learn that Nairobi National Park is home to a nearly complete set of Kenyan species. 

Only leaving the most formidable creature, elephants, out of the landscape. Simply put the park is too small for their massive appetites, plus elephants would destroy the three-sided fence perimeter. 

Nairobi NP is known for healthy populations of cape buffalo, Masai giraffe, plains zebra, impala, ostrich, and hippo. And where there is prey, there are often predators! Within Nairobi National Park’s boundaries live prides of lion, spotted hyena, jackal, and even elusive leopard and cheetah.  

Visitors will also find numerous lions, hippos, giraffes, zebras, over 400 bird species, and many large herbivores. But the main highlight of Nairobi National Park is its resident rhinos. 

In fact, the park hosts one of the highest densities of black rhino in Kenya. Many view the park as the best location to observe this critically endangered species in the entire country, if not the world. 

Nairobi National Park is home to approximately 111 black rhinos and 24 white rhinos. These population numbers are a true success considering the park was void of rhinos until their introduction back in 1996. 

With over 500 bird species recorded, Nairobi NP probably gives Kenya’s capital the longest bird list of all cities in the world. The park’s substantial area of undisturbed grassland is of great importance for species such as the restricted-range Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here regularly after good rains. 

Other grassland birds include ostriches, secretary birds and bustards. Nairobi NP is a popular birding destination and it’s easy to book a full or half day guided birding trip at short notice.

The park’s predominant environment is open grass plain with scattered Acacia bushes. The western uplands of the park have highland dry forest with stands of Olea africana, Croton dichogamus, Brachylaena hutchinsii, and Calodendrum. 

The lower slopes of these areas are grassland. Themeda, cypress, Digitaria, and Cynodon species are found in these grassland areas. 

Other activities at Nairobi National Park 

Here are some other activities which visitors can consider during their African safari experience in Nairobi National Park:

• Nairobi Safari Walk: Explore wildlife on foot, an authentic and economical means of exploring wildlife in Nairobi National Park and the bomas of Kenya. Nairobi safari walk charges range from KSH 125 (USD $1.1) for a child to KSH 215 (USD $1.86) for an adult.
• Photography safari tours: Visitors on a photo safari CAN share a luxury photography tour with like-minded individuals and capture their favourite moments.
• Sightseeing tours: This is best to see the hippo pools, giraffe center, day tours or early morning game drives in private vehicles. Guests can tour Nairobi National Park and visit the animal orphanage as well. The park also contains a historic ivory burning site. 

Visitors often enjoy combining their safari adventure with some quiet downtime on Kenya’s best beaches , a perfect end to their African adventure. 

How to get to Nairobi National Park ?

By plane .

Safari-goers flying from Europe or North America to Kenya usually arrive at Nairobi – it’s the largest hub for most transport (including flights) in the region. 

The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), which is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi for visitors wondering how to get to Kenya .

Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), which is 9km/6mi west of Mombasa and a Kenya visa will most likely be required to enter the country.

Nairobi National Park is located 9km/ 5mi south of Nairobi. The park is usually visited as a half-day or full-day trip from a hotel in the city. 

Getting to the city of Nairobi is easy – it’s one of the biggest and busiest transport hubs on the continent. International flights arrive in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi.

Tariffs & Regulations 

Entrance fee.

Many factors impact Kenya safari prices including the cost of the park entrance fee. Prices per person per day:

• USD $43 per adult non resident per day
• USD $25 per child under the age of 12 years old

The gates into Samburu National Reserve open at 6am and close at 6pm. 

Regulations

If you keep to park rules, you can stay with the animals as long as they are not disturbed by your presence. 

Accommodation at Nairobi National Park

Accommodation in Nairobi NP includes Nairobi Tented Camp, is the only lodging that is situated inside the park, and this Tier 2 tented camp is reminiscent of those used by early explorers in Kenya. 

With only eight guest tents, the camp gives you a sense of being in the remote African bush with all of the necessary conveniences, such as full bathroom with bucket shower, private veranda, comfortable bed and much more, all set amidst its wildlife ecology.

Rates mainly depending on the season and type of accommodation. Carrying a small amount of Kenyan currency , the Kenya Shilling (KES) is recommended to pay for groceries and smaller items where credit cards aren’t accepted. 

Lodges are exclusive and luxurious with views amongst the most spectacular in the world along with world-class service, incredible food, all luxury amenities, simply ideal for the perfect honeymoon location. 

A luxury option worth considering is the Emakoko, a family-owned and operated 10-room lodging that is situated on 15 acres of land bordered by the Mbagathi and Emakoko Rivers. The other Tier 2 accommodations on the outside of the northern fence zone of the park are Ole Sereni Hotel and African Heritage House.

Ole Sereni Hotel features 134 guest rooms and suites with modern amenities, such as LCD television, air conditioning, complimentary internet, and the suites are specially designed to meet the needs of the business traveller in East Africa. 

African Heritage House is a six-room gallery-house that takes you through a journey of African cultures with an eclectic collection of art, textiles and varied handcrafted furnishings.

Campsites 

There are a number of affordable camping sites offering cheaper camping options for travellers on a budget including Nairobi Tented Camp.  

Campervan 

Guests on a self-drive safari with a campervan can make significant savings by sleeping in their vehicle. 

Bars/restaurants/amenities

Lodges will typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package. 

Useful information  

Located in the south of Kenya 15km from Nairobi airport, a Kenya safari in Nairobi National Park is often combined with a trip to Masai Mara National Reserve .

Weather 

Nairobi has a subtropical highland climate. At 1,795 metres (5,889 ft) above sea level, evenings may be cool, especially in the June/July season, when the temperature can drop to 9 °C (48 °F).

Best time to go

Understanding the best time to visit Kenya is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation. 

The best time to visit Nairobi National Park is during the dry months, from July to October, and also January and February. July has the lowest rainfall among all months of the year. Along with July, August is the driest month in Nairobi.

Health 

Nairobi lies at a high altitude and malaria is not a concern here, but if you are visiting other places in Kenya, you should take all necessary precautions. Visitors can find further information on Kenya vaccine details here .

Where is Nairobi National Park located?

Nairobi National Park is located 9km/ 5mi south of Nairobi. The park is usually visited as a half-day or full-day trip from a hotel in the city. 

How much is the entrance fee to Samburu National Reserve?

USD $43 per adult and USD $25 per child under the age of 12 years old. 

What animals will visitors see?

Visitors to Nairobi National Park will see cape buffalo, Masai giraffe centre, plains zebra, impala, ostrich, and hippo as well as the lion, spotted hyena, jackal, and even elusive leopard and cheetah.  

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Kenya's Best Safari Parks And Reserves

When the topic of an African safari is brought up, Kenya must be one of the first destinations which comes to mind. It is after all, the birthplace of the safari and was the first country to introduce the concept of the Big 5. A Kenyan safari is a must for anyone looking to see a huge array of wildlife but knowing exactly which park or reserve to travel to can be tough. With that in mind, we’re highlighting the five places in Kenya for a safari that we feel are the best.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

The iconic Masai Mara is widely regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas, and deservedly so. A varied land of savannah woodlands, riverine forest and vast grassland, the reserve is home to an abundant predator population year-round, with the chance to encounter prides of lions, cheetahs hunting on the open plains and leopards stalking in the forests all serving as key attractions. 

The Mara is also, of course, home to the ultimate wildlife experience from July through to September, when you'll witness thousands of wildebeest making their annual journey across the Mara River during the Great Migration . Some of Kenya’s most revered camps and lodges can be found in the Masai Mara, such as the famous Governors’ Camp which sits along the Mara River and has a bar tent and deck overlooking the river, perfect for tracking the migration. 

2. Lake Nakuru National Park

Visitors from around the world are drawn to Lake Nakuru to witness the huge flocks of flamingos gathering at the lake, as well as the 300+ plus other species of bird which call the park home. Although the numbers of flamingo and pelican congregating in the area has decreased in recent years, it has been known to rise to up to 1.5 million. It’s not just birdlife which inhabits Lake Nakuru en masse, the park was declared a rhino sanctuary in 1983 and currently has a very healthy population of both black and white rhino. If you venture south to the forested area below Flamingo Hill, you’ll find the popular lion-spotting region, where you’ll see the lionesses sleeping in the trees as well as a few leopards. 

3. Laikipia

Located to the north-west of snow-capped Mount Kenya, the high plains of Laikipia are increasingly being recognised as one of Kenya's premier safari regions. This thinly populated area offers endless vistas and stretches of complete wilderness, offering some of the most extraordinary views found anywhere in the country. On the wildlife front, the density of the wildlife population in Laikipia ranks second only to the Masai Mara, and the area supports more endangered mammals than anywhere else in East Africa, as well as a healthy number of endemic species including the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. One of Laikipia’s biggest attraction is the huge number of rhinos. The region is home to an astounding 50% of Kenya's rhino population, with over 300 of the magnificent creatures roaming the vast plains. 

4. Meru National Park

Having been restored since it fell into neglect amidst out of control poaching in the 1990s, Meru National Park is becoming an increasingly popular destination for wildlife viewing. It is still one of the least visited of Kenya’s big parks, but this works in its favour as it leaves an unspoiled stretch of land spanning 870 square kilometres, just waiting to be discovered.

Meru may not boast quite as many visitors as other well-established parks, but its wildlife population and game viewing opportunities matches almost any other park in Kenya. There are now increasingly frequent sightings of the Big 5, as well as cheetah and numerous other savannah species. The streams and rivers which run through Meru are a key feature of the landscape, and offer excellent opportunities to spot hippo, crocodile and the African fish eagle.

5. Samburu National Reserve

Deriving its name from the Samburu people who have been native to the region for many years, Samburu National Reserve is one of Kenya’s smaller parks in comparison to the likes of the Masai Mara but is teeming with life, nonetheless. The unrestricted savannah grassland has the Ewaso Nyiro River passing through it, which attracts an abundance of wildlife including a huge population of Nile crocodile, and the reserve is also home to the ‘Samburu Special 5’, the rare northern species which inhabit the park. These are the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx. 

The birdlife at Samburu is prevalent, with over 350 species of bird including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, and others. Other Kenyan wildlife present in the park includes cheetahs and lions, as well as elephants, buffalo and hippos. Elusive leopards are also found in the reserve and are best spotted in the evenings. While at Samburu, it’s also definitely worth making time for the cultural tours, where you’ll visit the local Samburu villages and get a chance to interact with the colourful Samburu people in their traditional setting and experience the culture.

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• Kenya safaris

Kenya safari guide – where & when to go, and what to see

Kenya safaris rock! Kenya is one of East Africa’s premier safari destinations, with massive open savannah regions hosting a huge breadth and depth of African wildlife. Over 10% of the country is protected in some form or other, and national parks in Kenya rate as some of the best in the world. A safari in Kenya almost guarantees you a sighting of the big five African animals of lion , buffalo , elephant , rhino , and leopard . Alongside these big-hitters are hundreds of other species of African animals, and some of the world’s most diverse bird-life.

Straddling the equator, Kenya is dominated by the Rift Valley – a huge range of valleys strung along a 5,000 km crack in the earth’s crust that runs through East Africa. Within the Rift Valley are Africa’s highest peaks – in Kenya these are the volcanoes of Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon. East of the Rift Valley are the coastal plains, whilst the north of Kenya is made up of arid wastelands. The prime Kenya safari destinations are the Central Highlands and areas within the Rift Valley. The south of the country hosts the great migration of plains animals and their predators each year between June and November. In short, Kenya safaris are up there with the very best in terms of wildlife and scenery.

Self-drive safaris are an option in many national parks in Kenya, though to enjoy full access to the most remote (and tourist-free) areas you’ll need a 4WD car or jeep. If you fancy taking a tour or arranging your own guide and/or driver have a look at our list of safari tour companies in Kenya before arrival in the country.

Alongside safaris and wildlife spotting, a visit to Kenya allows you to easily extend your safari with a visit to a resort on the Indian Ocean coast, or with activities such as trekking, hiking, sailing or diving .

Useful resources

• Book a Kenya Safari
• Kenyan Ministry of Tourism
• Kenya Wildlife Service

Kenya safari highlights

Experience maasai culture.

The Maasai are one of the few African tribes who have retained most of their traditions, lifestyle, and lore – along with their distinctive red robes. Many safari lodges and operators work with local Maasai on community projects. Experiencing some time in a Maasai village whilst in Kenya is a unique cultural experience that will help put your visit in context.

Big five spotting

Big five spotting in Kenya is high on most visitor’s safari checklist, and with Kenya’s superb network of national park gems seeing Africa’s biggest beasts up close and personal is a realistic goal. Destinations rich in lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo are clustered in the south of the country, particularly Amboseli, Masai Mara and East and West Tsavo (for the Tsavo lions !) national parks.

Watch the ‘Great Wildebeest Migration’

Indian ocean beach perfection

Best time to safari in Kenya

The peak tourist season in Kenya is January and February when the weather is consistently warm and dry, with wildlife easy to spot in large concentrations. If you take a Kenya safari in peak season expect to be in company with crowds of tourists, and paying top dollar for your safari. If you’re specifically after catching sight of the annual great migration, June to October is the time to head to the Masai Mara National Park in southern Kenya.

The long rains hit Kenya through March, April and May, and the short rains from October to December. During the short rains, it generally rains only for short periods at a time, meaning your wildlife viewing will not be too disrupted. This is the time you can get some great deals on safari tours, or safari lodges if you’re travelling independently.

Flights To Kenya

Search, track and book flights to Kenya, from anywhere in the world.

Kenya Accommodation

Find safari accommodation in Kenya – from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Kenya Car Hire

Considering a self-drive safari? Research and book car hire in Kenya.

Activities in Kenya

Search and book things to do in Kenya – tours, excursions and activities.

National parks in Kenya

With a stunning array of wildlife and more than 10% of the country given over to national parks and reserves, Kenya is undoubtedly one of the world’s best safari destinations. Whilst the world-famous Kenyan national parks such as Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks can be uncomfortably heaving with tourists in January and February, Kenya has plenty of smaller, out of the way national parks that see only a trickle of visitors year-round. As such it’s well worth taking the time to consider whereabouts in Kenya to go on safari if you’re visiting during peak season.

Top Kenya national park picks

Masai mara national reserve.

 Situated in southwest Kenya, the Masai Mara is part of the northern section of the Serengeti National Park, and is generally recognised as one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa. The reserve is famous for the abundance of predators – particularly big cats – and the great wildebeest migration to feed these predators, as well as the Maasai people themselves.

• Lake Nakuru National Park

The stunning Lake Nakuru National Park is on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by bushy grasslands and woods. There are 56 species of mammal in the park, but the star show are the thousands of flamingos, arriving in their millions some years.

• Amboseli National Park

Crowned by Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most popular parks . The name ‘Amboseli’ comes from the Maasai language and means ‘salty dust’… perfect for the large herds of elephants that roam the park.

• Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a Kenyan park is located 350 km from Nairobi, featuring multiple landscapes including grasslands, swamp, jungle and rivers. It’s a birders paradise with over 427 recorded bird species, in addition to the big five .

All national parks in Kenya

Use the map below to locate all national parks in Kenya. Click the icons for more info.

Get Directions

• Aberdare National Park
• Arabuk Sokoke National Park
• Hell’s Gate National Park
• Kakamega National Park
• Lake Bogaria National Park
• Malindi Watumu National Park
• Masai Mara National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Mount Kenya National Park
• Nairobi National Park
• Saiwa Swamp National Park
• Shimba Hills National Park
• Tsavo National Park

Kenya safari resources

Kenya safari companies.

There are plenty of companies offering safari tours around Kenya. The focus is on the high end, but there are some companies that specialize in mid and budget safaris. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in Kenya .

Kenya safari lodges

As a tourism-focussed country, Kenya has plenty of choice when it comes to safari accommodation. Lodge standards vary from rustic to modern, from the simple room to extreme luxury with en-suite private plunge pool. Search and book accommodation in Kenya .

For a trip to Kenya, travellers are required to apply for a visa. The easiest, most commonly used visa for going on a safari in Kenya, is the Kenya e-visa . It is valid for 90 days, and can even be extended once to 180 days once you arrive in Kenya. The visa can easily be applied for online and will save you the hassle of having to apply at an embassy or consulate.

Read safari guides to all countries

Botswana safaris , Namibia safaris , Rwanda safaris , South Africa safaris , Tanzania safaris , Uganda safaris , Zimbabwe safaris

Do you have any experience of planning or going on safari in Kenya?

We’d love to hear any feedback or tips you may have – please get in touch , or add to the comments below.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

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Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
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• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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The 12 best national parks in Kenya

Apr 4, 2023 • 13 min read

Nairobi National Park is one of the best protected spaces to spot wildlife in Kenya © Heath Holden / Getty Images

National parks and Kenya go hand in hand. It’s home to a whopping 23 of them, as well as four marine national parks. From the unforgettable scene of thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River during their migration to the sight of steaming geysers at Hell’s Gate National Park , Kenya certainly has no shortage of protected parks, reserves, marine parks, and privately owned conservancies.

Many people go on safari in Kenya with a steely determination to see the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and lions). The term originates from colonial-era hunters who deemed these to be the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, so don’t let an obsession with seeing them all stop you from visiting national parks that don’t feature the full list – you’re sure to spot plenty of other equally fascinating creatures.

From spectacular scenery and geothermal springs to brilliantly colored birdlife and the indigenous communities that live in and around these areas, Kenya’s national parks are about more than wildlife, and you’ll be in for a treat whatever parks you choose to visit. These are the 12 best national parks in Kenya.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

Known locally as the Mara, the Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous national park, not least because from July to October, it’s the route for the Great Migration, the spectacle of thousands of wildebeest, giraffes and zebra traveling from the Serengeti in southern Tanzania across the Mara River to the lush grass of Kenya. Nile crocodiles lie on the riverbanks waiting for their prey.

The semi-nomadic Maasai communities are another draw, with travelers attracted to their traditional singing and dancing, warrior traditions and colorful dress. The Maasai people own several private reserves around the Mara, which are leased to different safari companies, and these are one way to support community-powered tourism. A bush walk with a Maasai warrior is a wonderful way to appreciate the community’s connection with the land, as they point out wildlife and medicinal plants.

It’s not always easy to ensure cultural tourism experiences are genuinely ethical and non-exploitative. Ideally, visit a Maasai-run project, or ask your tour operator exactly where your money goes. If companies claim to support community projects, ask how and if you can see them. Conversely, some tourists report being overcharged (for crafts or a photo, for example), but this is often the consequence of years of communities seeing wealthy travelers pass through their villages on expensive tours that haven’t benefited them.

The Mara is a Big Five park, home to rhinos, buffalo, elephants, leopards and lions. The Mara has one of the world’s highest densities of lions, but the birdlife – 470 species, including birds of prey and migratory birds – and the wild savanna are just as alluring. To get a sense of the vastness of the Mara, book a hot-air balloon safari. You’ll see why the Maasai people named it the Mara (“spotted land”) as you float over specks of shrubs, cloud shadows, and animal herds. Walking and horseback safaris, in the company of armed rangers, are an incredible way to experience the beauty of the Mara up close.

2. Amboseli National Park

In southern Kenya near Tanzania, Amboseli National Park is known for its big-tusked (tusker) elephant herds – the population is estimated at 1500 – and its views of Mt Kilimanjaro . The relatively stable number of elephants is mostly thanks to the work of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, one of the most celebrated such projects in the world. Amboseli doesn’t get as much rain as other parks but has a network of swamps instead – due to its mountain forest environment – which attracts a lot of birdlife. The park is also home to big cats, buffalo, Maasai giraffe, antelopes and vervet monkeys.

The word “Amboseli” comes from the Maasai for “salty dust,” and you’ll often see elephants caked in this dry, white mud after a good wallow. This region is also home to Maasai people. Some conservation areas such as Selenkay are Maasai-owned, and you can support the community by staying in and visiting their villages.

To photograph views of Kilimanjaro, aim for an early wake-up call when it’s clear and before the clouds come in. Weather patterns, environmental issues and climate change have also changed the movement of wildlife, so you might now see flamingos in Amboseli, when before they were more commonly sighted at Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru . Wildebeest, not usually a common sight in Amboseli, have also been spotted recently.

Outside of the rainy season, Lake Amboseli is dry, which can make for beautifully stark photography. For incredible views of the park, head to Observation Hill, where you can see the swamp being enjoyed by elephants, hippos, and more.

3. Tsavo National Park

Made up of two national parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park , Tsavo in southwest Kenya is best known for its large elephant herds and impressive semi-arid landscape. Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s oldest parks and, combined with Tsavo West, comprises Kenya’s largest national park.

The parks were split when the railway line from Mombasa to Kenya’s interior was constructed, and now a highway also runs between Nairobi and Mombasa, making Tsavo a great safari stop-off on a city-to-coast vacation.

The two parks have slightly different terrains. Tsavo East is mostly flat plains, with the Galana River flowing through. Camping along the river is one of the highlights of Tsavo, as is taking a walking safari across the vast Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow at 300km (186 miles).

Tsavo West, home to Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs , is wetter, more mountainous and swampier. Bird spotting is better in Tsavo West, which has around 500 species. Most impressive of all is the force of Mzima Springs, where 50 million gallons of water rush out from the lava rock. The lushness makes for prolific game-viewing, with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes and monkeys hydrating and hanging out in this verdant terrain. For epic views, it’s hard to beat the scene over the plains from Poacher's Lookout .

4. Nairobi National Park

Opened in 1946, Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first national park and is the world’s only national park within a city. Some travelers even manage to get in a few wildlife sightings on their way to or from the airport.

It’s deeply surreal to be on an open plain with Nairobi’s skyscrapers as a backdrop, and among the acacia bush, you’ll spot a variety of game, including lions, leopards, buffalo and the endangered black rhino. The park has developed a successful rhino conservation program and restocked other parks through their breeding projects. As in many national parks across Kenya, the birdlife is excellent, with more than 400 species recorded here.

The park has designated picnic spots, walking trails around the hippo pools and campsites, so it’s a viable choice for a day trip or overnight if you don’t have time to travel farther. Also inside the park is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , a rhino and elephant sanctuary that retains links with Tsavo National Park, where David Sheldrick worked as an anti-poaching warden. Visitors to the sanctuary can see the Trust’s rescue and rehabilitation program in practice and watch the animals at feeding time, from a distance.

5. Mt Kenya National Park

If you’re a hiker or a climber, Kenya’s second highest mountain, Mt Kenya , deserves a spot near the top of your best treks list for the trail to Point Lenana, the main peak for trekkers. Mt Kenya National Park has great camping, including wild camping along some of the lesser-used trails, and rock climbing on the lower peaks. The park also features a 10km (6.2-mile) hike up to the Met Station if you only have time for a day excursion.

This Unesco-listed park is pure joy to explore, with its ecosystem of lakes, glaciers, mineral springs and Afro-Alpine forest. You’re in for sweeping views of high ridges, deep valleys and dense forest gradually meeting glacial terrain as you go higher into the park.

Mt Kenya is home to elephant, mongoose, bushbuck, eland and colobus monkeys, but it’s the walking trails and scenery that are its biggest attraction. Mt Kenya lies within the Laikipia Plateau , a network of conservancies mostly managed by local communities, so it’s an excellent region for community-based tourism accommodation. The three-day drive from Nairobi to Mt Kenya National Park is also one of Kenya's best road trips .

6. Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is perhaps the most distinctive of all Kenya’s national parks, a place to savor nature in the cooler climes of the central highlands. While you will see wildlife, Aberdare is known primarily for the outstanding natural beauty of its misty forests and river valleys. The High Park, as the higher moorlands are sometimes called, is perfect for hiking. You can climb the peaks of Lesatima, Il Kinangop and Kipipiri easily, but you’ll need a guide and a pass, so arrange your excursion in advance.

Created in 1950 to protect the Aberdare mountains, which drop to the Rift Valley on the western side, the park comprises dense forest, steep ravines, open moorland and thundering waterfalls. It is home to black rhinos, elephants, baboons, colobus monkeys, buffalo and elusive leopard. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, with more than 250 species sighted.

The park also has a lot of history. In the 1950s, the dense forest hid Kenya’s Kikuyu Mau Mau guerrillas during their struggle against European colonization. And it is home to Treetops Lodge, where Princess Elizabeth found out she would be Queen of the United Kingdom in 1952 after the early death of her father. You need a good 4WD vehicle if you’re heading to Aberdare, especially when it’s rainy.

7. Meru and Kora national parks

If you’re looking for rugged, remote and pristine landscapes, Meru and Kora national parks in the Rift Valley are great options. These parks contain vast grasslands, thorny bush, gushing rivers and thick jungle, and you’ll find Grevy’s zebras, elephants, buffalo, hippos and giraffes – plus more than 420 bird species.

The landscape, with huge swathes of savanna, dries out in the dry season, so staying cool and hydrated is important. A good eight-hour drive from Nairobi, Meru and Kora are some of the more off-the-beaten-track national parks.

8. Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve , north of Laikipia, is a popular park on the northern safari circuit. It’s home to the “Special 5” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali (blue-necked) ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx (both types of antelope) – so-called because they’re not typically found in Kenya’s southern game reserves. The Samburu and Rendille people of this region are involved in protecting and monitoring Grevy’s zebras.

Named after the Samburu people, nomadic pastoralists, and a warrior people for whom this region is home, this national park is one of the best places to see leopards in Kenya, and it’s a prime spot for tuskers. You can also experience Samburu culture and go on camel-trekking safaris with Samburu guides.

Drought is an issue in Samburu. Far drier than the Mara, the Ewaso Nyiro River is a lifeline for the pastoral communities, wildlife and flora and fauna. When wildlife gathers on the river banks, it’s quite a sight, and a photographer’s dream. Samburu is one of the parks where George and Joy Adamson of Born Free -fame raised Elsa the lioness.

9. Hell’s Gate National Park

A unique element of the Great Rift Valley is the dramatic landscape of Hell’s Gate National Park , one of the most atmospheric of Kenya’s national parks. Geothermal steam rises from the ground in an epic landscape of volcanoes, basalt columns, high cliffs and gorges. From a huge natural spa pool managed by KenGen (Kenya’s main electric power producer), you can enjoy the views over a hot soak.

While wildlife isn’t the prime reason for visiting Hell’s Gate, the park counts zebras, buffalos, antelopes, and baboons among its residents. Its 100 recorded bird species include vultures and Verreaux's eagles. You’ll also sometimes spot raptors that have set up their nests in the cliffs. The park is particularly popular with walkers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, and cyclists. If you’re a Lion King fan, you’ll be impressed that the rock formation at Hell’s Gate Gorge is what inspired Pride Rock.

Hell’s Gate National Park is a doable day trip from Nairobi, often combined with Lake Nakuru or smaller soda (alkaline) Lake Elmenteita , which has a population of flamingos.

10. Lake Nakuru National Park

Within driving distance of Nairobi, Unesco-listed Lake Nakuru on the floor of the Great Rift Valley allows you to pack a game drive, birdwatching, a hike and a picnic into one day.

With around 450 bird species recorded, Lake Nakuru National Park is a particularly good place for spotting water birds because of high algae levels, although flamingo numbers have been dropping as issues around pollution and human encroachment have affected the lake. It still attracts many pelicans and other water birds. You’ll also see animals such as waterbuck and white rhinos. The park is known for its annual 50km (31 miles) Cycle With the Rhinos race, which raises funds for the endangered rhino.

The lake is surrounded by high ridges: head to the viewpoints of Lion Hill, Baboon Cliffs and the Out of Africa Lookpoint for some of the best vistas over the lake and valley. Many travelers combine this national park with a visit to the Menengai Crater , the caldera just outside Nakuru town, which has incredible views over the landscape. The crater is the site of a Mau Mau Cave, where guerrilla soldiers camped out during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising in resistance to British colonial rule.

11. Lake Naivasha

Though not technically a national park, with its deep blue freshwater lake and nearby patchwork of waterfalls, gorges, acacia forests and extinct volcanoes, Lake Naivasha is one of the prettiest and most accessible areas near Nairobi. Hippos are at home in the high-altitude lake, which often has pelicans and other water birds nearby. On the banks, you’ll see small herds of zebra, buffalo and several species of antelope. It’s a top destination for birding, especially birds of prey.

The naturalist Joy Adamson lived on the shores of Lake Naivasha with her husband George, where together they raised the lion cub Elsa. The story became an award-winning book and film, Born Free . Their former home, Elsamere , is now a museum and conservation and field study center.

12. Lake Turkana National Parks

Three parks – Sibiloi National Park , the South Island and Central Island National Parks – make up the Unesco-listed Lake Turkana National Parks, surrounding the vivid greenish-blue Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake. This otherworldy region is ideal for the adventurous traveler: it’s hot, dry, windy, vast and volcanic.

Central Island consists of three active volcanoes and three crater lakes, where you’ll find the largest concentration of Nile crocodiles in the world, plus enormous Nile perch and tilapia fish. You should see a decent amount of game – such as zebras, hyenas, kudu – and if you’re lucky, lions, cheetahs and leopards. Volcanic ash covers South Island, which has become a breeding ground for more than 20 bird species and a large crocodile population.

Lake Turkana hosts one of Kenya’s biggest cultural festivals. The three-day Lake Turkana Festival in Loyangalani on the southeastern coast of the lake celebrates the heritage of the communities that live here, who fish in the Lake Turkana basin, and whose languages and cultures require the same preservation as the environment.

Lonely Planet contributor Helena Smith provided additional edits and fact-checking.

This article was first published Aug 12, 2022 and updated Apr 4, 2023.

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Nairobi National Park: The Complete Guide

Where to Camp

Where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit.

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Situated just 7 miles from the center of Kenya’s capital city , Nairobi National Park is a pretty special phenomenon. Where else can you view critically endangered rhinos against a backdrop of downtown skyscrapers, or spot giraffes from your window seat as you land at the city’s international airport? For those about to embark on a tour of Kenya’s more famous safari destinations (think Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and the mighty Maasai Mara), Nairobi National Park offers a worthwhile introduction to the country’s animal and birdlife. For those passing through the capital, the park is an opportunity to get a taste of the wild without ever leaving the city limits. 

Things to Do

Whether you choose to self-drive or join an organized tour, game drives are the main attraction of a visit to Nairobi National Park. Although the park is by no means the most authentic safari experience in Kenya, the juxtaposition of seeing wild animals in such an incongruously urban setting is a major draw for many visitors. Another highlight is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , whose orphanage for rescued elephants and rhinos is located inside the park. Founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in 1977, the charity welcomes members of the public for one hour in the morning every day to watch the babies being bathed and fed.

For the most part, visitors are prohibited from exiting their vehicles while inside the park—there could be a lion hanging out nearby, after all. However, there are a couple of marked spots where you can stretch your legs and walk around, including a scenic picnic area at Impala Observation Point for having lunch. One of the best walking trails takes you to the hippo pools, where the largest concentration of these aquatic herbivores can be found.

In 1989, former president Daniel Arap Moi ordered the burning of 12 tons of confiscated elephant ivory inside the park as a symbol of Kenya’s zero-tolerance policy on ivory trafficking. This event is commemorated by the Ivory Burning Site Monument and a must-see spot for conservationists.

With a total area of just over 45 square miles, Nairobi National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Africa and yet it supports an astonishing variety of wildlife. It is home to four of the Big Five animals (with elephants being the notable exception), including black and white rhino. It is one of the most successful rhino sanctuaries in Kenya and one of only a few places left in the world where visitors are virtually guaranteed a sighting of the critically endangered eastern black rhino. In addition to lion and leopard, the park’s predators include cheetah and hyena while herbivores range from the Maasai giraffe to Coke’s hartebeest, eland, waterbuck, and impala. 

Choosing the right safari tour operator isn't easy, especially since many local companies—which tend to be the cheapest —don't have websites. However, the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, or KATO , maintains a directory of reputable tour operators in the country, so start there. Another option is to simply arrive at the main gate of the national park where there are always tour guides waiting and available to hire for the day.

There are three public campsites within the park, all of which offer electricity, hot water showers, and communal kitchens. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one from the main gate.

For a camping experience that's a step up from just pitching a tent, the Nairobi Tented Camp is located within the park boundaries and is more of a "glamorous camping" experience. Located on the west side of the reserve, it includes nine luxurious permanent tents, all with en-suite bathrooms and solar lighting. Gourmet meals are served in the bush under the stars or in the dining tent, and water is heated over log fires.

Nairobi National Park is also conveniently close to the affluent suburbs of Langata and Karen, both of which offer a wide range of accommodation options ranging from comfortable guesthouses to five-star hotels.

• Giraffe Manor : For nature lovers, this guesthouse is located on the grounds of the Giraffe Centre in Langata. In addition to 12 double rooms outfitted in grand colonial style, this boutique option is made special by the Rothschild’s giraffes that roam freely around its grounds. Staying here also puts you within easy reach of other top Nairobi attractions .
• Palacina Residential Hotel : This family-run hotel is known just as much for its warm and friendly service as it is for its boutique vibe. It's located in the Kilimani neighborhood not far from the presidential residence, and just 20 minutes by car from the national park entrance gate.
• Emakoko : If you want an African bush experience in Nairobi, then Emakoko is about as close as you can get. This 10-room lodge is located on the southern edge of the national park and far away from the busy city center, so guests can fully disconnect and enjoy Nairobi's natural side.

Nairobi National Park is within Nairobi's city limits and just 6 miles from the city center. If you have access to a car or plan on hiring one, you can self-drive around Nairobi National Park. Otherwise, it’s possible to hire a six-seater Land Cruiser (complete with a driver and guide) from the main gate.

The cheapest way to experience the park is on the Kenya Wildlife Service shuttle safari . This passenger coach runs on weekends and public holidays and departs from Development House in the city center or from the main gate of the park.

It is also possible to get to the park using public transport : just hop on the bus—Matatu 125 or 126—from Nairobi Railway Station, both of which drop you at the main gate. The journey from the station takes around 35 minutes.

Nairobi National Park is mostly explored from the inside of a vehicle, making it accessible for most guests with mobility challenges. However, between the bumpy roads and frequent stops, be aware that a safari is much more physically demanding than just sitting in a car. Thankfully, there are multiple tour operators in Kenya that are fully dedicated to assisting travelers with disabilities, such as Go Africa Safaris or Spot Kenya Safaris . You can use them to answer questions about your upcoming trip or even to book a multiday safari around the entire country.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust inside the park, or the baby elephant nursery, is also accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. It's a short pathway from the parking lot to the center and even though it's a little bumpy, most wheelchair users shouldn't have a problem.

• Unless you know where you're going, entering the park with a tour guide is recommended. The guides communicate with each other about animal locations, giving visitors the best chance of seeing the animals that they're most interested in.
• Opt for a vehicle with an open roof for the best unobstructed views of what's around you.
• Travelers often focus solely on spotting lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards, but remember there are over 100 other mammals and 400 bird species that you can also see in the park.
• Animals are most active in the early morning and in the evening—especially the big cats. Aim to visit early in the day or late in the day for the best chance to see something exciting.
• The wet seasons are April to June and again from October to November. The roads can get difficult to navigate so hiring a guide is extra important, but there are also fewer crowds and gorgeous wildflowers in bloom.

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Genuine eco-tourism means tourism that has no negative impact on eco-systems, and positively contributes to the destination on a social and environmental level

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• Nairobi National Park
• Kws Parks/reserves /

“The World’s only Wildlife Capital”

A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.

• Park Activities

How to get there

Attractions.

• Park Entry Fees

Key features

Protected area type, what to take with you.

• Animals include buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, baboon, zebra, wildebeest and cheetah---100 mammal species.
• 400 migratory and endemic bird species.

Picnic Facilities For corporate events, bush dinners, weddings, picnics, team building sessions, video and film production

• King Fisher
• historic ivory burning site
• Drinking water, picnic items.
• Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a guidebook

• By Road : Distance: 10km South of Nairobi City Center
• By Air : Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airports
• The only Wildlife park in the world that is so close to the city
• Black rhinoceros :which is an endangered species
• The first park to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1946
• Major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks
• Diverse birdlife:Has over 400 bird species. At least 20 of which are seasonal European migrants.
• Home to over 100 mammal species, four of the Big Five (lion, Buffalo, leopard and  rhino)
• Has a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration
• Large predators- lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.
• Aggregations of large herbivores- eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest
• Ivory Burning Site Monument
• Walking trails at hippo pools
• Nairobi Safari Walk & the Orphanage.
• Spacious accommodating picnic sites

Park Entry Fee

* Kindly refer to the KWS Conservation Fees document below for other services and charges.

* Mode of Payment; Pay for your entry to any of our Parks or Reserves via eCitizen government platform.  

* Create a personal account on the eCitizen Government platform by visiting https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke and make park payments in advance for a fast and convenient park entry.

Park Resources

Phone:  0756-414573

KWS Reservations: [email protected]

Email : [email protected]

Postal Address:

Nairobi National Park,

The Warden,

P.O. Box 42076-00100,

+256-756-561-683 [email protected] +254-759-588-041

Amboseli National Park

Welcome to amboseli national park kenya.

Amboseli National park is one of the top Kenya safari national parks that is known for having big herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro . The park covers an are of about 392 square kilometers and the vegetation of this park is dominated by acacia woodland, rocky thorny bushes, swamps marshland and a Pleistocene lake known as Lake Amboseli . 

Discover Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Safaris

Accommodation

Best Time to Go

Entrance Fees

Tour Operators

Wildlife Species

Amboseli national park kenya.

Amboseli park Kenya is one of the premium national parks that is located in the Southern part of the country bordering Tanzania. The park is also close to the famous Mt Kilimanjaro which is the highest peak in Africa. The park is one of the close protected areas to the capital city Nairobi, It hosts the largest population of African Elephants in entire Kenya. The park is endorsed by a wide range of tourist attractions and this has made the park one of the most popular national parks not only in Kenya but entire Africa. Visiting Kenya f or wildlife game minus reaching Amboseli is more of incomplete.  

The park was established in 1974 as a national park. It has a great history as one of the oldest protected areas in Kenya which were first established as a game reserve in 1906 before it was upgraded to the status of the national park. It was later in 1991 that the park was declared UNESCO world heritage site so as to protect, preserve and conserve the different unique species at the park. 

Due to a wide range of inhabitants that cover the park, it has opened a wide gate for the different animal species at the park. The scenic views of the mountain Kilimanjaro is one of the added advantages the park has capitalized for its popularity. Its such a small protected area covering only 392 square kilometers this makes it easily exploited within one-day safari even.  

Location and accessibility of Amboseli national park Kenya

Amboseli national park is found 365 kilometers or 226 miles southeast of Nairobi. The park can be reached within 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Nairobi. Amboseli is located in Kajiado County in the South of Kenya . Its found in the Northwest part of Mount Kilimanjaro which is found in Tanzania. The park can be accessed through two different routes though all originating from Nairobi. You can access it through Nairobi –Mombasa road. If you’re in the South in the coastal area of Mombasa, Tsavo West national park or Tsavo East National park it is about 460 kilometers entering through Kimana Gate. 

How to access Amboseli national park Kenya

By road:   The park can be accessed from both Nairobi in the North and Mombasa in the south along the coastal area. If you are from Nairobi there are two main routes which can be used to access the park. All these routes are in good condition hence making it first and easy to reach to the park. You will access the park is through Nairobi via Namanga on Nairobi-Arusha road. This route is the shortest route that we mostly ose for a day trips to the park entering through the Meshanani Gate. The other route which is short is using Nairobi- Mombasa road via Emali. You can enter the park from the South through Kimana in Olkelunyiet Gate.

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• 5 days Kenya Elephant Safari
• 7 days Kenya wildlife safari
• 2 Days Maasai Mara Safari From Mombasa
• 7 Days Amboseli and Masai Mara safari
• 3 Days Tsavo East Safari
• Shimba Hills National Reserve
•  Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
• Arabuko Sokoke forest national reserve
• South Kitui National reserve
• Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

By Air:  The park has one airstrip along the Empuseli that is used by small aircrafts inside the park. The driver guide will pick you at the airstrip. 

The different Amboseli national park Kenya activities are based on the wide range of attractions that are found at the park. The park activities are the ways the guests can fully exploring the best of the park through doing some or all the activities at the park depending on your budget and planned length of stay at the park. Below are the key attractions that highlight the scenic views of the Amboseli national park.

Activities and Attractitons in Amboseli

• Sinet delta:  The delta is located just a few meters away from the famous Observation Hill in the North. This is the birding paradise where birders experience. The place is bush mostly dominated by Acacia that attracts more giraffes in this area. Its also a good viewing point for Mt Kilimanjaro the African highest peak.
• Observation Hill:  Got its name from the act whereby the pyramid-shaped hill is used for the aerial and observation. Its spotting place for wildlife. This is where walking safaris are done in Amboseli national park, the summit allows you to have a great observation of the park. 
• Birds:  Amboseli national park Kenya is gifted with over 420 bird species. Birding is one of the best activities that is done in the Amboseli rainy season. Birding is done from March to May and also around November. These are rainy months of the year in Kenya. The birds are breeding during the rainy season and park also receives more migratory birds across the world. Birds spotted include Hartlaub’s bustard, von der decken’s hornbill, Famlingo, Egrets, Pelicans, Herons, Crowned cranes, pamgani longclaw, steel-blue whydah Secretary birds, Love birds, Starlings, Ostriches, White-bellied go way bird and many more.
• Mammals:  The Amboseli national park Kenya is a home of different mammal species especially the African Elephants, lions, leopards, Buffalo, Giraffes, Wildebeests, Hyenas, Gazelles, Topis, Dikdik, Kudu, Oribi, African wild dogs, Foxes, Hippos, Giraffes, zebras mention but a few. The park is famous of its great population of mammals that are easily seen roaming freely in the wilderness. Game viewing is best done throughout the year though the most preferred time is during the dry season of the year.  
• Lake Amboseli:  This is part of the park where the park got its name from. The attraction is where the boat cruise is done and great game viewing. The lake is a source of water to the wildlife at the park not only for drinking but for great cooling of the body for the big animals at the park. The shower of the lake is a home for the different swamp bird species that are found at this park.

Activities in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli national park Kenya is one of the dream destinations for more travellers. The park can be visited any time of the year providing you a great experience of game viewing . For general activities at Amboseli national park Kenya please visit our blog section on Amboseli national park activities 

Some of the key activities include:

• Boat cruise
• Game viewing 
• Walking safaris
• Hiking and many more

Our experienced product managers have developed different products for travellers who wish to go to Amboseli National park for a safari. Check more details on the itineraries available or send us your inquiry and our team will respond to you as soon as possible.

AMBOSELI SAFARI KENYA

Amboseli safaris is one of the top tourist Kenya Destinations because of its outstanding variety of wildlife, beautiful land scape and cultural activities making it to rank one of the finest untouched safari for anyone who is interested in a real adventure. Above all is among the country’s most famous game park located close to Tanzania border at the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain popularly known as Mount Kilimanjaro . The park is a premium safari destination because of being the best place in the world to get close to free range of African Elephants and it’s great location that rewards with scenic beauty of landscape dominated by a wide range of attractions .Amboseli national park is truly attractive safari destination to go to leave alone of hosting the largest population of elephants but  also offers rewardable spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest free-standing gorgeous mountain in the world. However, Amboseli offers lots of tourist’s attractions to travelers who love to discover more about African natural beauty and when it comes to wildlife species just reach Amboseli a game worth a visit.

The park is located is the southern part of Kenya in Kajiado country, it covers an area of about 392square kilometers of its low land at the core of the ecosystem that spreads across the Tanzania borders. It is also surrounded by the local people known as the ‘’maasai’’ and the other side of the country agriculture is being carried out along the swampy area which acts as a tourist attraction to tourist-driven economy. Amboseli has got two protective swamps which includes a dried up Pleistocene lake and green semiarid vegetation which are habitat to diversity of wild animals thus making it one of the best places in Africa to experience wildlife viewing and with more than 420 bird species can be spotted here such as water species like crakes, hamerkop, kingfishers and 47 of them are raptors among other species to be encountered.

Despite the fact that, Amboseli park Kenya is the second top tourist national park in Kenya after Maasai Mara National Reserve and this is because of high concentration of wildlife species in the park. The word Amboseli comes from Maasai language meaning ‘’Salty dust’ ’Come discover the one of the Africa’s most beautiful untouched safari destination in the heart of Africa.

According to its history before even being established as a game reserve, there was a first European to penetrate the maasai region in a year of 1883 famously known as Jeremy Thompson who got attracted by the thrilled array of wildlife in the contrast between the semiarid areas and swampy areas which persists till today. Time came in 1906 the area was set aside as the southern Reserve for the maasai and later in 1948 it was returned to local control as a game reserve. Finally, in 1974 the park was established as a national park to protect the biodiversity of species and this unique ecosystem. After all that has happened it was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991 and is being managed by ‘’KWS’’ Kenya wildlife service body.

Perhaps, Amboseli is one of best place in the world where you can carry out elephant research plus other documentaries. And since it sits in the shadow of the majestically looming Mount Kilimanjaro with scenic view of its beauty, it has totally made it a famous safari destination in the world.

Wildlife Safari in Amboseli National park

Amboseli park Kenya harbors with big five and other species which include; Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, African Elephants, blue wildebeests, Topis, Hyenas, Topis, Gazelles, Kudu, oribis, African wild dogs, impala, Giant’s zebras mentioned but a few. The park is famous of boosting with great number of mammals that are easily seen roaming freely in the park’s vegetation.

Location of Amboseli National Park

First all, Amboseli national park has got several gates that allows travelers to access inside the park and these include; the Iremito gate, Airstrip gate, Kulinyiet gate, Meshanani gate and Kitirua gate.

The National park is approximately 240 kilometers way from southeast of Nairobi. Taking 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Nairobi the main city of Kenya . The park can be accessed through two different routes starting from Nairobi, you can reach the park through Nairobi –Mombasa road, still you can access it in the south coastal area of Mombasa Road passing via Tsavo West and Tsavo East National park covering a distance of 460 kilometers to access the park through Kimana Gate which takes 8 hours.

Accessibility to Amboseli National park

All roads to Amboseli have a loose surface of volcanic soil which is dusty in the dry season of the year and during wet seasons roads can be impassable.

Getting to Meshanani gate from Nairobi will take you about 3hours by road.

Traveler can use Mombasa road passing via a small town of Emali by car and it covers a driving distance of 228 kilometers.

Note, road transport is absolutely rewarding with great scenic view of Kenya’s country side with most spectacular sceneries in the world.

Amboseli has one Airstrip at Empuseli gate known as Amboseli Airport. Other Airstrips are found at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.

In this case of transport means we advise our guests to always get in touch with recognized tour operator who are knowledgeable in organizing the pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport and drives you to the park’s lodge or book for you a charter or scheduled flight to Amboseli Airport. If you don’t hesitate you can contact Focus East Africa Tours a trustworthy safari company to arrange for you all the reservation booking /tour packages to Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli national park has got stunning tourist attractions and activities that can be explored by the travelers on their visit to the park as follow.

Attractions in Amboseli National Park

The large herds of elephants which have popularly sold Kenya tourism hub worldwide. Amboseli has become the world’s site for an elephant research projects.

Mount Kilimanjaro-Come visit the highest mountain in Africa with its rewardable scenic view of its beauty.

Big Five-This is truly a jungle of African wilderness where you can meet all the big cats such as Lions, leopards, African cape buffaloes, African elephants and Black Rhinos.

Observation Hill-This is a pyramid shaped hill a great place for spotting wildlife species most especially on walking safari where you can stand at the summit and have a gainful observation of the park’s species such as herds of elephants, buffalos, hippos as well as swamps.

Bird Life-Amboseli national park is truly a birding safari destination gifted with over 420 bird species. This is one of the most done activities in the Amboseli and best done in rainy season when the migratory bird species are present in the park on their breeding. Birds to be spotted include; Egrets, pelicans, Herons, steel-blue whydah secretary birds, love birds, Starlings, Ostriches, White-bellied go way bird, Hartlaub’s bustard, Von der decken’s hornbill, Flamingo, peacocks, Grey crown cranes, African fish Eagle, Marabou stork falcon and many more.

The contemporary Maasai culture and their unique indigenous lifestyle.

Lake Amboseli-This lake also attracts many wildlife species which can be seen on your game drive viewing and its where the name Amboseli was derived from. Travelers can enjoy a boat cruise along this lake as they enjoy great sight-seeing of different swamp bird species around the lake shower.

Mammals-Amboseli national park has got unmatched biodiversity species more especially the African Elephants, leopards, lions, Oribis, Buffaloes, Giraffes, African wild dog, Foxes, Hippos, Zebras, Dik dik, Kudu, Hyenas, Wildebeests many more.

Game viewing

Game viewing is the best-done activity in Amboseli national park which can be conducted in open plains, acacia woodlands, rocky thorn bush in 4×4 wheel driving vehicle or private car. Game drive in Amboseli is so rewarding to experience as you can be able to adventure large herds of elephants grazing on open plains with other wildlife species that roam on park’s promises such as Thomson’s, Grants, gazelles, Hippopotamus, jackals, lions, fringed eared, aardwolf, zebras, waterbucks, serval cats among others. The best game viewing time is early morning hours and evening hours when animals are still active. Visit Amboseli national park on game drive viewing and have a perfect viewing of the largest herds of Elephants on planet as they walk across the Amboseli open plains besides a solitary trees.

Amboseli national park also sounds as one of the best Kenya’s birding safari destination and a rewardable place to view unique variety of bird species, you’re advised to carry pair of binoculars on your birding safari to Amboseli. Birds to be spotted include; pangani long claw ,African swamp hen ,Hartlaub’s bustard ,Rufous chatterer ,Spike-heeled heron,Tavete golden weaver ,vonder Dicken’s horn bills ,Common redshank mentioned but few .Best time to do bird watching in Amboseli national park is rainy season when the migratory birds are in the park which starts  arriving from the month of  May to June and October to December .Remember to carry a pair of binocular in order to have a clear view of bird species on far distance. 

Nature Photography

Amboseli lies in the shadow of majestically mountain Kilimanjaro which is a snow capped mountain offering a perfect nature photography to visitors as you listen to the roar of lions and lightning speed of cheetahs in the bush hunting. Absolutely a place worth a visit.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

On your safari to Amboseli it is very possible to tour the entire park in hot air balloon as you can be able to fly over the beautiful skies of Amboseli as you enjoy the spectacular aerial viewing of large herds of elephants, buffaloes, beautiful plains as well as birds of the air like eagles.

Culture encounter/Visit Maasai people

On your safari to Amboseli national park have a great chance of meeting Maasai people and visit their home villages which is quite amazing. As you get to learn about their interesting life style such as their traditional dances, you will be able to see Maasai people carrying spears as you get amazed to their bright ‘’shukas’’ traditional wear, you can as well engage in re-afforestation by planting seeds with them. Visit a true African traditional culture which has not been affected by modernized life on African continent.

Guided nature walk can be conducted in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

Accommodations in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli accommodations range from high end to budget with comfortable facilities, amenities offering full service bathroom, Wi-Fi, pools, on site restaurant and very many other amenities. Each accommodation facilities provides with a rewardable spectacular view of the ice capped Mount Kilimanjaro, beautiful scenery of park’s land scape, close sighting of wildlife species and many more.

Note that, some of these luxury hotels in Amboseli have nice amenities you might find in a hotel in the City but with great views.

Below are some o f the accommodation facilities that caters for travelers stay at Amboseli national park and some of popular lodges include;

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is a luxury hotel which sits in Amboseli and provides with suitable facilities like free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and bar, restaurant, Airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi. It is a 4star hotel with a shared lounge suitable for traveler’s stay. Absolutely a nice place to stay in on visit to Amboseli with spectacular viewing of the highest ice-capped Mountain Kilimanjaro and the nature photography of its beauty is quite rewarding along here.

Tawi Lodge Amboseli

Tawi Lodge is located in Amboseli with fully equipped private bathroom with hairdryer, hot tub. Provides suitable facilities such as outdoor pool, garden, bar, a concierge service, restaurant, free Wi-Fi and children play group. At your stay to Tawi lodge you can enjoy African wilderness with gainful sights of species.

Tortilis Safari Camp Amboseli

This is a safari camp which offers to travelers with closeness of the nature itself and it was set against the back drop of Mount Kilimanjaro. They also offer picnic breakfast in the Amboseli wilderness.

Satao Elerai Amboseli

This lodge is in excellent location offering incredible overlooking of wilderness with multiple elephants, giraffes, zebras visiting the water hole. It offers nice facilities like outdoor pool, beautiful garden, free Wi-Fi, free parking, professional chefs and many more. The location provides with break taking views of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Sentrim Amboseli Lodge

This accommodation has great location of its beauty set inside Amboseli with comfortable amenities and facilities such as a 24 –hour front desk, nice restaurant, garden, stocked bar, outdoor pool as well as children playground. It also offers outstanding private bathrooms each with shower and hairdryer. They have a nice welcoming staff.

AA Lodge Amboseli

This is one of the luxurious lodges in Amboseli national park, offering variety of accommodation options such as superior rooms cottages and tents. It has a terrace overlooking the swimming pool where guests can enjoy their meals from, children entertainment hall and available conference hall making the lodge best for business travelers and the place is truly rewarding with great view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Kibo Safari Camp Amboseli

This safari camp has a great location with fantastic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, located in Amboseli provides nice accommodation amenities like an outdoor pool, a garden, stocked bar, complimentary Wi-Fi and rewardable balcony. This is highly a recommended place to stay with rewardable back drop of Kilimanjaro.

OI Tukai Lodge Amboseli

Oi Tukai lodge is situated in the heart of the park offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is well-appointed and furnished with nice pool, restaurant, guest lounge and all rooms have mosquito nets, fans with comfortable view of herds of elephants in their own terrace.

Weather and climates

Despite the fact that, the national park sits on suitable weather condition varies with average day time temperature of about 28 degrees Celsius while at night the temperature can lower at around 15 degrees Celsius. The temperature usually pick towards the end of the rainy season which starts from October to May and things can cool down a little in the dry season which happens in June to September.

Best Time to Visit Amboseli National park

Amboseli National Park is all year visited destination, though a few months of the year can experience heavy rains in April and May and does not take the shine from Amboseli. The best wildlife viewing in Amboseli National Park Kenya is in dry season which starts from late June to December and from January to March.

Visit Amboseli National Park Kenya’s most popular national park after Maasai Mara National park and call it a worth a visit in a break taking place to visit in the heart of Africa, absolutely Kenya is a great country very one would desire to go to and experience the most spectacular sceneries in the world in its peaceful nature.

Nairobi, Kenya - 5 Places to See if an African Safari is on your Travel Bucket List

W ith a mix of ethnicities and nationalities worldwide, Nairobi , the capital city of Kenya, warmly embraces all her visitors and works to make you at home quickly. Yet despite having a space for everyone who visits, Nairobi still sets itself apart and offers a unique vacation to all its visitors.

If an authentic safari experience is on your bucket list, Nairobi is definitely worth considering. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip to Kenya.

The Nairobi Culture

Nairobi is a busy city just like any other city in the world. The streets are bustling as ever and there are tons of places to visit and see. As a Nairobian tourist, it would help to learn a few Swahili words. “ Hujambo ” for greeting or “ Habari yako ”, “ Karibu ” for “welcome”, “ asante ” means “thank you”, “ pole ” means “sorry”, and “ tafadhali ” means “please”. See the incredible thing about Nairobi, nobody expects a foreigner to be fluent in Swahili. Throw in one of the above words and continue your speech in English and that’s more than enough.

Beyond language, politeness is paramount in Nairobi. Tip your servers in the restaurants when you can. Always start all your conversations with greetings and don’t leave too many leftovers . Wasting food is looked down upon in Kenyan culture.

There is no strict dress code in Nairobi, much less for a visitor. Fridays in Nairobi are spent socializing in malls, bars, clubs, and or at restaurants for tea or coffee. If you want a never-ending nightlife, find your way to the Westlands . Indulge in some club-hopping before you retire for the night.

Things To Do In Nairobi

1. visit nairobi national park.

About an hour from the city center, you will find Nairobi National Park. Enjoy an authentic safari experience in the savannah grassland in a park teeming with lions, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, and buffalo. The only animals you won’t find here are elephants. It’s an incredible sight to watch the wildlife in their natural habitat with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.

In addition to Nairobi National Park, the city has many animal sanctuaries in the region that are open to the public. Many endangered species of animals like Sokoke cats, buffalos, ostriches, flamingos , hyenas, blue wildebeest, rhinos, hartebeest, waterbuck, common warthog, and black-backed jackal can be seen – both at the sanctuaries and on safari excursions. In addition to endangered animals, some sanctuaries house endangered plants.

2. Explore Maasai Market

Immerse yourself in Maasai culture at this incredible market that changes its location every day of the week. This is in keeping with the Maasai nomadic culture. This market is a must-visit as part of the Nairobi experience. Stroll through the market and experience vibrant colors in beadwork, woven shukas, and house ornaments all handcrafted by the Maasai people.

3. Visit Nairobi National Museum

Enjoyed even by non-museum fans, the Nairobi National Museum is an excellent showcase of Kenya’s history. Located within the city, the museum is a popular destination and easily accessible. Besides Kenya’s history, the museum also takes you through a journey of human ancestors. Explore the snake park within the museum and the beautiful botanical garden.

4. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Located right next to the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the animal sanctuaries that will be the highlight of your trip to Nairobi. Here you will find the most adorable baby elephants. Watch as their caretakers bring them out, feed them, and play with them. Your heart will melt at the bonds between these baby elephants and their caretakers.

5. Have breakfast at the Giraffe Manor

Can you imagine having breakfast while petting and feeding giraffes? The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is home to the critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Founded in 1979, this sanctuary is one of Nairobi’s greatest gems. Meet and learn the names of the welcoming giraffes and take as many pictures as possible with these lovely creatures.

Kenyan Food You Gotta Try

Kenyan cuisine is inspired by over 44 tribes in the country of Kenya. Over time, these meals have made their way through the country and have become staples in households everywhere.

Foodies will find a haven in Nairobi as it offers dishes from just about every part of the world. From delectable and spicy Mexican dishes to creamy pasta, Kenyan dishes have made a name for themselves and serve as part and parcel of a Nairobi experience.

Sample Ugali , a meal made by adding maize flour to boiling water until it hardens. It pairs well with stews and vegetables, especially collard greens Kenyans love to call Sukuma Wiki (push the week). Ask for Pilau , a delicious traditional cinnamon, ginger, and garlic. Try chapati , a Kenyan flatbread inspired by the Indian naan. Vegans will love Kenyan cuisine for dishes such as githeri (a mix of maize and bean), mokimo (pounded potatoes, maize, and greens), matoke (cooked green bananas), and Maandazi , a sweet treat made with leavened flour.

Safety Tips

As with any big city, Nairobi has its fair share of security issues. Here are some tips to keep you safe as you visit:

• Always keep your valuables close to you. Whether it’s your handbag, backpack, or wallet, make sure it is well-kept. There are pickpockets and tourists can make for an easy target.
• Don’t walk alone at night – for the most part, Nairobi taxis are pretty safe. When you are out at night, it is safer in a taxi or any vehicle than walking alone. For more safety, you can use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to navigate your way through the city.
• Do a bit of research about Nairobi before arrival. This will familiarize you with the city, which should make your exploration much safer.
• Stay connected and reachable at all times. Stay online and inform your loved ones of your itinerary and whereabouts every day. Buy a local SIM card for your phone to ensure you have a reliable connection throughout your stay.

A Bucket List City

Boasting as the only city in the world with a national park within its confines, Nairobi is a mix of raw untamed wilderness and vast urban sprawl. Whether you decide to spend your days in Nairobi exploring wildlife in the national park and sanctuaries or embark on a museum blitz around the city, your stay in Nairobi is bound to be unforgettable.

Hujambo na karibu katika jiji la Nairobi!

Written by Sharon O. – a proud resident of Kenya.

Photo credit: Nairobi National Park