Kenya National Parks and Reserves

Kenya is widely known for its many national parks and reserves. A high number of tourists who flood the country every year come for the purpose of wildlife viewing in these parks and reserves. We take a look at some of the National Parks and Reserves Kenya boasts of.

1.    The Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National reserve is known worldwide for the famous wildebeest migration that takes place each year. It is the most visited of all the parks and reserves in Kenya. It is also home to other animals like hippos, buffaloes, lions and over 500 bird species. The best time to visit this reserve is between July and October to be in time for the wildebeest migration which is a spectacular occurrence.

2.    Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is located in Northern Kenya which is mainly composed of dry land. Wild animals flock Ewaso Ngiro River which runs through the reserve. Samburu National Reserve is home to animals like Nile crocodiles, zebras, giraffes and the blue-legged ostriches. The reserve is bordered by Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves which are smaller in size. The best time to visit is between June and October.

3.    Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National park is located in Central Kenya. It is famous for being home to the bongo antelope, the black leopard and rare rhino species. The park also has thick green forests and breathtaking waterfalls. The best time to visit the park is between May and October.

4.    Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park named after the famous Mount Kenya is located in Eastern Kenya. The mountain is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. The park is a habitat for animals like elephants, antelopes and birds species. It has beautiful water springs and green forests. Mount Kenya National Park is also a good spot for guided mountain climbing and cycling. The best time to visit is in January and February and between July and October.

5.    Lake Nakuru National Park

Also known as ‘the greatest bird spectacle on earth’, Lake Nakuru is located in Rift Valley Kenya. The Park is famous for being home to millions of flamingoes which flock around the lake. Other than the flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to several other bird species, giraffes, the white rhino and warthogs among others. The park is accessible all year round.

6.    Amboseli National Park

Near the Kenya-Tanzania border is Amboseli National Park that offers a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The park is famous for its more than 400 bird species and wide variety of animals like cheetahs, leopards and elephants among others. The best time to visit the park is between June and October.

7.    Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park which is made up of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks is the largest park in Kenya. The park has a wide variety of animals ranging from elephants to giraffes. The best time to visit the park is between May and October.

8.    Nairobi National Park

This is a small National Park located at a 10 minutes’ drive away from the heart of Nairobi city. It has a sanctuary for the black rhino and is known to experience its own wildebeest migration. Due to its location, Nairobi National Park is suitable to visit all year round.