Kenya offers some of the world’s best safari destinations. National parks and reserves across the country provide fantastic opportunities to see wildlife up close.
You can spot animals in their natural habitats like elephants, giraffes, lions, and wildebeest. There is also a spectacular variety of birds and plant species.
With so many amazing safari destinations in Kenya, it can be difficult to choose. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of our top choices.
But before you start packing, be sure to check the visa requirements for Kenya. Luckily the Kenya visa application for Canadians is online so it’s really quick and convenient.
When To Go
Safari in Kenya is an experience like no other. When it comes to organizing the perfect trip, timing is everything. The best time to go is generally considered to be from June to October. In June everything is green, and the abundance of vegetation allows for excellent game viewing opportunities. It’s also the best time of year to see the wildebeest migration.
November sees some rain fall but these are rarely heavy so it’s still a good time to visit. Christmas is another popular time for tourists, book in advance if you’re considering a festive safari!
The rainy season runs from March through May. This is generally considered low season for visiting Kenya’s national parks. However, there are still some great opportunities to see wildlife up close and prices are lower.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. It is located in Kajiado South Constituency of Kajiado County.
Amboseli’s landscape is characterized by the contrast between its swamps and the acacia woodland that gives way to Maasai grazing lands. Amboseli National Park is famous for its herds of African elephants, over 1,500 elephants call the park home.
One of the main attractions of this region is undoubtedly Mount Kilimanjaro. This snow-capped peak can be seen from anywhere within Amboseli National Park. If you’re a keen photographer, this is the place to capture that iconic shot.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is another very popular park in Kenya. There are so many different types of animals that live here: lions, leopards, cheetahs…even rhinos! It’s also home to thousands of zebras and giraffes – so make sure your camera battery has enough juice!
The Mara River runs through this reserve which means there are opportunities for boat rides too. This is another great spot for walking safaris. You could also try horseback riding through some nearby villages where people live according to traditional ways – maybe even learning some skills from them along the way!
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is located less than 10 km from central Nairobi. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya boasting over 500 species of birds and more than 100 mammal species within the park boundaries. Nairobi National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe nature without having to travel far from Nairobi city centre.
Animals to see in Nairobi National Park include lions, giraffes, elephants, and rhinos among others. There are several different types of safaris available at Nairobi National Park including night drives, day drives, and walking safaris.
Tsavo East & West
Tsavo East is home to a large number of elephants. The park also features other animals, including giraffes, zebras, and lions. You can go on safari here or just enjoy its natural beauty by hiking its many trails.
Tsavo West features large plains, riverine forest, and savannah grassland. Visitors can see elephants, lions, and zebras while they are visiting this park. The Tsavo is particularly famous for its large elephants and big tuskers. Every year, thousands of visitors come to this park just to watch these creatures in their natural habitat.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is in Rift Valley Province. The park is home to black rhinos, white rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and zebras. Lake Nakuru has many other attractions including buffalos, antelopes, and over 300 species of birds that can be seen from the boat cruise around the lake.
The park is also famous for its flamingos, which can be seen here in large numbers. The park has a boardwalk that allows visitors to get close to the flamingos. Other attractions include hides for watching elephants.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river. It is just over the river from Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The park is home to many species of wildlife and has a variety of habitats including grasslands and woodlands.
Some of the animals you may encounter on your safari in Samburu include lions, cheetahs, leopards, and over 350 species of birds. A fantastic addition to your Kenya safari bucket list.
Get Packing!
These are just some of the best places to go on safari in Kenya. There are many more national parks and reserves to explore, which offer different landscapes and wildlife. So, pack your camera, your binoculars, and get ready for your Kenyan adventure!
