Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park offers stunning views of the tallest mountain in Africa.
Apart from the views, Amboseli is also known for being home to large herds of elephants that gracefully wander across the vast plains of the park. Other members of the Big Five and species such as hyenas, gazelles, wildebeest, and kudus can also be spotted roaming freely in the park’s vegetation.
List Of Best Safari Locations In Kenya
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Kenya is a jewel offering some of the most breathtaking and diverse wildlife experiences, leaving tourists spellbound. Unsurprisingly, it is the birthplace of the safari and was the first country to come up with the concept of the Big 5 animals. Whether it’s the big cats you want to see in their natural habitat or the numerous unique endangered species, this mesmerizing land promises a captivating wildlife experience.
Are you ready to go? Read our guide to the best safari locations in Kenya and get to experience the best this East African country has to offer.
Why Go on Safari in Kenya?
Kenya is a great place for first-time safari-goers for many reasons. First of all, Kenya is home to one of the largest international airports in Africa, meaning access to the country is easy and doesn’t involve excessive flights. For example, you can fly directly from London and Amsterdam.
Secondly, Kenya is home to some of the best wildlife reserves in the world. It houses the famous Masai Mara, which features in countless wildlife documentaries and in the summer is the backdrop to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth – the crossing of millions of wildebeest across the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Additionally, journeying between the different parks and reserves is relatively easy. The distance between them isn’t too great (for example, Tsavo West is just a couple of hours from Amboseli), and if driving for several hours between parks doesn’t sound appealing, all parks are linked up via airstrips.
In terms of wildlife, Kenya has it all. Across its national parks, you can find all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo) as well as a myriad of other wonderful creatures.
How to Book Your Kenya Safari
Without a doubt, the most popular and easiest way to go on safari in Kenya is to book your trip with a local tour operator. Local operators will typically take care of everything apart from your international flights. This means they will book your hotels, arrange for all meals, pay for safari permits, and provide the vehicle, driver guide, and fuel for your safari.
List Of Best Safari Locations In Kenya
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
The famous Masai Mara National Reserve is not just an ordinary place, it’s a safari paradise. Masai Mara is the place to experience the best that the Wild has to offer. It is home to the greatest population of large animals on the planet, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo).
One of Masai Mara’s leading attractions is the wildebeest migration, which takes place between June and October. This renowned annual phenomenon, the Great Migration, sees millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in southern Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The country’s semi-nomadic Maasai communities and their time-honored warrior traditions are another source of fascination. Visitors can support community-powered tourism by visiting the private reserves surrounding the Mara, which are leased to different safari companies. A guided bush walk with a Maasai warrior will let you experience this culture’s deep connection with the land.
Apart from game viewing, the Mara is also a leading destination for bird watchers as it is home to over 500 species of birds.
Tour Highlights:
Authentic yet comfortable & luxurious accommodation throughout- See the Great Wildebeest Migration (in season)
- Cultural visit to a Maasai village & bush walks with Maasai warriors
- See the Big 5 (lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard)
- Stay in private conservancies for an exclusive & private safari experience
- Game drives, night drives & nature walks with Maasai guides
- Optional hot-air balloon safari
2. Amboseli National Park
Tour Highlights:
- Stay at award-winning tented camps that blend authentic safari accommodation with modern luxury
- Cultural experiences with the traditional Maasai tribe
- Stunning views in untouched natural landscapes
- Visit the Amboseli Elephant Research Project
3. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve sits on a 165 square kilometer piece of land in the arid parts of northern Kenya. This unique ecosystem sits on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and boasts a remarkable array of wildlife, making it one of the best safari locations in Kenya.
Samburu is home to around 900 elephants, reticulated giraffes as well as large predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This protected area is also an ideal choice for bird lovers as more than 450 bird species have been recorded here.
Samburu is home to around 900 elephants, reticulated giraffes as well as large predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This protected area is also an ideal choice for bird lovers as more than 450 bird species have been recorded here.
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Tour Highlights:
- Stay at award-winning tented camps that blend authentic safari accommodation with modern luxury
- Cultural experiences with the traditional Maasai tribe
- Stunning views in untouched natural landscapes
- Visit the Amboseli Elephant Research Project
4. Tsavo National Park
Located between Nairobi City and Mombasa County, Tsavo National Park is a popular tourist hub in Kenya known for offering tourists unforgettable experiences. It is one of the best safari locations in Kenya.Tsavo, which was opened in April 1948, is made up of two parks:
Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. The two are separated from each other by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and boast plenty of wildlife, including the Big Five, bush baby, Masai giraffe, and hartebeest.
Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. The two are separated from each other by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and boast plenty of wildlife, including the Big Five, bush baby, Masai giraffe, and hartebeest.
Tour Highlights:
- Exceptional Big 5 game viewing throughout
- Stay in luxury safari accommodation throughout
- Optional spa treatments, helicopter flips & hot-air balloon safaris
- Breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park may not be as famous as Masai Mara and Amboseli, but it is truly a destination worth visiting. Located deep into the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the park sits on a 68 square kilometer piece of land. But don’t let the small size fool you, as the park has plenty to offer across all markets and ages.
Hell’s Gate is characterized by geological rock formations and diverse topography, making it a go-to place for hikers and nature lovers. The park boasts well-maintained roads and sprawling grasslands which are home to zebras, leopards, buffalo, gazelles, and giraffes, among others. Also, the park has over 103 species of birds, making it an ideal place for bird lovers.
Hell’s Gate is characterized by geological rock formations and diverse topography, making it a go-to place for hikers and nature lovers. The park boasts well-maintained roads and sprawling grasslands which are home to zebras, leopards, buffalo, gazelles, and giraffes, among others. Also, the park has over 103 species of birds, making it an ideal place for bird lovers.
Tour Highlights:
- Hike or bike through scenic routes with views of geological formations and wildlife
- Explore the Hell’s Gate Gorge and geothermal features
- Spot zebras, giraffes, buffalo, gazelles, leopards, and more
- Climbing adventure at Fischer's Tower
- Camping at well-equipped campsites
- Visit the Maasai Cultural Center for an immersive cultural experience
- Ideal destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts
6. Lake Nakuru National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the top destinations in Kenya for anyone looking to have an unforgettable experience in the East African country. It is located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley in the central part of Kenya and is characterized by beautiful scenery.
Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for being a paradise for birdwatchers because of the various bird species that can be seen here. The park is most famous for the hundreds of thousands of flamingos that live on the shores of Lake Nakuru, making it look pink. It has over 400 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, Long-tailed widowbird, Montane White-eye, Shining sunbird, Northern puffback, and many more.
Besides birding, Lake Nakuru National Park is also an ideal destination for game viewing as it is home to different game species such as lions, leopards, waterbucks, black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and many more. The park is also a good choice for hikers as there are plenty of hiking spots within the park.
So yeah, you should try and squeeze a trip to the famous Nakuru National Park.
Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for being a paradise for birdwatchers because of the various bird species that can be seen here. The park is most famous for the hundreds of thousands of flamingos that live on the shores of Lake Nakuru, making it look pink. It has over 400 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, Long-tailed widowbird, Montane White-eye, Shining sunbird, Northern puffback, and many more.
Besides birding, Lake Nakuru National Park is also an ideal destination for game viewing as it is home to different game species such as lions, leopards, waterbucks, black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and many more. The park is also a good choice for hikers as there are plenty of hiking spots within the park.
So yeah, you should try and squeeze a trip to the famous Nakuru National Park.
Tour Highlights:
- See the iconic flamingo populations along the shores of Lake Nakuru
- Explore over 400 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle and Montane White-eye
- Spot the Big Five and other wildlife such as black rhinos, lions, leopards, and Rothschild giraffes
- Spot the Big Five and other wildlife such as black rhinos, lions, leopards, and Rothschild giraffes
- Camping at well-equipped campsites
- Scenic views of the lake and surrounding terrain from multiple vantage points
- Engage in both game drives and walking safaris for a complete experience
7. Meru National Park
Meru National Park is one of the best safari locations in Kenya. The park was at one point among the most visited destinations in Kenya, but the instability experienced in the country during the 1980s turned it into a hotbed of poaching.
Even though Kenya regained its stability and poaching was controlled in the park, it is yet to regain its glory days. Nevertheless, it is still a fantastic destination with a significant wildlife population for game viewing.
Meru National Park, which sits on 870 square kilometers piece of land, is home to the Big Five and other well-known savannah species. A visit to this park also guarantees tourists sights of hippopotamus and crocodiles.
Even though Kenya regained its stability and poaching was controlled in the park, it is yet to regain its glory days. Nevertheless, it is still a fantastic destination with a significant wildlife population for game viewing.
Meru National Park, which sits on 870 square kilometers piece of land, is home to the Big Five and other well-known savannah species. A visit to this park also guarantees tourists sights of hippopotamus and crocodiles.
Tour Highlights:
- See the Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos roam freely in the park
- Spot rare species: The park is home to unique animals like Grevy’s zebra, hippos, and crocodiles
- Historical significance: Visit Elsa’s grave and the Adamsons’ former home
- Game drives: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and spot wildlife in their natural habitats
- Bird watching: Over 500 bird species make Meru an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts
- Scenic views: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kenya and the Tana River
