Kenya is one of the most popular African countries to take a safari as there are so many nature reserves and national parks. Most of them work carefully to preserve the natural environment and keep the land relatively untouched.
Most parks offer excursions to view some of the animals and these safaris are becoming very popular. This list looks at the best Kenyan reserves for you to take your safari, and what each of them has to offer.
Kenyan Safari Parks
5. Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park is located just over 100 miles north of Nairobi and is steeped with volcanic ranges that create a beautiful landscape. The park contributes to the wall of the Great Rift Valley, and the volcanic nature of the land has made it high in minerals for wildlife to live amongst.
The reserve offers a variety of accommodation options for all budgets and promises some fantastic wildlife. The park starts from about 7,000 feet above sea level giving a unique landscape, great for adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts.
4. Meru National Park
Meru is located around 200 miles north-east of Nairobi and is one of the best known parks in the country. The park has some of the highest rainfall in the country and this has created swampland and tall grass lakes that are the perfect habitat for hippos.
Meru is a good place for spotting some rare antelope and lions, cheetahs and elephants can be found too. Money has been donated to the park in the last 10 years as Meru is seen to be one of the best tourist attractions in Kenya to visit.
3. Samburu National Park
Samburu can be found in the North of Kenya, meaning it is fairly dry and in a mountainous region. The park has rough terrain with distinctive hill and mountain formations. The reason why this park is so special is that it attracts a relatively low number of visitors because it is so seasonal due to the conditions.
This means when you go at the right time, there is some of the best and most exclusive game viewing in the whole of Africa. There are several camps here though, so it’s worth checking out if you are keen on viewing wildlife in a more private manner.
2. Tsavo National Park
Tsavo is a one of the largest parks in the world and covers 8,000 square miles of land. The park is split into eastern and western territories and offers a range of activities and accommodations. The park was named after the River Tsavo which flows from the west to the east of the park.
Tsavo is on the border of Kenya and shares boundaries with Tanzania giving it a unique location. Major attractions include Mudanda Rock which gives a great view of elephants in the watering holes, and The Yatta Plateau, a lava flow running along the west of the park. Expect possibility the widest range of animal wildlife in Africa.
1. Maasai Mara National Park
The Maasai Mara is one of the best known parks in the world, and is considered by many to be greatest in Africa. If you are looking for a Kenya Safari then this park will give you what you expect. The park borders with the Serengeti in Tanzania meaning it shares an ecosystem and encourages wildlife to flourish.
The Maasai Mara has a high number of camps and lodging options making it accessible and affordable. The park is also the home to the Maasai Tribe who you can visit on a trip. A truly great park that is world class.
Peter Richards is a safari and travel writer specialising in Kenya safari holidays.