Safari Destinations in Kenya: When one thinks of a safari, Kenya comes to mind. The vast plains, clear blue skies and the silence only broken by the occasional grunt of a wildebeest is one way of looking at your safari. Kenya has plenty to offer and the designated game reserves and national parks protect Kenya’s game. Lets have a look at the Safari Destinations in Kenya.
Safari Destinations in Kenya
Amboseli national park.
This is one of the popular Safari Destinations in Kenya. Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya, near the Tanzanian border. The park covers an area of 151 square miles (392 sq km). It is part of a wider ecosystem that spans Kenya and Tanzania and covers an area of 3,100 square miles (8,000 sq km). This protected region is crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s roof. This national park protects two marshes and the lowlands from Mount Kilimanjaro’s foothills. Amboseli is made up of five distinct wildlife habitats. Open plains, yellow-barked acacia woods, lava-strewn rocky thorn bush, swamps, and marshes are among them. The Oldoinyo Orok massif reaches a height of 8,300 feet and stretches towards the sky (2,760 m).
The habitat groups work together to create a plethora of stunning landscapes, all rounded off with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park is surrounded by a vast expanse of sky that stretches from horizon to horizon. The nights are loaded with great stargazing possibilities. Amboseli National Park is a tourist destination with a diverse and abundant wildlife population. The vast majority of visitors to Amboseli are hoping for safari and wildlife experiences. Seeing wildlife with a direct sight of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background is an unforgettable experience.
The long dry season provides wonderful opportunities to see wildlife visiting wetlands and other drinking holes. Along with elephant herds, wildlife enthusiasts can expect to see lion, cheetah, hyena, jackal, mongoose, giraffe, cape buffalo, warthog, baboon, monkeys, zebra, impala, and many species of gazelle. The principal wildlife viewing area is located in the park’s eastern side. Safari-goers may see lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhino, elephant, buffalo, and giraffe on a single morning game drive around the eastern section. In addition to these sought-after species, you may see eland, waterbuck, and zebra. Amboseli is an excellent location for exploring Africa’s pristine wilderness.
Over 400 different bird species await bird lovers. Amboseli National Park’s highlights from the skies include 47 raptor species of birds. Although many bird species can be found throughout the park, the lake, marsh, and swamp areas are among the greatest sites to see them.
Highlights
Amboseli has one of the most beautiful and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Although the mountain is in Tanzania, the best views of Kilimanjaro may be found in Kenya. When you look for photographs of the mountain, you will see that many of them were taken from the Kenya viewpoint, and practically all of them were taken within Amboseli National Park. Over 1,000 roaming elephants are one of the park’s main attractions. Aside from elephants, many people want to see some of the predator species such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. There are around 80 different animal species that work in tandem with elephants and predators. One of the most fascinating wildlife encounters is seeing elephants forage in the swampy grasslands as they splash through. They’re like nature’s bulldozers.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is situated in southern Kenya, northwest of Nairobi. The national park has a total area of 26.35 square miles (68.25 sq km). Hell’s Gate National Park shares a boundary with Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Nairobi, and it is located at an elevation of 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level. The main feature and inspiration for the park’s name is Hell’s Gate Gorge. Along the gorge, red-walled cliffs lead to two volcanic rock structures known as Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower. A lesser valley goes away from Central Tower to a hot springs region. The springs are sufficiently hot to burn you. Within the park’s limits are two extinct volcanoes known as Olkaria and Hobley’s.
Hell’s Gate National Park is a popular Kenyan national area due to its easy access from Nairobi as well as the variety of species and spectacular landscapes that can be enjoyed during a visit to the park. The wildlife population is smaller, but the variety is vast. Predator species include the lion, leopard, hyena, serval, and cheetah. Zebra, eland, buffalo, hartebeest, klipspringer, reedbuck, hyraxes, and Thomson’s gazelle are among the other popular species. There are around 100 bird species, with some of the larger ones being the Verreaux eagle, the augur buzzard, and vultures such as the rare lammergeyer vulture. The park’s cultural facilities include a Maasai Cultural Center, where visitors can learn about Maasai tribe customs, traditions, and overall culture. This is a fantastic educational chance to learn more about an incredible group of people who have their own rituals and practices.
Highlights
The park’s main feature is Hell’s Gate Gorge, with Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower serving as secondary highlights. The park draws people due to its beautiful scenery and wildlife, as well as its proximity to Nairobi. The park inspired both the Disney film Lion King and the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life. Trekking through the park is a highlight because most Kenyan national parks do not allow hiking. Cultural discovery of the Masai people is a highlight for individuals with cultural interests that go beyond the natural beauty of the wilderness.
Lake Nakuru National park.
Lake Nakuru Park is situated northwest of Nairobi in southwestern Kenya. The national park is 73 square miles in size (188 sq km). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to flamingos and other animals. The park’s foundation is Lake Nakuru, which serves as a wildlife haven. The highest depth is only 6 feet (1.8 m), with an average depth of 1 foot (30 m), making it accessible to animals. It is one of the Rift Valley lakes, located 5,755 feet (1,754 m) above sea level. Nakuru is an alkaline lake, which attracts a variety of birds and wildlife to its borders. The national park and lake are well known for their tens of thousands of flamingos which number in the millions at times. The finest site to view the beautiful flamingos is from Baboon Cliff.
The area’s tranquil landscapes include grasslands, marsh, outcrops, rocky cliffs, and sedge. Acacia trees with yellow bark add to the authentic African wilderness experience. An area approximately 116 miles (188 km) has been enclosed to establish a secure area for both black and white rhinoceroses as well as giraffes. The park is home to around 70 white rhinos and 25 eastern black rhinoceros. It has one of the greatest rhino collections in Kenya. Wildlife is abundant, with a thriving predator population to match the availability of prey. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are examples of predators. Large pythons may also be found. The giraffe and two rhino species are mammalian highlights, although there are several other species. The waterbuck is more common in this park than in others.
There are a few hippopotamuses that can be discovered in the lake’s reeds. Visitors may also witness Reedbuck and Bushbuck in addition to the waterbuck. Birdwatchers can expect to witness African fish eagles, Verreaux’s eagles, Goliath herons, kingfishers, and a plethora of flamingos. It is an excellent location for birdwatching with over 400 bird species. There are over a dozen various types of predator birds. Because of the flamingo population, the lake and national park have acquired the moniker “the greatest bird display on earth.” The small lake is rich in algae, which attracts flamingos, which consume approximately 551,155 pounds (250,000 kg) of algae per acre every year. Lake Nakuru National Park is only 102 miles (164 kilometers) from Nairobi, making it convenient to take a day excursion out of the city to witness this incredible animal encounter.
Highlights
The sheer number of flamingos is impressive. With views out over the sea of pink flamingos, making your way to the viewpoint from Baboon Cliff is a must. It’s an incredible sight when they take to the skies. Almost every visitor to Africa who goes game viewing aspires to see a rhino. The good news is that this is one of Kenya’s most rhino-populated areas and rhino sightings are predicted.
Masai Mara National park.
This national park is at the top of the Safari Destinations in Kenya. Masai Mara National Park is located in Kenya along the Tanzanian border and is adjacent to Serengeti National Park. The Masai people are honored by the name of the park region. Masai Mara has an area of 580 square miles (1,510 sq km). It is the most northern part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The principal rivers draining the reserve are the Sand River, Talek River, and Mara River. The park is separated into two sections: the inner portion, which features pure wilderness, and the outside portion, which permits Masai cattle to graze. The Masai Mara is famous for its number and diversity of huge plains species as well as its predator species. It is thought to be the only area in Kenya where the animal population currently resembles what it formerly was. Despite the abundance, wildlife is disappearing, and thankfully, the preserve exists to safeguard it. It is one of the most sought-after wildlife viewing places in Africa.
The Masai Mara is home to a variety of animals, including hippo, giraffe, waterbuck, reedbuck, roan antelope, warthog, eland, topi, gazelle, zebra, baboon, crocodile, several monkey species, and black rhino. With the exception of the mountain gorilla, all of Africa’s Big 7 can be included in your wildlife sightings. The Mara is home to Kenya’s greatest lion population. Predator species are usually always at the top of a traveler’s wish list for wildlife viewing. The good news is that they are available on the Mara. The park is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, and many types of mongoose. The Masai Mara is part of the wider Mara Ecosystem, which includes the protecting ranches of Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet. All of these activities are coordinated in recognition of the importance of maintaining the region’s wildness and animals.
Although the plains and woodland areas are magnificent, it is the wildlife that draws visitors to Masai Mara. Most visitors come between July and October in the hopes of witnessing the wildebeest migration through the park. There are also several options for historical and cultural encounters. You can tour Masai villages and cultural centers, which will all introduce you to the Masai culture. If you pay close attention, you might improve your jumping ability.
Highlights
The Masai Mara is widely regarded as Kenya’s premier safari location and the crown gem of wildlife watching. The park is home to 95 different animals, amphibian, and reptile species. It is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 400 different species of birds. Whether in Tanzania or Kenya, flying over the millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle is a breathtaking highlight. Predator sightings could include lions, leopards, cheetahs, servals, jackals, and hyenas.
If the migratory herd has crossed the Mara River and is grazing over the plains and vegetation of the wildness area, large herds such as 200,000 zebra, 18,000 elands, 500,000 gazelle, 97,000 topi, and the 1.3 million wildebeest can be seen. The entire Mara experience is tremendous. The wildlife watching is enormous, the panoramas are breathtaking, the undulating hills appear to go on forever, and it’s all interlaced with groves of acacia and related shrubbery. The Mara River and its tributaries cut through the park, forming beautiful riverine woodlands.
Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park is located in Kenya’s southwestern region. The national park is 59 square miles in size (154 sq km). The national park is only 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) northwest of Nairobi making it easily accessible. It is located southeast of Lake Naivasha. Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano with a peak elevation of 9,108 feet (2,776 m). The mountain and park are named from a Maasai phrase that means “steep ridges” or “mountains with many spurs.” Near the summit of the mountain lies a caldera measuring 5 miles by 7.5 miles (8 x 12 km). The volcano’s real cone is capped by another crater that spans 1.12 miles (1.8 km) across.
Small plants cover the crater floor, and steam vents can be discovered along portions of the crater’s edges. Although the park isn’t famous for her wildlife, it is present. Lower elevation visitors might expect to encounter buffalo, giraffe, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra.
Highlights
Mount Longonot is the park’s crowning achievement. The walk to the peak, which spans around the crater rim, is the park’s main appeal and highlight. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get outside and experience nature.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is situated immediately south of central Kenya, adjacent to and inside the Nairobi metropolitan area. Visitors landing at Nairobi International Airport can physically view the park and potential wildlife as they fly over and land. There is no other place on the planet where such a diverse variety of nature and species is so close to a large city. The city core is only four miles (6.4 kilometers) from the reserve’s fauna. The national park, which covers 45.26 square miles (117.2 square kilometers), was the first to be formed in Kenya. The park is smaller than the majority of Kenyan and African national parks. Despite its diminutive size, it has a wide range of habitats. The broad plains, meadows, and scattered acacia trees occupy the majority of the ecosystems.
There is also a highland forest, steep gorges, fragmented bush company, and riverine forest in the park. The diverse ecosystems attract a wide range of animals and bird species. The city visitors and the wildlife of the national park are literally neighbors, almost living in the same space. The metropolitan area is separated from the national park wilderness region by an electric fence. The park is located slightly over 5,000 feet (1,524 m) above sea level, with elevations ranging from 5,030 feet to 5,774 feet (1,533 to 1,760 m) and, despite its size, contains a variety of habitats and wildlife species.
Almost everyone who travels to Africa hopes to witness a predator animal. Predators including as lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena abound in Nairobi National Park. Buffalo, black rhino, baboon, eland, gazelle, hartebeest, hippopotamus, impala, giraffe, wildebeest, and waterbuck are among the other large animal species. The elephant is one of the missing creatures that most people wish to see. Impala, wildebeest, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, and eland are among the species found in this park. Each of these species can be expected to be seen during a visit.
There are numerous bird species, with the vulture and ostrich being two of the larger or more intriguing. The ostrich is a common sight on the plains. Crowned Crane, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Egyptian Goose, and Black-necked Heron are among the other large species. There are various songbirds that provide an additional experience for birdwatchers. Nairobi National Park is dedicated to rhino conservation, and its efforts are among the most successful in Africa. Seeing these gorgeous creatures is undoubtedly a highlight. The proximity of this animal collection to Nairobi’s industrial city is a source of attraction for many individuals.
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a terrific way to get some fresh air and see the wildness that is literally next door to one of Africa’s most industrial towns. Aside from that, most people are perplexed by the abundance of wildlife that is so easily accessible so close to such a large metropolis.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is located in southeastern Kenya, just northwest of its sister park, Tsavo West. The national park has a total area of 5,308 square miles (13,747 sq km. The park is named after the Tsavo River, which flows east through it. Tsavo East National Park has a boundary with Chyulu Hills National Park. The national park is made up of grasslands and savanna, as well as riverbeds formed by the Tsavo and Athi rivers, which join to form the Galana River. They form one of Africa’s richest biodiverse zones, with a plethora of species. The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) are all present. The local habitat is home to roughly 675 lions. Lion, caracal, African wildcat, cheetah, bat-eared fox, hyena, jackal, leopard, mongoose, and, of course, the lion are all predators.
Aardwolf, baboon, buffalo, bushbuck, dik-dik, duiker, eland, elephant, gazelle, genet, giraffe, hartebeest, hyrax, impala, klipspringer, kudu, oryx, porcupine, warthog, waterbuck, zebra, and many smaller species are among the other wildlife species. With almost 500 kinds of birds found within Tsavo National Park, birdwatchers will not be disappointed. The ostrich is the largest. Others include; kingfishers, hornbills, herons, starlings, weavers, buzzards, and kestrels, among others. Tsavo East isn’t just about wildlife. Visitors can also expect to encounter Lugard Falls, a series of rapids that cascades over some rugged terrain. There is also the Yatta Plateau, which has the world’s longest lava flow.
Mudanda Rock is a picturesque vantage point that offers excellent views of elephants and other creatures that visit to drink water during the dry season.
Highlights
The Mudanda Rock overlook is undoubtedly a highlight for wildlife viewing. The plentiful and diversified fauna without a doubt is the centerpiece of the national park. Tsavo East offers sightings of the Big Five, which include the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. This is a true wildlife paradise that offers tourists a diverse biodiversity experience. Wildlife abounds and is ready to enhance your Kenya experience.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is located in southern Kenya, just south of Tsavo East National Park. The national park is 3,500 square miles (9,065 square kilometers) in size, making it smaller than its sister park. Tsavo West team up with Tsavo East as part of the Tsavo Conservation Area. Although the eastern park is known for its wealth and diversity of species, the western park is more popular due to its magnificent vistas.
Other factors that lure visitors to Tsavo West include its own unique and abundant wildlife, the rhino reserve, Mzima Springs, a well-developed road network, and the possibility of rock climbing and guided walks. Tsavo West National Park has a more rugged and diversified landscape. For some, a safari and wildlife adventure has a more “African” flavor to it. Climbers tackle the park’s cliffs while elephants grazed in the surrounding plains.
With a 984-foot elevation gain, Kichwa Tembo is one of the most popular rock faces to climb (300 m). A permission is necessary, and early morning starts are advised because temperatures can quickly rise as the day advances. Ivory Tower, Mastodon, and the Great Tsavo Chimney are also popular climbs. Tsavo West and Tsavo East are both home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Hartebeest, kudu, giraffe, buffalo, hippopotamus, and many other species that migrate between Tsavo East and Tsavo West are also popular.
Aardwolf, baboon, buffalo, bushbuck, dik-dik, duiker, eland, elephant, gazelle, genet, giraffe, hartebeest, hyrax, impala, klipspringer, kudu, oryx, porcupine, warthog, waterbuck, zebra, and many smaller species are among the other wildlife species. With almost 500 kinds of birds found within Tsavo National Park, birdwatchers will not be disappointed. The largest birds are ostriches, but they are joined by kingfishers, hornbills, herons, starlings, weavers, buzzards, and kestrels, among others.
Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is located in Central Kenya’s southwest corner. The park is located to the north of Nairobi and to the east of the Rift Valley. The park has a total area of 296 square miles. Aberdare is a unique and eclectic mix of African ecosystems. Streams and rivers run across the valleys which are framed by the Aberdare Mountain Range. The range has summits that surpass 13,000 feet in elevation. Waterfalls form as streams and rivers flow from the mountains into the valley. Temperate meadows are surrounded by bamboo trees and varied rainforests. Some of the best waterfalls can be found in the forested ravines. These diverse environments provide an ideal home for a wide range of creatures.
Aberdare National Park is a wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can expect to witness lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, and the African golden cat. Eland, bushbuck, buffalo, reedbuck, giant forest hog, warthog, and the endangered black rhinoceros are among the other popular species. Birdwatchers will be in heaven here as well. There are around 250 bird species, including the magnificent African fish eagle and the African goshawk, among many more. The Treetops and The Ark, which feature lighting drinking holes, are open at night for animal watching.
Highlights
The Aberdare National Park is a wildlife safari destination, and seeing the abundant and diverse animals is the highlight of a visit. The park has a huge population of elephants and rhinos, which are popular with both young and old visitors. The phrase “Big 5” was coined by hunters who selected these five species as some of the most difficult to hunt in Africa. The Big 5 include the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Buffalo. All five of these species, as well as many others, can be found in the national park. It contains the world’s second greatest population of black rhinos, making Kenya a true natural treasure.
Karuru Waterfall is the park’s tallest waterfall. It has a total drop of 895.67 feet (273 m) in three phases. The first stage drops (117 m), followed by the shortest plunge (26 m), and the last drop (130 m) to the pool below.
Lake Naivasha National Park
Wildlife-rich Lake Naivasha is a gorgeous destination in and of itself, as well as a fantastic starting point for excursions to Hell’s Gate National Park and Mount Longonot. Naivasha is a near-circular freshwater lake in the Rift Valley bottom 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, surrounded by lush forests of fever trees and overlooked by the ragged-edged volcanic Mount Longonot. Despite the fact that it is not officially protected, the lake is home to a diverse range of indigenous fauna.
Giraffe, hippo, and waterbuck may be spotted practically anywhere on the lakeshore, which is also one of Kenya’s most rewarding birding destinations, with experienced birders able to see 100 species before breakfast. African fish eagles and great white pelicans are prominent water-associated birds, while noisy Fischer’s and yellow-collared lovebirds are among the most attractive and common woodland species.
