With over 40 national parks and reserves, as well as private conservancies, choosing which safari destination to explore in Kenya can be challenging for visitors. These destinations store unique plants species, different wild animals, savanna grasslands, and breathtaking landscapes attracting thousands of travelers from all corners of the world. The natural wild habitats in these national parks house some of the biggest wild animals on earth. Kenya’s beauty is hidden in these enchanting parks – no wonder the East African nation is named the wildlife capital. These 10 Kenya National Parks will have you book a flight.

10 Maasai Mara National Reserve

Kenya’s most famous safari destination is located in the South-West of Kenya. Maasai Mara is not just famous for having the highest Big Five concentration – leopard, lion, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo, it is the spot that witnesses the annual Great Migration, where over 2 million wildebeest alongside zebras and gazelles migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti to the Park. This place is home to over 500 bird species and 95 different species of mammals. The wildlife safari experience in this destination is second to none!

  • Major tourist attractions: Mara River, Olare Orok Conservancy, Mara Triangle.
  • Best time to visit: July-October.
  • Major Safari Experience: Wildebeest Migration
  • Average Maasai Mara Safari Cost: $359 for a 3-day trip.

9 Amboseli National Park

After Maasai Mara, Amboseli is the second most known national park in Kenya. The park's beautiful landscapes, which include semi-arid and wet swamps have attracted a wide variety of wildlife over time. Resting at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro - this beautiful wildlife safari destination is one of the best in Kenya. The sights are hundreds of elephants, and one can have a breathtaking view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • When to Visit: July-September
  • Major safari experience: Meet Kenya's Maasai Tribe, Hike Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Main attractions: Lake Amboseli, Elephant Research Camp
  • Safari cost: $750 to $1250

Related: Why Kenya's Amboseli Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

8 Tsavo National Park

Separated into two parts; Tsavo East and Tsavo West, this is among the oldest and largest national parks in Kenya - featuring stunning rocky landscapes, including the Yatta Plateau, Aruba Dam, and Mudanda Rock. It also has extinct volcanoes and is home to various wild animals including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, and buffalo. The park is rich in varying birds species and sparse grasslands.

  • When to visit: June -October, January-February
  • Main tourist attractions: Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Epiya Chapeyu Tented Safari Camp
  • Major safari experiences: Lake Jipe, Mzima Springs, Ngulia Hills
  • Average Cost: $750 to $1250

7 Nairobi National Park

This beautiful safari destination is situated 75 km south of Nairobi and is the only destination with a cityscape on the horizon. The park houses a wide variety of endangered species of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, hyenas, and different types of birds. The park also hosts a major rescue home to elephants and rhinoceros – the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization collecting orphaned baby animals and sheltering them.

  • When to visit: June-September
  • Main attractions: Galleria Mall, Nairobi Mosque
  • Major safari experience: camping, picnic, elephant’s walking trails.
  • Average Cost: $750 to $1250

6 Hell’s Gate National Park

Found in Kenya's Great Rift Valley region, Hell's Gate National Park is a renowned destination for the geothermal activities taking place within the area. Hell's Gate features geothermal steams, making it the most atmospheric national park in the East African Nation. It is an excellent spot for having a wildlife safari experience, with giraffe, eland, zebra, Thompson's gazelle, and hartebeest calling it home. Olive baboons and klipspringers can be spotted here. However, the park only has buffalo of all the Big Five members.

  • Best time to visit: June – October
  • Best Safari experience: Wildlife Viewing
  • Main Attractions: Olkaria Geothermal Station
  • Average Cost: $170to $11,000

5 Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya is Africa's second tallest mountain with a height covering 5199 m. Mount Kenya National Park features glaciers, mineral springs, tarns, and beautiful views of the many endangered wild animals that live here. the park also features a montane plantation. Mount Kenya National Park features breathtaking landscapes that any traveler wouldn’t want to miss.

  • Best time to visit: December-March
  • Main Tourist Attraction: Mount Kenya
  • Major safari experiences: Hiking Mount Kenya, camping, and caving
  • Average Cost: $180-$800

Related: 10 Tips On How To Climb Mount Everest

4 Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is also found in Kenya's Rift Valley region, along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The park house various wild species of wildlife, including grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, and necked gerenuk. Because it is more remote than other reserves, Samburu is less visited. But it features a mind-blowing arid ecosystem worth exploring.

  • When to Visit: December-March, July-October
  • Main Attraction: Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve
  • Major safari experiences: Wildlife viewing, cultural experience, and bird watching.
  • Average Cost: $150 - $250

3 Lake Nakuru National Park

Famous for housing thousands of flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is among the best safari destinations in Kenya. The park also houses warthogs, rhinos, zebras, and baboons. One can have a stunning view of the Baboon Cliff and tour around the beautiful Makalia waterfall. One can have the best safari experience in the park during the peak season.

  • When to visit: June-March
  • Main Tourist attractions: Lake Nakuru, Makalia Waterfall
  • Major safari experience: Bird watching, wildlife viewing.
  • Average Cost: $450 to $600

2 Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills, although not so much visited safari destination, is among the best – featuring epic volcanic landscapes and verdant hills. The park houses wild animals, including giraffes, and Reed bucks, among others. The major problems facing this greenery destination are human encroachment with cattle and the poaching of wild animals. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and visiting one of the longest caves on earth, the Upper Leviathan Cave.

  • Best time to visit: June-September, January & February
  • Average Cost: Ranges from $750 to $1250

1 Aberdare National Park

Located in the central region of Kenya, close to Mount Kenya, Aberdare National Park features beautiful landscapes, including mountain peaks and deep ravines covered in rainforest, bamboo forest, and moorland. Black rhino, the 2nd largest herds of critically endangered species calls this park a home. Karuru, Kenya's highest waterfall is a major attraction here.

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