Masai Mara National Reserves

Masai Mara National Reserves

Most famous park in Kenya; best place to see the Big Five

  • Known for the Great Migration (July–October)
  • Hot air balloon safaris, luxury camps, and wildlife density
  • Well-connected by air from Nairobi
Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Famous for huge herds of elephants

  • Iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania
  • Ideal for photographers and nature lovers
Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Known for flamingos and birdlife

  • Great for spotting rhinos (both black and white)
  • Scenic lake and escarpment views in the Rift Valley
Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve

Known for “Samburu Five”: Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe

  • More exclusive and less crowded than the Mara
  • Rich in Samburu culture and northern Kenya terrain
Tsavo East & West National Parks

Tsavo East & West National Parks

One of the largest park complexes in Kenya

  • Known for red elephants, lava fields, and rugged wilderness
  • Accessible by the Nairobi–Mombasa train for mixed safari + beach itineraries
Laikipia Plateau

Laikipia Plateau / Lewa Conservancy

Luxury, private conservancies with rhino conservation focus

  • Offers walking safaris, camel treks, and horseback experiences
  • Model for eco-tourism and community-run conservancies
Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park

Great for adventure travelers and hiking

  • Snow-capped second-highest
  • Forests, waterfalls, and unique alpine scenery
Meru National Park

Meru National Park

Remote, unspoiled, with low tourist traffic

  • Known for Born Free (George & Joy Adamson, Elsa the lioness)
  • Best for off-the-beaten-track luxury or conservation tourism
Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

A full safari within sight of Nairobi’s skyline

  • Lions, rhinos, and giraffes just 15 minutes from the city
  • Ideal for short stays or layovers
The Kenyan Coast

The Kenyan Coast (Diani, Lamu, Watamu)

Not a safari park, but a perfect extension to any safari

  • White sand beaches, coral reefs, Swahili culture
  • Fly directly from the Mara or Tsavo to beach resorts
Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

World-famous private conservancy near Mount Kenya

  • Last two northern white rhinos on earth
  • Strong conservation and chimpanzee sanctuary (only one in Kenya)
  • Great for Big Five + conservation tourism
Giraffe Centre

Giraffe Centre (Nairobi)

World-famous private conservancy near Mount Kenya

  • Home of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe
  • Interactive, educational, family-friendly
  • Supports giraffe conservation across Kenya
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust / Elephant Orphanage (Nairobi)

Rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants & rhinos

  • Guests can see young elephants being bottle-fed
  • Bookings required
Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Only place in Kenya to see chimps

Excellent education about poaching, rescue, and rehabilitation

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park

Dramatic gorges, cliffs, geothermal features

  • You can walk or cycle among zebras and giraffes
  • Inspiration for Disney’s The Lion King landscapes