Kenya, the backdrop for unforgettable movies such as “Out of Africa,” is likely the first country that comes to mind when thinking of a safari, and for many, it becomes their first encounter with Sub-Saharan Africa.
Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family trip, or an outing with friends, Kenya is a top consideration for all adventure and nature lovers.
The country boasts several National Parks and Reserves, each with its own unique features and peculiarities. So, which ones should you visit for an unforgettable experience?
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
On a trip to Kenya, a visit to the Masai Mara Reserve is essential. Located approximately 4h30 by road from the capital, Nairobi, it is undoubtedly the most famous safari reserve in the country and one of the most renowned in the world. Masai Mara owes its fame to the fact that, between July and September, it becomes the stage for one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena: the Great Migration.
During this time, large herds of zebras and wildebeests from Tanzania cross the Mara River in search of food, before moving back south in the final months of the year.
Although the migration only passes through Kenya during the summer months, Masai Mara is worth visiting all year round as it is one of the best places to spot the “Big Five”: elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo.
This region is also home to the Masai, a semi-nomadic tribe that continues to live according to their ancient customs. Visiting a Masai village offers the opportunity to learn about some of their traditions and purchase their colorful local handicrafts.
At least two nights are needed to have a complete experience of the Masai Mara. Staying in a Lodge or Camp located inside the reserve is the best way to fully enjoy the game drives.
NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Nakuru National Park is located next to the city of the same name and can serve as an intermediate stop between Nairobi and Masai Mara.
Previously known for the numerous flamingos that populated the shores of the lake, in recent years these birds are gradually leaving Nakuru, which, at the same time, remains an ideal place to observe other species.
Nakuru is probably the best park to see both white and black rhinos, which are very difficult to find in other areas.
A short distance from Nakuru, Lake Naivasha offers the opportunity for two different experiences: a boat ride to observe hippos and a walking safari on Crescent Island, where you can see zebras, giraffes, and gazelles up close. Walking among these animals will be one of the best memories of the trip!
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
On clear days, Amboseli offers the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro, although it belongs to Tanzania.
It is one of the most iconic images of all Africa! In this picture-perfect scene, one or more elephants often appear. Amboseli is indeed the park with the largest number of these pachyderms, and it is not uncommon to spot large herds of more than ten individuals.
Lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and hyenas are some of the other animals that can be found in this park. The territory is flat and open, which facilitates the spotting of animals at long distances.
One night in Amboseli may be enough, but two are recommended for a more complete experience.
In Amboseli, as in Masai Mara, it is possible to experience the thrill of a hot air balloon safari at dawn. The flight, both romantic and exciting, usually ends with a champagne breakfast on the savannah, making the experience even more unforgettable.
TSAVO NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo is the largest National Park in the country and is divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, each part with very distinct characteristics.
Tsavo West is the most impressive park in all of Kenya in terms of landscape. Surrounded by volcanic mountains, its territory is covered with green forests that contrast with the red earth of the roads. In Tsavo West, it is possible to admire the Shetani Lava flows, impressive volcanic lava flows that formed about 500 years ago. The local population believed it was the devil (shetani in Swahili) emerging from the earth!
Elephants, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and the rest of the animals that live in the park can easily hide in the forests of Tsavo West, making it more difficult to spot them. The beauty of the “Jurassic” landscape of the park is nonetheless a sufficient reason for a visit.
Tsavo East, on the other hand, is an open savannah space. It is the park with the easiest access from the coast of the country, but its immense territory means that animals are dispersed and a bit more luck is required to see them up close.
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
The Samburu National Reserve is located north of Nairobi, on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It is a unique paradise for wildlife conservation, famous for the abundance of rare animal species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. The reduced dimensions of the reserve make it one of the best places to spot animals.
ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Aberdare Mountains, the eponymous national park is characterized by a cooler climate and a landscape of green forests. Due to the difficulty of seeing animals, which can easily hide in the park’s vegetation, travelers visiting Aberdare usually stay in lodges with views over water holes. Especially in the dry season, various animals leave the forest to approach the pond, offering a unique opportunity to admire them up close from the lodge terraces.
While it’s true that Masai Mara is a must-visit on a trip to Kenya, each park has unique characteristics that make it worth visiting. Each day on safari is different from the previous one, and each game drive can offer a new experience and scenes of wildlife.
It’s important to consider that the distances between one park and another are quite long, and to avoid turning the trip into a race, it may be worth spending more than one night at each park.
You will return from Kenya delighted, dreaming of your next trip to see the parks you couldn’t visit on your first experience!