National Parks in Kenya
Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The coastline on the Indian Ocean, Savanna, The Great Rift Valley, The Mountain Highlands, and The Lakelands make Kenya a leading tourist destination.
Today, we will be discussing Kenya’s national parks.
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve
As it is popularly known, the Mara is one of the country’s most prominent wildlife destinations. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is home to the big five, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and several bird species.
The unique vegetation and escarpments make it one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Maasai Mara is 272km away from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
2. Samburu National Reserve
Local on the banks of the Ewasonyiro River, Samburu National Reserve is famous for its unique wildlife, including Gravy Zebra, reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Bersa Oryx, and more than 900 elephants.
The reserve is located 350km from Nairobi.
3. Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya and is famous for its scenic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds. It is also home to several bird species and wildlife, including cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes. The Park is 4 hours away from Nairobi.
4. Mt. Kenya National Park
The iconic Mt. Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. The scenery and the pristine wilderness with mineral springs, lakes, and dense forest make it one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.
This national park is home to endangered species and alpine vegetation. It is the ideal spot for camping, caving, and mountain climbing.
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
Although the name can send shivers down your spine, Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its intense geothermal activity. The park gives tourists spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley, water-gouged gorges, scrub-clad volcanoes, and geothermal steam.
It is the ideal destination for a day trip from Kenya’s capital. Popular activities in this park include natural spa, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
6. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is 3hours away from Nairobi. The lake sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and is surrounded by bushy and wooded grassland. This national park offers spectacular scenery of ecological diversity and habitats. It is the perfect destination for a picnic, game drives, bird watching, and hiking.
7. Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo East National Park is a spectacular theatre of the wild. Here, visitors have the chance to view the stunning Galana River, The Yatta Plateau, and The Unique Dust-Red Elephants. It is also home to buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, gerenuk, lions, waterbucks, leopards, and more than 500 bird species.
It is the perfect spot for bird watching, game viewing, hiking, and camping.
8. Tsavo West National Park
The Tsavo West National Park, popularly known as the land of lava, magical sunsets, springs, and man-eaters, is one of the most famous national parks in the country. This beautiful and rugged wilderness is home to hippos, cheetahs, buffalos, elephants, lions, rhinos, and various bird and plant species.
It is the ideal destination to watch underwater hippos and fish, cave exploration, and game viewing.
9. Aberdare National Park
With majestic peaks, intriguing falls, and moorlands, the Aberdare National Park is home to elephants, spotted hyenas, black rhinos, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, bushbucks, olive baboons, leopards, and more. It is also home to rare species like the African wild cat, African civet cat, giant forest hog, golden cat, and more.
It is the best destination for picnics, trout fishing, camping, bird watching, photography, and trekking.
10.The Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park is the only wildlife capital in the world. It is located a few kilometers away from the busy CBD and hosts the endangered black rhino, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, buffalos, lions, and over 400 bird species.
The park is perfect for camping, trekking, corporate and special events, game viewing, and picnics.
Final Thoughts
Kenya is famous for its national parks and reserves. Along with the above national parks, you can also visit the Nairobi Safari Walk, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Kora National Park, Meru National Park, Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve, Mt. Elgon National Park, and more. If you want to find the perfect tour, make sure to check Alvex Tours & Travel to find the best option.
