Everyone’s heard of the Masai Mara. But it’s by no means the only world class safari park in Kenya. Here are six of our favorites. 

1. Masai Mara Game Reserve: The ultimate safari experience 

The Masai Mara is the crown jewel of safari destinations. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this expansive reserve is best known for the annual wildebeest migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to the Mara in search of greener pastures – followed closely by predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. (You can read our Great Migration guide here.) 

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The ultimate safari in Masai Mara Game Reserve.

But the Mara is worth visiting at any time of year. Home to the “Big Five” — lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos — it is especially famous for its incredible concentration of predators. In addition to its wildlife, the Masai Mara holds deep cultural significance. The Masai people, a semi-nomadic tribe, have lived alongside the reserve for centuries, and visitors get a chance to engage with their vibrant culture. 

2. Amboseli National Park: The land of elephants 

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Witness Mount Kilimanjaro and majestic elephants in Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya near the border with Tanzania, is a haven for elephant lovers. The park’s focal point is Mount Kilimanjaro (at 19,341ft, Africa’s tallest mountain) which looms majestically in the background, providing a dramatic setting for wildlife photography. 

In addition to tuskers, Amboseli is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and a wealth of bird species. The park’s open plains and unique swamps make it an excellent spot for game viewing, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around the waterholes. The sight of elephants bathing in the swamp with Kilimanjaro in the background is nothing short of iconic. 

3. Tsavo National Park: The wild heart of Kenya 

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Get up-close to Kenya’s wildlife in Tsavo National Park!

Tsavo is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks, divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, each offering distinct landscapes and wildlife experiences. Tsavo East is known for its vast, arid plains, while Tsavo West boasts scenic hills, volcanic craters, and lush vegetation. Both parts of the park are teeming with wildlife, but Tsavo’s true magic lies in its rugged wilderness, where you can escape the crowds and experience nature in its rawest form. 

Tsavo is home to a large population of elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and more. The park is particularly famous for its “maneless lions,” a unique subspecies found only in this region. One of Tsavo’s most famous landmarks is the Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs that attract a variety of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.  

4. Samburu National Reserve: A Hidden Gem of Northern Kenya 

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Adventure through Samburu National Reserve.

Located in the semi-arid northern part of Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is a hidden gem that offers an entirely different safari experience. The reserve is situated along the Ewaso Nyiro River, which brings life to this otherwise dry landscape, attracting a variety of wildlife. 

Samburu is home to several species that are rarely found in other parts of Kenya, such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the reticulated giraffe, which has a distinctive white pattern. The park is also known for its large populations of elephants and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It’s also a great place to experience the culture of the Samburu people, a group closely related to the Maasai, known for their rich traditions and nomadic lifestyle. 

5. Laikipia Plateau: A Conservation Success Story 

Laikipia Plateau, located in central Kenya, is a model for community-based conservation efforts and a lesser-known gem for wildlife enthusiasts. The area is home to numerous private conservancies that focus on sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from forests to grasslands, Laikipia offers a unique and intimate safari experience. 

The plateau is one of the best places to see endangered species like the African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, and the bongo antelope. The area is also home to large populations of elephants, lions, and other big game. The lodges in this area all place a strong emphasis on preserving the local environment and benefiting surrounding communities. 

6. Namunyak Conservancy: A Wilderness of Conservation and Beauty 

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Explore a wildlife conservation: Namunyak Conservancy.

Tucked away in the remote northern reaches of Kenya, Namunyak Conservancy is a hidden treasure that embodies the spirit of wildlife conservation. This vast conservancy, covering over 850 square kilometers, is part of the larger Samburu region and is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and strong commitment to protecting the local ecosystem. 

Namunyak is particularly famous for its elephants, which roam freely across the conservancy’s rugged terrain, often seen traversing the dry riverbeds and sparse savannahs. Other wildlife highlights include lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the reticulated giraffe, which thrives in the area’s unique ecosystem. The conservancy also holds a deep connection to the local Samburu and Rendille communities, who play an active role in conservation efforts.  

Spoilt for choice 

Kenya is blessed with incredible diversity – of people, landscapes, animals and birds – and it makes sense to experience as much of this diversity as possible. That’s why we advise spending a few days each in a few different parks.