Which is the most famous safari park in Kenya?

Kenya is a safari insider boasting several Safari Parks and Reserves. Kenya is home to the award-winning Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the annual wildebeest migration, and the Big Five African Animals. If you are wondering Which is the most famous safari park in Kenya? Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous safari park in Kenya. Although Masai Mara National Park is the most popular reserve in Kenya, the country has several other reserves and National Parks teeming with wildlife all year round.

Here are the top Five National Parks and Reserves to Visit in Kenya in 2024

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya, spanning an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers. It is named after the Maasai people who inhabit the area and the Mara River that flows through the reserve. Here are some key points about the Masai Mara National Reserve:

The reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, making it a popular safari destination for wildlife safaris in Kenya. Masai Mara is home to the iconic African Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos). During your Kenya wildlife safaris can also spot other animals like giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, and various species of antelopes in Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Great Migration

One of the most remarkable natural events that occur in the Masai Mara is the Great Migration. Also dubbed the ‘‘greatest show on earth’’ Annually, over 1.5 million wildebeests, and hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles migrate from the adjacent Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Mara in search of water and fresh grazing pastures. The migrating mammals attract a number of predators that make the show spectacular as they try to hunt them down. It is a truly awe-inspiring spectacle to witness.

The Masai Mara offers diverse and picturesque landscapes, ranging from open grasslands to rolling hills and acacia woodlands. The Mara River cuts through the reserve, providing a dramatic setting and serving as a vital water source for wildlife.

Beside Wildlife, the reserve boasts an impressive bird population, with over 450 species recorded. These include various raptors, waterbirds, hornbills, ostriches, and many others. Birdwatching enthusiasts can have a field day spotting and photographing these beautiful creatures.

The Masai Mara National Reserve offers an incredible wildlife experience, breathtaking landscapes, and a chance to connect with both nature and local communities. It remains a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers from around the world.

When to go: June to October.

2. Lake Nakuru National Park – most famous safari park in Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected area located in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. It was established in 1961 and covers an area of approximately 168 square kilometers. The park is named after Lake Nakuru, which is one of the major attractions within the park.

Lake Nakuru is a shallow, alkaline lake that attracts hundreds of thousands of flamingos, making it one of the most iconic bird-watching destinations in the world. These pink-feathered birds create a spectacular sight as they gather in large numbers along the lake’s shores. In addition to flamingos, Lake Nakuru is home to over 450 bird species, including pelicans, cormorants, and various other waterfowl.

Beyond its birdlife, the park is also known for its diverse wildlife population. It is home to several mammal species, including both black and white rhinos, waterbucks, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, leopards, lions, and hippos. Lake Nakuru National Park has played a crucial role in rhino conservation and has been recognized as one of the best sanctuaries for these endangered creatures.

When to go: Year-round.

3. Amboseli National Park – most famous safari park in Kenya 

Amboseli National Park is located in the southern part of Kenya, near the Tanzanian border. It covers an area of approximately 392 square kilometers and is one of the most popular destination parks in the country. The park is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, which dominates the landscape.

The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. It is particularly known for its large herds of elephants, often seen roaming against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Visitors can also spot lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and numerous bird species. Amboseli is considered one of the best places in Africa for elephant watching due to the relatively close interactions between the elephants and tourists.

Amboseli is home to over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. African fish eagles, secretary birds, flamingos, pelicans, and numerous other species can be spotted in the park.

When to go: June to October

4. Tsavo National Parks

The two Tsavo National Parks create the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Kenya combined together. These parks are famous for wildlife viewing safaris in Kenya especially those looking for the big five. These parks are more remote than Kenya’s other safari parks, the massive area offers vast landscapes to explore on game drives with incredible diversity to witness during your tour here. The sight of elephants spraying the blue waters of the Galana River on themselves is one you’ll cherish for life. Expect to spot a number of wildlife species including the giraffe, cheetah, lion, serval cat, leopard, oryx, gazelle, buffalo, antelope, striped hyena, impala, and approximately 500 species of birds. Tsavo East is also home to two iconic trees, the baobab and the doum palm.

When to go: May to October

5. Samburu Game Reserve – most famous safari park in Kenya

Samburu Game Reserve is a protected area located in the Northern of Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 165 square kilometers and is part of the larger Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem.

Samburu Game Reserve is renowned for its unique and endemic wildlife species that are not easily found in other parts of Kenya. Visitors can expect to encounter the “Samburu Five,” which includes the Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk. These animals have adapted to the arid environment of the reserve and have distinct markings and features.

The other top wildlife in Samburu include elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species. The unique ecosystem of the reserve provides excellent opportunities for game drives, bird-watching safaris, and nature walks, allowing visitors to observe and learn about these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Samburu Game Reserve offers a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience compared to the more popular reserves in Kenya. The area is less crowded, providing a serene and tranquil environment for visitors.

When to go: June to October

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