Kenya is a highly rewarding destination for the adventurer and wildlife enthusiasts. Thanks to the dramatic geography, the country enjoys a vast range of natural habitats housing different types of wildlife. The infamous national parks, great beaches, and the tribal people are indispensable parts of any tour to Kenya.

When to Visit Kenya

July to October is the best time to visit Kenya. This is the dry season when the average daytime temperature is 23-28 degree Celsius. Dry season traveling has several advantages including greater visibility of wildlife. The diminishing watercourses force the wildlife to make more public appearances.

The Best of Kenya

1. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is one of the most elite national parks in Kenya. Along with signature attraction of sighting hundreds of big-tusked elephants at once, the southern part of the park offers an unparalleled view of the Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. White cloud may keep most parts of the mountain covered throughout the day, but you can expect clear views during the dawn or dusk.

The national park also hosts a large variety of other animals including zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and lions. Being home to more than 370 species of birds, the park is also an excellent places for birding, especially the waterbirds in various swamps.

2. Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is known worldwide for its wildlife-stuffed savannahs. If you have watched a few nature documentaries, chances are high that the Mara was featured on one of these. It is actually the northern extension of Tanzania’s infamous Serengeti Plains. Plenty of rain and enough vegetation have created an excellent ecosystem to support the mullion of herbivores residing in this national reserve.

Regular sightings of the reserve include zebras, impalas, elephants, wildebeest, gazelle, and Masai giraffes. When you have such a huge concentration of different animals, it is bound to have predators like cheetahs, lions, and leopards. There are several private reserves and conservancies just outside the national reserve.

3. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is located on the capital city of Kenya, which makes it the most accessible national park in the country. Located on the southern part of the city, the park has a large number of wildlife that can be seen against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers. Surprisingly, the wild animals seem to have adjusted to the location as well.

Among the different wildlife species, the park is especially known for having the densest concentration of black rhinos in the whole world. Other commonly sighted animals include lions, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles, and warthogs. If you have the luck and patience, you can spot the leopards and cheetahs too.

4. Lake Nakuru National Park

The scenic Lake Nakuru is one of the most popular national parks of Kenya. The excellent wildlife includes four of the Big Five animals. The comparatively smaller park doesn’t have elephants, but it makes this up by having lots of rhinos. The large, shallow lake is one of the main attractions of the park, from which it got its name. The lake is home to a large number of birds, including sizeable flocks of pelicans.

A quick visit to the Lake Nakuru National Park will also introduce you to lots of buffaloes, hippos, and giraffes. There are some leopards and lions, but these are hard to find on one or two-day trips.

5. Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is the largest national park of Kenya. It offers a spectacular wild charm along with excellent opportunities to spot different types of wildlife. Although one of the largest rivers in the country flows through the park, it is remarkably flatter and drier than the other national parks. The thin foliage makes it a lot easier to spot the wildlife.

Despite the large size, the wildlife activity remains limited during a small portion of the park. The northern side remains closed due to ongoing banditry and campaigns against poachers. The special attraction of the park is the red Tsavo elephants. The red color comes as a result of bathing in red mud of Tsavo. Other sightings include lions, cheetahs, striped hyenas, and African hunting dogs.

Where to Stay in Kenya