What is your safari dream? What safari is on your bucket list? Kenya has some absolutely legendary parks — whether you’re into safaris, mountains, or beaches, it’s loaded. Here’s a list of the best parks to visit:
Masai Mara National Reserve.
Why go: World-famous for the Great Migration (July–October), big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs), and incredible game drives.
Vibe: Classic African savannah, dramatic sunsets.
- Amboseli National Park.
Why go: Best place to see huge elephant herds up close, with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background.
Vibe: Wide open plains, iconic landscapes.
- Tsavo National Parks (East and West)
Why go: Some of Kenya’s largest parks, famous for “red elephants,” lava flows, and fewer tourists. Furthermore, accessible from Amboseli and the coastal beaches of Mombasa.
Vibe: Wild, rugged, remote.
This gives you a quick overview of what a safari dreams – bucket list should entail.
Lake Nakuru National Park.
Why go: Comparatively a smaller park, Lake Nakuru is teaming with wildlife. Flamingos everywhere (when water levels are right), rhino sanctuary, beautiful acacia forests.
Vibe: Colorful, serene.
- Nairobi National Park.
Why go: Wildlife with a city skyline backdrop! Lions, rhinos, giraffes — just minutes from Nairobi city center.
Vibe: Surreal, convenient.
- Samburu National Reserve.
Why go: Unique northern species like Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk (the “giraffe antelope”).
Vibe: Dry, dramatic landscapes, cultural experiences with Samburu tribes.
- Aberdare National Park.
Why go: Lush forests, waterfalls, rare animals (like the bongo antelope). Great for hiking and cooler weather.
Vibe: Misty, mysterious, lush.
- Mount Kenya National Park.
Why go: Adventure! Climbing or trekking around Africa’s second-highest peak (after Kilimanjaro).
Vibe: Alpine forests, icy peaks, thrilling treks.
- Hell’s Gate National Park.
Why go: You can hike and bike among dramatic gorges, cliffs, and hot springs. No big predators here. Hells gate is 2 hours drive from Nairobi, with a stop at the Rift valley view point.
Vibe: Active, adventurous, cinematic (inspired “The Lion King” scenery).
- Meru National Park.
Why go: Though, off the beaten truck, Meru National Park is untouched and wild. Famous as the home of Elsa the lioness (Born Free).
Vibe: Remote, real wilderness, few crowds.
Kenya has iconic safari dream destination for you to pick from
