Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve lies in south-western Kenya on the border with the Serengeti and covers around 1,500 km². The wide, open savannahs dotted with acacia trees provide ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and rank among the best safari areas in Africa. The region is especially well known for the Great Migration (approx. July to October), when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River. The Masai Mara is one of the most reliable places to see the “Big Five”, in particular lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Best time to travel: June to March (migration: approx. mid-July to mid-September)
Highlights: hot-air balloon safaris, high density of predators, Maasai culture
Landscape & vegetation: open grasslands, river courses, scattered acacias
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park lies in southern Kenya at the foot of Kilimanjaro and covers around 390 km². The park is renowned worldwide for its large elephant herds and spectacular photo opportunities with Africa’s highest mountain in the background. The landscape consists of open plains, swamps and seasonal lakes that attract many animals. In addition to elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and more than 400 bird species are present.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: Kilimanjaro panorama, elephant research
Landscape & vegetation: dry savannah, wetlands, dust plains
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park covers around 13,700 km², making it one of the largest national parks in Africa, and lies in south-eastern Kenya between Nairobi and Mombasa. The landscape is characterised by endless plains, red earth and the Galana River, which attracts numerous animals. Famous are the “red elephants”, which turn red from the iron-rich dust. Lions, giraffes, zebras and antelopes are also frequently encountered.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: vast, pristine wilderness, easily accessible from the coast
Landscape & vegetation: dry savannah, baobab trees, river landscapes
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park covers around 9,000 km² and offers a noticeably more varied landscape than Tsavo East. Volcanic hills, lava fields, springs and green oases alternate here. The famous Mzima Springs provide clear views of hippos and crocodiles. In addition to elephants and predators, there is also a protected rhino sanctuary.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: Mzima Springs, Chyulu Hills, varied scenery
Landscape & vegetation: bushland, volcanic landscape, springs
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve lies in the arid north of Kenya and covers around 165 km². The region offers a very different safari experience compared to the south – rugged, original and less visited. Rare species such as Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes and oryx antelopes (“Samburu Special Five”) live here. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the lifeline of the region and attracts many animals.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: rare wildlife, little mass tourism
Landscape & vegetation: semi-desert, acacias, riverbanks
Meru National Park
Meru National Park lies east of Mount Kenya and covers around 870 km². Several rivers run through the park and create greener, more varied vegetation than in many other regions of Kenya. The park is less frequented and therefore offers a very authentic safari experience. Elephants, lions, leopards and numerous bird species can be observed here.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: few visitors, high scenic variety
Landscape & vegetation: riverine forests, grassland, bushland
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park lies in the Rift Valley and covers around 188 km². The soda lake is famous for flamingos, whose numbers vary depending on the water level. The park is one of the most important rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. In addition to rhinos, lions, leopards and numerous bird species live here.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: rhino sanctuary, easily accessible from Nairobi
Landscape & vegetation: lake shore, woodlands, hills
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley and known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Here the focus is on boat trips and walking safaris. Hippos, giraffes, zebras and more than 400 bird species make the region particularly attractive.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: boat trips, proximity to Nairobi
Landscape & vegetation: lake, acacia woodlands, green shores
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy lies on the equator at the foot of Mount Kenya and covers around 360 km². It is one of the most important rhino sanctuaries in Africa and is home to the last northern white rhino. In addition, there is a chimpanzee sanctuary – unique in Kenya.
Best time to travel: June to March
Highlights: conservation projects, combination of safari and conservation
Landscape & vegetation: open savannah, view of Mount Kenya
