Kenya is among the top countries with the best game parks in the world. This has made the country a top destination for both domestic and international tourism. Hence, if you are planning to visit one, here is a list of the top 10 national parks to visit in Kenya.
1. Maasai Mara National Park
Maasai Mara is famous for its annual wildebeest migration. This is an event that happens yearly when animals migrate from the park to Serengeti national park on the Tanzania side.
Also known as the great migration, this event attracts thousands of tourists yearly. Maasai Mara is also home to various other animals such as lions, rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, and giraffes.
The Maasai Mara National is located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It neighbors the famous Maasai community.
2. Tsavo National Park
Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya and is comprised of both the Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks. It is located close to Voi town in taita taveta.
Some of the famous tourist attractions in Tsavo include the lake jipe, Mzima Springs, and a variety of wild animals. These include the black rhino, Lions, elephants, giraffes, and leopards.
There are several gates to access Tsavo East national park such as Manyani Gate, Voi Gate, Buchuma Gate, and Sala Gate. Tsavo West can be accessed through Mtito Gate, Man-Eaters Gate, Chyulu Gate, and one other near Maktau.
3. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi national park is the only park located in a capital city across the world. This closeness to the city makes it easier to visit and access by most people.
The park offers scenery to various animals such as lions, Giraffes, buffaloes, black rhinos, and leopards. It also offers various corporate services such as camping and team building.
The park entry fees are 430 shillings for adults and 215 shillings for children. You can access the part through various gates such as KWS headquarters, East Gate, Lang’ata Gate, Maasai Gate, and Banda Gate.
4. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru national park is located in the Kenya rift valley within Nakuru County. The park comes both with a lake and a big variety of animals. Other attraction features include camping and flamingoes.
The park is approximately 150 KM from Nairobi making it accessible by road. Park entry fees are 860 shillings for adults and 215 shillings for children.
5. Hells Gate National Park
The name of the park originates from the frequent geothermal activities found in the area. Hells gate national park is found in the great rift valley and is famous for its numerous gorges and cliffs.
It also offers various recreational activities such as rock climbing, bird watching, camping, and bike riding. The park is 90 km from Nairobi and a mall distance from Naivasha town.
Park entry fees include 300 shillings for adults and 215 shillings for children.
6. Samburu National Reserve
This park is found in the northern part of Kenya along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu national reserve boasts more than 500 elephants and plenty of other animals such as the lion, giraffe, and ostriches.
Some of the common activities to do in the reserve include game drives, camping, and camel riding. The park sits approximately 300 km from Nairobi. You can access it either through the road or by air.
7. Aberdares National Park
The park sits 150 KM from Nairobi and 15 KM from Nyeri. Aberdares National Park is home to various animal species such as elephants, hyenas, buffalos, and monkeys.
Other than game drives, you can also enjoy other services such as camping and bird watching. The charges include 300 shillings for adults and 215 shillings for children.
8. Lewa Conservancy
Lewa Conservancy boasts of a huge collection of animals including both black and white rhinos. The conservancy is also home to elephants, buffalos, lions, and giraffes.
The conservancy is located a few kilometers from Isiolo town.
9. Mt Kenya National Park
Mt Kenya is the largest mountain in Kenya and the second largest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. As such, most people are attracted to visiting the mountain and the surrounding parks.
There are numerous activities that you can do in the park including camping, game viewing, cave exploration, and mountain climbing.
The park is 175 KM from Nairobi and you can access it through 4 gates for mountain climbing. These are Kamweti ,Marani, Burgure, and Themwe.
Some of the key animals found in the park include elephants, leopards, and bush bucks. The charges vary depending on the number of days. For a day trip, it costs 430 shillings for an adult and 215 shillings for children.
10. Mombasa Marine National Park
This park is home to many marine species such as starfish, sea urchins, corals, and turtles. The park is found between the Mtwapa and Tudor creeks.
Some of the activities that you can do in the park include diving, water skiing, surfing, and sub bathing.
The park entry fee is 130 shillings for adults and 125 shillings for children.
Below is a breakdown of the top 10 national parks in Kenya.
- Maasai Mara National Park
- Tsavo National Park
- Nairobi National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Hells Gate National Park
- Samburu National Park
- Aberdares National Park
- Lewa Conservancy
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Mombasa Marine National Park
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