Kenya Safaris Tours: Must-Visit Parks and Wildlife Spots
Dreaming ever or wildlife up close, lions keeping the distance roaring or sun dawning over the endless savannah? Kenya is the place to be for such a dream live experience. The country is home to the most famous national parks in Africa that are so different from one another in terms of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural stories. Kenya safaris tours allow the traveler to escape from the busy life and immerse him/herself in Nature, where every moment is real and unforgettable.
Big wild animals and good views are the main reasons most travelers come to Kenya but the park’s confusion is such that a big amount of planning might be needed in order to go to the right place at the right time. Some travelers are after big cats, some after elephants, while others want all the wildlife, culture, and scenic drives combined. In order to make it less complicated, this guide shows the best parks and wildlife spots that really reflect the core of the Kenyan safaris.
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve
No doubt, the Maasai Mara is the first safari destination in Kenya, and the very impressive and still very much new wildlife is the main reason for it. Moreover, the Mara has been one of the most favored greatly for the Great Migration, where over a million cattle and zebras cross from Tanzania to Kenya every year, and it is from July to October that this massive movement of animals takes place. It will be shared by you if you witness the herds stampede across the plains or see them trying to cross the Mara River, for it will be an experience of a lifetime.
The park is still home to a wide variety of wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and many more during the non-migration season. The park is very welcoming and has a very relaxed atmosphere so tourists who want to see the different kinds of animals will find it easy to see them, thus first-time visitors will have no trouble spotting animals. Upon getting the go-ahead from the Maasai guides, the park visitors will get to learn about the Maasai’s culture and land through the stories the guides will tell.
2. Amboseli National Park
If you want to see elephants in huge quantities, then Amboseli is the right place in Kenya for that. The image that you get of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background is the image of Amboseli. The terrain of the park is very flat and wide which makes it very easy for one to spot the animals even from a long distance. The game drives that are not even very long can show you the animals like buffalos, zebras, lions, and many types of birds.
One of the very special aspects of Amboseli Park is the very close & intimate contact of the major wild animals with the tourists. Elephants are moving so close to the safari cars that the tourists have the best opportunities of taking pictures. The views, especially in the morning when the mountain is visible, make the park feel very tranquil yet still magical at the same time.
3. Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
If wide-open spaces and a less frantic safari are your preferences, Tsavo is the park for you. Tsavo East has its red elephants and you shall see them all, those elephants’ colour is due to the region’s soil. The area is enormous and unrestrained, by this time, a normal thing for visitors to be in such a splendidly beautiful place with so few people around. Visiting different animal species like lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous others is possible through game drives all day.
In Tsavo West, on the contrary, the different sceneries are composed of hills, volcanic activity, and water springs. Mzima Springs is one of the most popular places where you can view hippos and crocodiles through an underwater viewing dome. The experience on both Tsavo sides is similar; you get wonderful views and a real sense of being an adventurer away from the crowds of tourists.
4. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru has drawn attention mainly due to its beautiful lake, the various forms of life around it, and the most significant of all, the rhinos found there. The count of flamingos that took flight and came to the lake varied with the water levels, but still, the lake was the home to a large number of birds giving the place an ideal condition for birdwatchers. The park is also the residence of critically endangered animals, such as black and white rhinos. The most common and impressive experience is either the sight of a rhino munching or the one lying lazily.
The park is quite small when compared to others in Kenya, thus a full-day visit is sufficient for one to see the park’s major attractions. Besides rhinos, you may also get to see lions, leopards, buffaloes, and giraffes. Peaceful atmosphere and a cooling lake breeze make Lake Nakuru a serene stop on any safari route.
5. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu provides an exceptional safari experience, which is absolutely different from that of the southern parks. The terrain is dry and rugged with the Ewaso Ng’iro River flowing through it. The weather is such that Samburu can show off unique wild animal species that are found in northern Kenya only; they are the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk.
The reserve is famous for its people connection as the Samburu community thrives around it, sharing their culture, stories, and traditions with the visitors. The safaris in this area are characterized by being quiet and close to nature since the park is less populated with tourists than the Mara or Amboseli.
6. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta is a luxury private conservancy that has gained fame mainly through its conservation characterization. It is the sanctuary of the only two northern white rhinos left in the world, and thus, the deadliest and most significant area to visit. The conservancy not only preserves black rhinos but also lions, elephants, and various other animals.
Night game drives available at Ol Pejeta are the biggest attraction that allows the travelers to spot the secretive animals of the night like hyenas, servals, or sometimes even leopards. The conservancy has a policy of depending on the responsible wildlife protection practice, so your visit will indirectly be a support to the conservation activity that is very crucial.
7. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate is one of the wildlife parks that has a different feature from the multitudes where the visitors are given the option to walk, cycle or hike through the park. It is a safe area for active tourists who want to experience a more direct contact with nature as the park has only a few predators. The park is rich in nature with amazing cliffs, hot springs, grasslands, and gorges. You can also see zebras, buffalos, gazelles, and various kinds of birds during your walks.
Nature lovers and adventures seekers all in one would consider this park as a great place to visit together with the nearby Lake Naivasha where one could indulge in boat riding and bird watching.
Final Thoughts
Kenya’s parks not only possess a great variety and beauty but are also the source of numerous incredible experiences. You may want to see the lions and leopards in the Mara, while at the same time looking at the elephants in Amboseli or even the rare species in Samburu each park tells you another part of Kenya’s wildlife story. If you are planning to visit these wonderful places then you can either book your safari with Passion for Adventures Safaris & Travel or contact us for more info—we are here to help you create a trip that is one of a kind and hard to forget.
