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Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya

Finding the right Parks in Kenya to visit requires one to have background knowledge about Safaris in Kenya!

We as Zunguka Africa Safaris have compiled a list of the Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya to save you time and ensure that your Kenya Safaris is a success.

A majority of these game parks are home to the Big Five Animals in Kenya and the Samburu Special Five. In case you would like to reach out to us, you can send an e-mail to Info@zungukasafaris.com

Without further ado, here is a list of the Best Parks in Kenya as of 2025. It is time for you to experience Kenyan Safaris in the best way possible.

Maasai Mara National Park

Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya

The Maasai Mara National Park kicks off our list of the Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya. It is located in South Western Kenya within the Rift Valley in Narok County.

It borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the South and covers about 1510 square kilometers. At the moment, it is one of the Best National Parks in Kenya because of the Great Migration which involves millions of Wildebeest, Zebras and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of pastures in the Serengeti.

The Maasai Mara National Park is also famous for being the home of all the Big Five Animals which include;Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Buffaloes and Lions

Oher notable game animals found at the Mara include; Giraffes, Cheetahs, Wildebeest, Zebras, Antelopes, and crocodiles which have infested the Mara River.

Maasai Mara is also among the Parks in Kenya you cannot afford to miss visiting because it is a bird’s haven. At the moment, over 500 bird’s species including; Eagles, Ostriches, and Marabou Storks call Mara their home.

When it comes to activities, Maasai Mara is among the Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya because there are so many to be done. They include;

  • Watching The Great Wildebeest Migrations
  • Bush Meals and Sun-Downers
  • Walking Safaris and Nature hikes
  • Hot Air Balloon Safaris
  • Game Drives

Maasai Mara National Park Accomodations

Despite being in the wilderness Masai Mara has some of the most amazing hotels and luxurious tented camps and lodges. Some of the tented camps and safari lodges have won international awards. These outstanding accommodations include;

 

The best time to visit the Masai Mara National Park is during the dry season from June to October. During this time the animals draw near to rivers and waterholes, the vegetation is thinner making wildlife easier to find and see.

Amboseli National Park

Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya

Amboseli National Park is located in Southern Kenya, Kajiado county and it occupies an area of 392 square kilometers. At the moment, It is one of the most famous National Parks in Kenya because of it’s rich wildlife and the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro views it serves tourists.

Amboseli National Park falls in our list of the Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya it is home to a variety of wild animals including the Big Five. Other animals found in the park include; Crocodiles, Snakes, Tortoise, Zebras and Giraffes. Amboseli is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 recorded species of birds including the waterfowls and raptors.

Some of the activities you can do in the Amboseli National Park include;

  • Game Drives
  • Birds Watching
  • Cultural Tours
  • Camping

Amboseli National Park Accomodations

Amboseli National Park also has luxurious and comfortable camping sites and hotels. Among them are;

 

The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. This time offers the most rewarding wild life viewing experiences. The dry season also provides clearer visibility of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tsavo East National Park

Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya

Tsavo East National Park is located in South-Eastern Kenya, Taita Taveta County. The park covers an area approximately 13,747 square kilometers and is among the Best National Park in Kenya for Safari.

The park has a rich history dated back in the famous “man-eater Tsavo”. It was officially established in 1978 during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway, where two lions killed numerous workers.

Tsavo East National Park is a theatre of wildlife. The park is dominated by free roaming Elephants and the man eaters (Lions). It is also a home for the African big five (Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes and Elephants).

This park is also a home for other animals including; Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas’ Hippos and Crocodiles. There are also notable species of birds at the park which include; Somali Ostrich, African Fin Foot, Vulture Guinea fowl.

The Tsavo East National Park is endorsed with a wide range of attractions that gives the guests more opportunities to do more than one activity. Below are the highlights of those activities.

  • Bird Watching
  • Game Drives
  • Walking Safaris
  • Cultural Tours
  • Sight Seeing

Tsavo East National Park Accomodations

Tsavo National Park has high end hotels that offer classic accommodation facilities to the guests. They include;

 

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

The best time to visit the Tsavo National Park is during the dry season that extends from June to October and again from December to January.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is a Kenya National Park located in Taita Taveta county of Kenya. It falls on our list of The Best National Parks in Kenya and covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers. The Nairobi-Mombasa Road and a railway divides it from adjoining Tsavo East National Park.

Tsavo West National Park is home to a diverse array of animals including the big five (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Buffaloes). There are other numerous species like Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras, Jackals and Crocodiles. The park also has a prolific birdlife that features over 600 species.

Some of the best activities of the Tsavo west National Park include;

  • Go on a Safari
  • Visit the Mzima Springs
  • Pass by the Shetani Lava Flow
  • Watch Rhinos at the Ngulia Sanctuary

 

Tsavo West National Park Accomodations

When it comes to accommodation Tsavo west is the home to luxury camps and tourist’s hotel. Examples include;

  • Lake Jipe Safari Camp
  • Rhino Valley Lodge
  • Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

The best time to visit the Tsavo West National Park is during the dry seasons. However, it’s worth noting that the park can be visited year-round, but the conditions during the peak of the wet seasons can be challenging.

Point to Note: Both Tsavo East and West combine to form the Biggest National Park in Kenya.

Nairobi National Park

Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya

Nairobi National Park is located at the South of Nairobi’s city center. This Kenya National Park covers a total area of 45 square miles which makes it one of the smallest National Parks in Africa. It was the first ever National Park to be established in Kenya and it was officially opened in 1946.

Nairobi National Park is a unique sanctuary where urban life meets untamed wilderness. Among the diverse wildlife population at the park are; Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Baboons, Impala and Eland. The park has an abundance of over 450 bird species including The Vulture, Ostriches, Crane, Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard and Egyptian Goose.

There are endless activity options that visitors can indulge in at the Nairobi National Park which include;

  • Visit the Nairobi safari walk
  • Visit the Animal Orphanage
  • Enjoy a Scenic Picnic at the Impala Observation Point
  • Game Drives
  • Birds Watching

Check Out: Nairobi National Park Tours

Nairobi National Park Accomodations

When it comes to Nairobi National Park Accomodations, there are five-star hotels that are near this Kenya National Park. They include;

  • Ololo Safari lodge
  • The Emakoko lodge
  • Masai lodge
  • The Panari Hotel
  • Lukenya Motorcross

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

The best time to visit Nairobi National Park is during the dry season, from July to October and January to March.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the Great Rift Valley in Central Kenya. It covers an area of 188 square kilometers of which 45 square kilometers is occupied by Lake Nakuru. It is nestled within Nakuru county and is among the Best Parks in Kenya because of its abundant wildlife.

During game drives some of the common animals that you are likely to spot include; Black and White Rhinos, Rothschild Giraffe, Cape Buffalo and Waterbucks. The park is also home to over 450 birds’ species. some of them include Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle Kingfishers and Many More.

Lake Nakuru National Park is also among the Best National Parks in Kenya because there are balls of beautiful sights waiting to be explored and various activities done including the following;

  • Bird Watching
  • Game Viewing
  • Camping
  • Picnicking

Lake Nakuru National Park Accomodations

There are some great options of luxury lodges at the Lake Nakuru National Park including;

  • Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
  • The Cliff
  • Sarova Lion Hill camp
  • Lake Nakuru lodge
  • Mbweha Camp

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

The park is blessed with unique climate that makes it perfect for a visit any time of the year. one can visit depending on the activities they want to do. Those that are favored by dry weather and those favored by wet weather.

Mombasa Marine National Park

kenya national park

Mombasa Marine National Park is strategically located on the Northern Shores of Mombasa County. It encompasses two distinct areas: a 10 kilometers square National Park and a 200 square kilometers National Reserve. The park was established in 1986 to protect the fragile coral reefs and the diverse marine life that inhabit them.

Mombasa marine park teems with vibrant marine life. Some of the marine wildlife are; Sea Turtles, Playful Dolphins, Green Parrot Fish, Striped Zebra Fish.

At the Mombasa Marine Park, visitors can enjoy fun activities such as;

  • Snorkeling
  • Diving
  • Boat rides
  • Sunbathing

While there are no accommodations located directly within Mombasa Marine Park, there are many fantastic options close by. Some of the options are:

  • Serena Beach Resort and Spa
  • Sarova White Sands Beach Resort
  • Voyager Beach Resort
  • Bamburi Beach Hotel

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

The best time to visit the Mombasa marine park is during the long dry season from July through October when the sunshine is abundant.

Samburu National Park

kenya national park

Samburu National Park is located in Northern Kenya, in Samburu County. It covers approximately 165 square kilometers and borders the buffalo springs and Shaba national reserve. The park became a wildlife protected area in 1948 and was officially established in 1962.

Samburu National reserve is among the Top 10 Best National Parks in Kenya offers a great wild viewing. It is a special place known for more than just its big herds of Elephants, Lions and Leopards as well as the rare Samburu special five which are found nowhere else in Africa.

The park offers a sublime birding experience with over 450 species recorded such as Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, and William’s Lark.

Samburu National Park offers a variety of safaris activities including;

  • Game Drives
  • Walking Safaris
  • Cultural Visits
  • Camel Safaris
  • Bush Meals

 

Samburu National Park Accomodations

Samburu National Reserve offers various accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to mid-range and budget friendly hotels. The popular choices include;

The long dry season is the best time to visit Samburu Park. One enjoys sunny blue skies with almost no rains. Water sources are limited and so the animals congregate along the Ewaso River to drink and feed. However, it is a year-round safari destination.

Check Out:  5 Places to Visit in Samburu

Mount Kenya National Park

parks in kenya

Mount Kenya National Park is situated in Central Kenya. It beautifully surrounds mt Kenya and is located in a region that includes the counties of Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Meru.

It covers an area of approximately 715 square kilometers. This National Park was established in 1949 around mt Kenya to protect its surroundings environment and wildlife.

Mount Kenya is an amazing site that provides a breath-taking view of the mountain as well as a sanctuary for animal and birds enthusiasts. It is a home to a diverse array of wildlife including Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Antelopes. Additionally, there are over 130 bird’s species including Sunbirds, Eagles, And African Green Pigeons.

Among the activities to do in Mount Kenya National Park include;

  • Nature Stroll
  • Climbing and Hiking
  • Camping
  • Mountaineering
  • Birdwatching

Mount Kenya National Park Accomodations

There is a diverse selection of accommodation in Mt Kenya National Park, ranging from cozy guest house to luxury 5-star hotels. There are enough options that cater to every need. They include;

  • Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari
  • Rutundu Log Cabins
  • Shipton Camp Mountain Hut
  • Castle Forest Lodge

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

December to March are the sunniest months and perhaps the best time to visit. However, mt Kenya national park is open all year round.

Hells Gate National Park

parks in kenya

Hells Gate National Park located in the Great Rift Valley in Nakuru county. It covers an area of approximately 68.25 square kilometers. It was established in 1984 to protect its unique geological features and wildlife. The Parks name originates from a narrow break in the cliffs.

Hell’s gate national park is notable for its wide variety of wildlife and for its scenery. The wildlife there includes Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs. The Park is important for it is home for a rare bearded vulture. There are over 103 species of birds in the park, including Vultures, Hartebeests, Elands and Swifts.

Hell’s gate National Park offers a unique blend of adventure and nature, with activities like;

  • Hiking
  • Nature trails
  • Cycling
  • Rock climbing
  • Photography

Hells Gate National Park Accomodations

Some of the best hotels in the park for accommodation include;

  • Oleitiko Cottages
  • Sweetlake Resort
  • Guyana Guesthouse
  • Jacaranda Luxury Suites

For bookings and inquiries about these accomodations, you can send us an e-mail at Info@zungukasafaris.com

The dry season (July to October) is generally considered the best time to visit the Park, as it offers the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing.