Tsavo National Parks: Tsavo East and Tsavo West

The Tsavo National Park consists of two parks, that is Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The park itself is divided into two separate parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Both parks lie in southeastern Kenya 240km from Nairobi and together they comprise some of the largest protected areas in the country. Established Tsavo East was founded in 1948 with an area of about 11,000 square kilometres, whereas Tsavo West was formed in 1968 with an area of 7,000 square kilometres. Size: The total area of the two parks is in excess of 20,000 square kilometers, putting together immense tracts with a variety of landscapes ranging from open plains, volcanic hills, green river valleys, and rugged volcanic flows. Tsavo East is famous for expansive savannah country and the Yatta Plateau, the world’s largest lava flow. Tsavo West is also home to the volcanic Chaimu Crater, the clear-water Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flow – a spectacle of volcanic and bush scenery.

Both parks are inhabited by numerous species of animals and birds. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the famous African elephants (there are more in Tsavo East), lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos and rhinos. Tsavo East is renowned for its sizable herds of elephants which can be seen in large numbers at water holes such as the Aruba Dam. Elephants, along with elephants – also in Tsavo West, and of course the elusive and endangered black rhinoceros. Other animals seen there are giraffe, zebra, hyena, crocodile and hippo, the latter more so near the watering holes. Both parks boast an abundance of birdlife, with more than 500 species having been recorded. Bird watchers will have the pleasure of seeing vultures eagles, hornbills, kingfishers and vultures, to name a few, particularly around water and in many of the park’s habitats.

Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is situated in the central part of Kenya about 100 km from Nairobi. Established in 1950, it spans some 766 square kilometres. The park is popular for its rich mountain rainforests, high moorlands and waterfalls. It lies on the Aberdare Mountain Range, which towers to an elevation of 4,001 meters at Point Lenana.

The park hosts variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards and the rare bongo antelope. It is the habitat many primates, including such as baboons, black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys. Birders can hopefully witness over 300 birds, including the perspective: African fish eagle, Jackson’s francolin, Aberdare cisticola, African wood owl, African crowned eagle, Augur buzzard, red-chested sunbird, blue-headed coucal, white-backed night heron, malachite kingfisher, blue-mantled crested flycatcher and scarlet-chested sunbird among others

While on your Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park, you’ll have variety of activities to embark on such as game drives, bird-watching, visiting waterfalls like Karuru and Chania. Visitors can participate in guided nature walks and also make a stop at the Treetops lodge, renowned for its role in wildlife conservation history. Because of the cool climate, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mountain view, it is an ideal place to get away from it all.”

The park is the dwelling of many animals that prefer cooler climates and its forests are water catchments. It provides a contrast to the savannah parks with its green landscape and mountain views. It is the ideal place for bird watchers, scenic road trip enthusiasts and those who just want to enjoy some tranquil moments in nature.”

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara is a renowned national reserve in southwestern Kenya, adjacent to the border with Tanzania. It is within the greater Serengeti region. Established in 1961, Maasai Mara spans an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometres. It is famed worldwide for its stunning wildlife, particularly during the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles that cross the plains from July to October. This migration is one of the most dramatic wild animal spectacles on the planet.

The reserve harbours an abundance of wildlife including the big five: lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Game drives Almost every visitor report seeing these animals on game drives. Lions are commonly seen lying under trees or stalking prey and elephants are found in large packs. The more secretive leopard can occasionally be found sleeping on branches of trees. There are also cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, giraffes and all manner of antelope.

The reserve is home to over 470 species of birds including vultures, eagles, storks, kingfishers, and more can be seen by bird lovers. The open plains, acacia and rivers make up the good scenery, so bring your camera. Visitors can take game drives, hot air balloon safaris, guided nature walks, and cultural excursions to Maasai villages in the area. Many of the lodges and camps are comfortable enough to allow you to relax after a day spent exploring.

The Maasai Mara is a must-see for anyone who wants to marvel at the wildlife of Africa and enjoy the wonders of the natural world. It provides once in a lifetime safari experiences to global travelers.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is situated in the southern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. The park was established in 1974 and covers an area of 392 square kilometres. The park is well known for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain of Africa, which is frequently shrouded in clouds.

 Amboseli is also famed as the “elephant capital of Kenya” because of the vast herds of elephants that can be seen there.  Visitors can see elephants walking across the plains, and quite near to the wetlands and swamps. Apart from elephants, there are lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras in the park.

Birders will also enjoy spotting species such as Great White Pelicans, Pink-backed Pelicans, Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Martial Eagle, Secretary bird, Common Cuckoo, Kori Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Crowned Hornbill and White-bellied Go-away Bird among others

The wetlands lagoon specialises in waterbirds particularly in the dry season. Activities include game drives, birding, guided walks and photography. The landscape provides a stunning Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Tourists may also have the opportunity to visit Maasai villages and learn about the Maasai way of life. Wildlife viewing against a mountain backdrop is what makes Amboseli one of the best places for classic African safari for travelers. The best of wildlife, scenery and culture combine to make this a trip both you and your clients will never forget.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate Park National Naivasha is situated close to Naivasha, 90km from Nairobi. It was gazetted in 1984 and spans an area of 68km2. It is renowned for spectacular landscape of cliffs, gorges and geothermal areas.

The park is home to various animals including baboons, Zebra, eland, giraffe, buffalo, serval cat, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, klipspringer, antelope, leopard among others. It is one of the only parks that you can walk or bike through on wildlife. Geothermal activity has generated hot springs, fumaroles, and acid pools, which makes it a unique place geologically.

 Birders will also see African kestrel, arrow-marked babbler, chins pot batis, Egyptian vulture, golden-winged sunbird, eastern imperial eagle, Jackson’s widowbird, bearded vulture, mottled swift, Nyanza swift among others.

While on a Kenya wildlife safari in Hell’s Gate National Park, you’ll have the chance to participate in variety of safari activities such as game driving, hiking, rock climbing, cycling.

 Tourists also trek down and hike around the gorge or simply take in the phenomenal view from the cliffs with a brew or warm cup. Hell’s Gate offers an active experience or adventure lovers and nature enthusiast. Its unique landscape close to Nairobi, makes it a popular day trip destination for those wanting to combine wildlife and Kenya city tour  

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is in central Kenya and was gazetted in 1949. It extends over 2,500 square kilometers and contains Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain on the African continent, standing at 5,199 metres.

The park features alpine vegetation, glaciers and jagged peaks. It is home to wildlife such as

The park features alpine vegetation, glaciers, and rugged peaks. Mount Kenya National Park has a wealth of wildlife, with large mammals, such as elephants, leopards, black rhinos and buffalo, as well as colobus monkeys and baboons. Other animals are bushbucks, waterbucks, duikers, elands, giant forest hogs and mongoose. To the list of more than 130 species of bird and many other small animals, the park also adds. Among the birds are Gray Crowned-Crane, Little Grebe, Secretary bird, Osprey, Pink-backed Pelican, Hamerkop, Reed Cormorant, African Openbill, African Jacana, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Blue-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl and many more.

While on your wildlife safari here, you’ll have a number of activities to opt such as mountain climbing, trekking, wildlife viewing and birding. Climbing Mount Kenya is a popular adventure, with paths for various skill levels. It ranges from thick rainforests to snow-capped mountains.

Mount Kenya National Park provides excellent mountain scenery and opportunities for seeing wildlife. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is situated in the heart of the city of Nairobi. It was formed in 1946 and spans an area of roughly 117 sq.km. It ranks as one of the very few parks found in the world that is situated within close proximity to a major city.

The park host wildlife such as lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. It’s a great place to see wildlife without traveling far. The park also has a rhino sanctuary and contributes to conservation of endangered animals.

The park also hosts over 400 bird species, making it one o the best places for birdwatching safaris in Kenya. Some of the birds you may spot includes, Common ostrich, Common Grey crowned crane, Common Northern pied babbler, Common Purple grenadier, White-backed Duck, Knob-billed Duck, White-faced Whistling-Duck, geese, hawks, eagles, vultures, herons, egrets, and weavers among others

While on your Kenya safari here, you’ll have a wide range activities to embark on from game drives and bird watching to school trips and guided tours. Visitors can also enjoy close-up views of wildlife, with the skyline of Nairobi in the background.

Nairobi National Park offers an accessible safari experience, combining urban life with wildlife viewing. It’s perfect for day trips and quick wildlife encounter.

Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot is situated near Naivasha, 60 kilometres from Nairobi. It was gazetted a national park in 1990 and has an area of 52 square kilometres. The park revolves around Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano.

The park’s main attraction is hiking around the crater rim, which offers breathtaking views into the Great Rift Valley and beyond. Mount Longonot National Park supports a wide range of animals including buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes such as Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. The park also has lions and leopard but leopards are rarely seen. Baboons, bushbuck, and a number of avian species especially birds of pray.

While on your Kenya safari here, you’ll have a wide range activities to embark on such as biking, game viewing, hiking, rock climbing and nature walks among others. Volcanic landscape and scenery make it a popular day trip tour. The strenuous trek is ideal for nature lovers and thrill seekers.

Mount Longonot is a great half-day or full-day trip from Nairobi, with stunning views, volcanic history and even some wildlife spotting packed into a relatively small place, so it’s wonderful outdoor outing not far from the Kenyan capital.

Meru National Park

Meru National Park is found in eastern Kenya close to Mount Kenya. It was gazetted in 1966 and covers an area of 870km². The park boasts a variety of habitats, ranging from rivers and grasslands to forests. There is a variety of wildlife including the big five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in Meru National Park. Mammals include Grevy’s zebra, cheetah, hippopotamus, reticulated giraffe and several antelope species such as lesser kudu and gerenuk. It also boasts a huge population of buffalos and lesser kudu. The park is also famed for birds 400 types and reptiles’ pythons, crocodiles. The Tana River bisects the park, and is the basis for the rich vegetation.

While on a Kenya wildlife safari in Meru National Park, you’ll have the chance to participate in variety of safari activities such as Game drives, visiting birds, and boat safari along the river. The park’s remote location of a peaceful experience with fewer visitors. It’s a great place to see wildlife in a diverse landscape.

Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park is situated in western Kenya close to Lake Victoria. It was designated a park in 1983 and encompasses an area of 120 km². The park has a very rare Roan population, which occurs mainly here. The Park comprises of open grassland, riverine forest and lakes. It has elephants, lions, hyenas and buffalo. Some of the birds seen are kingfishers, herons and fish eagles. Activities include game drives, birdwatching and boat trips on the lakes. It’s a quiet park, best suited for those who want seclusion when on safari. It consists of flat plains teeming with animals. Ruma provides the opportunity to view uncommon species in a serene beautiful surrounding. It’s ideal for wildlife and bird lovers.

Mombasa Marine Park

Mombasa Marine Park lies just off Mombasa Beach along the Indian Ocean. It was gazetted in 1986 and covers an area of about 200 k.m. The park has coral reefs, mangroves, and white sand beaches. The marine life includes many fishes, sea turtles, dolphins, colorful corals. It is a popular place for snorkeling, diving and boat rides. You can explore underwater reefs, swim with dolphins, and take in beautiful coastal views when you visit this attraction. Activities are water sports, marine walking and beach holing. The park is also the habitat for a number of birds including the heron and kingfisher. It’s great for families, divers and ocean adventurers up for a nature adventure. Mombasa Marine Park is famed for a rich and colourful marine life making it one of the finest places in Kenya to experience the ocean’s allure and wildlife.

 Other national park you may also visit includes Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Central Island National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, Kora National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, Malka Mari National Park, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Sibiloi National Park and Watamu Marine National Park among others