About 8% of the Kenya’s land mass is protected area for wildlife conservation. In Kenya, Protected areas embrace various types of ecosystems namely: forests, wetlands, savannah, marine, arid and semi-arid. The protected areas comprise of 23 terrestrial National Parks, 28 terrestrial National Reserves, 4 marine National Parks, 6 marine National Reserves and 4 national sanctuaries
Nairobi National Park
A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture
Maasai Mara game reserve
Located in southwest Kenya, the reserve is renowned for its year-round abundance of game, including over two million wildebeest, zebras, and other antelopes during the Great Migration. It is home to numerous elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs, with frequent leopard sightings. Endangered black rhinos inhabit dense thickets, while the Mara River hosts large groups of hippos and massive crocodiles. Additionally, the park offers a haven for birdwatchers, with over 450 species recorded
Lake Nakuru National Park
On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnic and game drives. It has large herds of buffalo, water buck, lions, rhinos, hippo, leopard, warthog, hyenas, kudu among other wildlife
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo is among the largest park in the world located in Coast Province of Kenya. The slightly larger Tsavo East is generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls. Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. It is known for bird life and mammal’s like rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, hippo, lion, bush baby, hartebeest, lesser kudu and Maasai giraffe.
Samburu National Park
Located in northern Kenya, it is situated alongside the Ewaso Ng’iro River, surrounded by semi-arid savannah grasslands. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the reticulated giraffe, Zebra, Ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Additionally, visitors can spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as elephants and buffalo. It offers opportunities for game drives, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with the local Samburu people.