Masai Mara National Reserve
The Great Wildebeest Migration and big cats all year round.
- Best for
- Big Five, migration, big cats
- Best time
- July – September
- From Nairobi
- 5–6 hrs
Find parks on the map
Tap a pin or a park name to see what it is known for, when to go and how far it is from Nairobi.
Kenya safari parks by region
Kenya's parks fall into five regions. Parks in the same region are easy to combine in one trip.
1
Masai Mara & the Rift Valley
Kenya's classic western circuit: big cats and the Great Migration in the Mara, with rhinos, flamingos, hippo boat rides and crater hikes at the Rift Valley lakes on the way.
Lake Nakuru National Park
A fenced rhino sanctuary with flamingos along the shore in many seasons.
- Best for
- Rhinos, flamingos, birds
- Best time
- July – October
- From Nairobi
- 3 hrs
Lake Naivasha
Boat rides among hippos and a walking safari on Crescent Island.
- Best for
- Boat trips, hippos, walking
- Best time
- June – October
- From Nairobi
- 2 hrs
Mount Longonot National Park
A volcanic crater rim hike with views over the Rift Valley.
- Best for
- Hiking, day trips
- Best time
- June – September, January – February
- From Nairobi
- 1.5 hrs
2
Kilimanjaro & Tsavo
Big elephant country in the south, from Amboseli's Kilimanjaro views to the red-earth wilderness of Tsavo.
Amboseli National Park
Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro behind them.
- Best for
- Elephants, Kilimanjaro views
- Best time
- June – October, January – February
- From Nairobi
- 4–5 hrs
Tsavo West National Park
Volcanic hills, lava flows and the clear springs of Mzima.
- Best for
- Scenery, lions, fewer crowds
- Best time
- June – October, January – February
- From Nairobi
- 4–5 hrs
Tsavo East National Park
Red-dust elephants in Kenya's largest wilderness.
- Best for
- Red elephants, wide open space
- Best time
- June – October, December – March
- From Nairobi
- 5–6 hrs
3
Nairobi & the central highlands
Rhino sanctuaries, highland forest and Africa's second-highest mountain, all within a few hours of Nairobi.
Nairobi National Park
Lions and rhinos with the city skyline behind them.
- Best for
- Day trips, rhinos, layovers
- Best time
- Year-round
- From Nairobi
- 20–30 min
Aberdare National Park
Highland forests, waterfalls and black rhino.
- Best for
- Forest, waterfalls, cool climate
- Best time
- June – September
- From Nairobi
- 3 hrs
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary.
- Best for
- Rhinos, Big Five, chimpanzees
- Best time
- June – September
- From Nairobi
- 3–4 hrs
Mount Kenya National Park
Africa's second-highest peak, with glaciers and alpine trails.
- Best for
- Trekking, mountain scenery
- Best time
- July – September
- From Nairobi
- 3–4 hrs
4
Northern frontier
Dry, remote country with fewer vehicles and species you will not see further south.
Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx.
- Best for
- Rare species, culture
- Best time
- July – October, December – March
- From Nairobi
- 5–6 hrs
Meru National Park
Remote wilderness and the home of Elsa the lioness from Born Free.
- Best for
- Seclusion, rivers, rhinos
- Best time
- June – October, December – March
- From Nairobi
- 5–6 hrs
5
Coast & marine
Coral reefs, dolphins and white-sand beaches to finish your safari.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
Coral reefs, dolphins and snorkelling on the south coast.
- Best for
- Snorkelling, dolphins, beach
- Best time
- July – September
- From Nairobi
- 1.5 hrs from Diani
Compare Kenya's parks at a glance
Drive times are approximate, by road from Nairobi.
| Park | Region | Best for | Best time | From Nairobi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara National Reserve | Masai Mara & the Rift Valley | Big Five, migration, big cats | July – September | 5–6 hrs |
| Amboseli National Park | Kilimanjaro & Tsavo | Elephants, Kilimanjaro views | June – October, January – February | 4–5 hrs |
| Tsavo West National Park | Kilimanjaro & Tsavo | Scenery, lions, fewer crowds | June – October, January – February | 4–5 hrs |
| Tsavo East National Park | Kilimanjaro & Tsavo | Red elephants, wide open space | June – October, December – March | 5–6 hrs |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | Masai Mara & the Rift Valley | Rhinos, flamingos, birds | July – October | 3 hrs |
| Lake Naivasha | Masai Mara & the Rift Valley | Boat trips, hippos, walking | June – October | 2 hrs |
| Mount Longonot National Park | Masai Mara & the Rift Valley | Hiking, day trips | June – September, January – February | 1.5 hrs |
| Nairobi National Park | Nairobi & the central highlands | Day trips, rhinos, layovers | Year-round | 20–30 min |
| Aberdare National Park | Nairobi & the central highlands | Forest, waterfalls, cool climate | June – September | 3 hrs |
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Nairobi & the central highlands | Rhinos, Big Five, chimpanzees | June – September | 3–4 hrs |
| Mount Kenya National Park | Nairobi & the central highlands | Trekking, mountain scenery | July – September | 3–4 hrs |
| Samburu National Reserve | Northern frontier | Rare species, culture | July – October, December – March | 5–6 hrs |
| Meru National Park | Northern frontier | Seclusion, rivers, rhinos | June – October, December – March | 5–6 hrs |
| Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park | Coast & marine | Snorkelling, dolphins, beach | July – September | 1.5 hrs from Diani |
When to visit Kenya's parks
Kenya has wildlife all year. The seasons change how green the parks are, how busy they get and what lodges cost.
January – March
Short dry season. Warm, clear days. Great for Tsavo, Samburu, Meru and Amboseli.
April – May
Long rains. Green parks, newborn animals and the lowest lodge rates.
June – October
Peak dry season. The best months almost everywhere. The Great Migration is in the Masai Mara from about July to September.
November – December
Short rains. Brief showers and quieter parks. Good for birdwatching.
Kenya destination FAQs
Still deciding where to go? Our Nairobi team can suggest the best parks for your dates and interests.
Ask us on WhatsAppWhich Kenya park is best for the Great Migration?
The Masai Mara National Reserve. The wildebeest herds are usually there from July to September, when the Mara River crossings happen.
Where can I see elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro?
Amboseli National Park. Its big elephant herds roam open plains with Kilimanjaro behind them, best seen on clear mornings.
Where can I see rhinos in Kenya?
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary. Lake Nakuru National Park and Nairobi National Park are also good places to see rhinos.
Which parks are closest to Nairobi?
Nairobi National Park is 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre. Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha are about 1.5 to 2 hours away, and Lake Nakuru and the Aberdares about 3 hours.
Can I combine several parks in one safari?
Yes. Popular routes combine the Masai Mara with Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, or Amboseli with Tsavo. Our packages run from 1 to 12 days, or we can build a custom route.
Can I add the beach after my safari?
Yes. You can finish on the coast with snorkelling and dolphins at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and a beach stay. Ask us to add it to your itinerary.
Turn your favourite parks into a route
Pick two or three parks and tell us your dates. We will plan the order, the lodges and the drive times so nothing is rushed.
