Top 5 National Parks to Explore in Magical Kenya

Kenya is hailed as “Magical” for its stunning attractions. It is said that the moment you experience the magic of Kenya, it affects you very strongly in a way that you will find it difficult to forget the experience and the urge to return never go away until you visit again.

National Parks are part of the attractions that make Kenya a destination that can never be forgotten. The parks features plethora of tropical plants, scenic rivers and lakes, lush foliage, different animal species and of course rocky and beautiful mountains. These parks are natural treasures in Kenya and they offer a wide range of activities and sightseeing adventures for everyone to explore and enjoy.

We present to you our top 5 National Parks to explore in Magical Kenya;

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve is a unique forest reserve which shares a border with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The park is home to a diversity of inhabitants such as leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and many other wildlife animals. Several ranches are located in the park. Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for its breathtaking oasis, endless plains, scenic hot air balloon safaris and black-maned lions. Marvel at the ornate foliage and the incredible attractions in the park.

Getting there: The Reserve is 270km from Nairobi and takes about 5 hours by road and 45 minutes by charter flight.
Where to Stay: There are several lodges and camps available for lodging inside the Reserve.

2. Meru National Park

Meru National Park is one of the famous parks in Kenya, sprawling over 215000 acres. This beautiful park features 13 rivers, several bird species – both local and foreign species, mammals and wild animal species. Special attractions include Tana river, Adamson’s falls, rivers and riverine habitats, former home of George and Joy Adamson, the grave of Elsa the lioness and of course views of Mount Kenya. Enjoy verdant greenery in this refreshing terrain.

Photo by: NewbyGaronga and Teo’s Photo on Flickr

Getting there: The park is about 348 km from Nairobi and you can get there by road or air. There is a main airstrip at Kina Mulika next to Meru Mulika Lodge.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation and camping facilities in the park such as Leopard Rock Lodge, Meru Luxury House, Kampi Baridi and many others.

3. Amboseli National Park

Sprawled over 39000 hectares of undulating terrain, beautiful surroundings area with savannah grassland, shady trees and swamps. Amboseli National Park is located in Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Keep a lookout for the free-ranging elephants, birds, other wildlife species and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You get the opportunity to see the Masaai people. This park provides a enlivening refuge for nature lovers.

Getting there: The park is 240 km from Nairobi and you can get by flying or driving down, driving takes about two and half hours while flying takes half an hour. You can hire a car or charter an airplane.
Where to Stay: There are lots of accommodation located close to the park.

4. Tsavo National Parks

Tsavo National Parks is divided into two Tsavo West and Tsavo East by A109 road and railway. The two parks are one of the largest National Parks in Kenya. The parks are sprawled over 22000 km², about 12 km² for the eastern part and 10 km² for the western part. Tsavo River flows through the National Parks from west to east.
Tsavo West is known for its magnificent scenery, springs, lava flows, underwater hippo, caves, rock climbing and guided walks along Tsavo River. Major wildlife attractions include rhino, elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, and bird species.

Tsavo East features about 500 bird species,lion, leopard, crocodile, waterbucks, Hirola, Gerenuk and many other wildlife animals. Special attractions include Elephant in Eden, Aruba Dam, Mudanda Rock and Lugards Falls.
Tsavo National Parks have unique and spacious landscapes that suit the natural habitats.

Getting there:You can either fly there or drive down by road from Mombasa or Nairobi.
Where to Stay: Tsavo National Parks have several lodges and camps for tourists and visitors.

5. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is Nakuru’s premier park, sprawled over an area of 188 km² and is reputed for its thousands of flamingos nesting along Lake Nakuru shores. Keep a look out for the flamingos,many of them are spotted at Baboon Cliff. The park is home to other bird species, Rhino, lion, cheetah,leopard, Rothschild’s giraffe, large sized pythons and other species of mammals. Special attractions include Lion hill, Makalia Waterfalls, Unique vegetation of about 550 different plant species, yellow acacia woodlands and scenic landscape.

Getting there: The park is 156km from Nairobi and 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre. You can fly or drive down there.
Where to Stay: Lake Nakuru National Park has several accommodation facilities ranging from lodges to camps. They are comfortable and outstanding.