Best National Parks and Game Reserves in Kenya: Attractions, Fees and Activities

Kenya has over 20 national parks and a patchwork of national reserves and private conservancies. They are not interchangeable — each does something best. Here is how to choose.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The headline act: big cats year-round and the wildebeest migration river crossings roughly July to October. The Mara is a county-run reserve, not a KWS park, so its fees and rules differ — see our Maasai Mara guide. Best for: first safaris, big cats, the migration.

Amboseli National Park

Large elephant herds against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Compact, easy to self-drive in a 4x4, and one of the most photogenic parks in Africa. Details in our Amboseli guide. Best for: elephants, photography, short trips from Nairobi.

Tsavo East and Tsavo West

Together they form one of the largest protected areas in the world. Tsavo East is famous for red-dusted elephants and the Galana River; Tsavo West for Mzima Springs, lava flows and rhino sanctuary. Best for: crowd-free wilderness, combining with a coast holiday via the Mombasa highway or SGR.

Lake Nakuru National Park

A compact, fully fenced Rift Valley park known for rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild's giraffe and seasonal flamingos. Easy day trip from Nairobi or Naivasha — see our Lake Nakuru guide. Best for: rhinos, birding, short visits.

Nairobi National Park

The only national park bordering a capital city: lions, rhinos and giraffes with the skyline behind them. Perfect half-day trip — full details in our Nairobi National Park guide.

Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba

Northern Kenya's dry-country specials: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Beisa oryx — species you will not see in the south. Best for: repeat safari-goers, arid landscapes.

Aberdare and Mount Kenya

Montane forest, waterfalls and trout streams rather than classic savannah. Tree lodges overlook floodlit waterholes; Mount Kenya adds trekking — see our Mount Kenya hiking guide.

Meru and the quiet parks

Meru National Park (Elsa's lioness country) and Ruma (roan antelope) reward travellers who want wildlife without vehicles queueing at sightings.

Fees at a glance

Fees change regularly and differ by residency. As a rough guide: premium KWS parks charge non-residents in the USD 60–100+ range per adult per day and citizens a few thousand shillings; the Mara sets its own county fees, which rose sharply in 2024. Always confirm on kws.go.ke or the county/conservancy website before travel, and carry ID for citizen rates. For a full cost breakdown, read how much a Kenyan safari costs.

Related articles

• Maasai Mara Safari Guide
• Amboseli National Park Safari Guide
• Nairobi National Park Guide
• Lake Nakuru National Park Guide