The national park system of Kenya is maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Service. There are two main types of terrestrial protected areas in Kenya: national parks, and national reserves; there are also marine parks and marine reserves.
The diversity of Kenya’s people, wildlife and habitats is superbly represented in the country’s many protected areas. While the national parks and reserves aim to protect flora, fauna and ecosystems, the private conservancies give our guests distinctive wholesome experiences that Kenya offers culturally, historically and ecologically. Some regions of Kenya are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Important Bird Areas and other globally-significant regions. No matter how you envision your dream African safari vacation, Kenya tops your expectations in every possible way. For our guests who desire the heart-pounding, non-stop action of wildlife demonstrating an utter will to survive, we recommend Masai Mara National Reserve during the Great Migration. Immense herds of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the savannah plains driven by instinct. The excitement builds further during the crossing of the mighty Mara River when the animals face treacherous water currents, crocodiles and even lions awaiting at the banks to ambush them. For those seeking active-adventure activities of East African exploration, the northern Kenya wilderness of Laikipia offers varied ecosystems that you explore during game drives, walks, camel rides, horseback safaris, village visits, bi-plane flying, and even canoeing in certain areas.
The social behaviors of elephants capture the hearts of people around the world, and you can witness the heart-touching interactions of these creatures at the foothills of Kilimanjaro at Amboseli and also in Tsavo and Shimba Hills in the southern expanses of Kenya. Should the flitting feathered inhabitants of Africa top your list of priorities, the Great Rift Valley soda and freshwater lakes of central Kenya is the place for you. Your ornithologist guide assists you in locating and identifying the hundreds of avi-fauna, all with the highlands of the valley in the surrounds. These are just some of the ways to enjoy Kenya’s many national parks, reserves and conservancies. AfricanMecca Safaris will plan your activities within the varied outback based on your travel schedule around your customized itinerary with your preferred wildernesses, accommodations and activities you wish to experience. In northern Kenya, we also recommend Samburu, Shaba, Buffalo Springs or the Northern Frontier areas of Namunyak, Lake Turkana, Sibiloi, Chalbi Desert, Kobi Fora and more. Amboseli, Chyulu Hills are in the southern region while Tsavo East and Tsavo West is in the southeastern region. Masai Mara is surrounded by private conservancies in the southwestern region. The Great Rift Valley lakes include Naivasha, Nakuru, Baringo, Bogoria and Elementaita. Meru National Park in the eastern region is the “Born Free” home of Joy and George Adamson while Kakamega Forest and Lake Victoria are on the opposite polar region in western Kenya. At the foothills of the Equator, Mount Kenya is sited in the heart of central Kenya.
National parks
- Aberdare National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Arabuko Sokoke National Park
- Central Island National Park
- Chyulu Hills National Park
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Malindi Marine National Park
- Malka Mari National Park
- Masai Mara National Park
- Meru National Park
- Mombasa Marine Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Mount Longonot National Park
- Nairobi National Park
- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
- Ruma National Park
- Saiwa Swamp National Park
- Sibiloi National Park
- Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park
- Watamu Marine National Park
- Mums Center Park
National reserves
- Arawale National Reserve
- Bisanadi National Reserve
- Boni National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Dodori National Reserve
- Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
- Lake Bogoria National Reserve
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary
- Mwea National Reserve
- Rimoi National Reserve[1]
- Samburu National Reserve
- Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Tana River Primate Reserve
- Witu Forest Reserve (Utwani Forest Reserve)
Marine parks and reserves
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
- Kiunga Marine National Reserve
- Malindi Marine National Park
- Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
- Tana River Primate National Reserve
- Watamu Marine National Park