With its vast savannahs full of intriguing wildlife, Kenya is one of the safari meccas in Africa. A safari touring the country’s renowned national parks and reserves allows one to enjoy unforgettable up-close animal encounters. Prepare for the encounter with the Big Five, and witness the Great Migration, dubbed the greatest wildlife show on Earth. From Amboseli and the Maasai Mara to beyond, Kenya offers many memorable safari experiences. In this blog, we will see the best five wildlife safaris you cannot miss in Kenya for an authentic African adventure. These safari circuits are where the most compelling wildlife scenes occur.

 

1.    Maasai Mara National Reserve

Image source:

Covering 1,510 sq km, the Maasai Mara needs no introduction. It is the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife safaris, renowned for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebras cross from Serengeti into the Mara. The Migration usually happens between July and October when herds move between Kenya and Tanzania in search of green pastures. Witnessing the heart-stopping river crossings as thousands of animals plunge into the Mara River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Aside from the Migration, the Maasai Mara boasts excellent year-round game-viewing opportunities. You can spot all members of the Big Five here, besides cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles, impalas, and over 450 species of birds. Hot air balloon safaris provide a unique aerial perspective of the Mara’s sprawling grasslands. Stay at luxurious permanent tent camps like the Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp or Asilia’s Rekero Camp for a magical experience.

Key Highlight: The Great Migration river crossings

 

2.    Amboseli National Park

Image source:

Situated near the Tanzania border, Amboseli lies on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak. The snow-capped mountain presents a scenic backdrop as elephants with huge tusks roam amidst swamplands against its majestic slopes. Amboseli is home to Kenya’s biggest population of elephants, making it easier to approach them on foot or by vehicle. Apart from elephants, Cape buffaloes, hippos, lions, hyenas, giraffes, and zebras also reside here. From the Observation Hill, you get panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the entire park.

Key Highlight: Iconic views of elephants with Mt. Kilimanjaro behind

 

3.    Tsavo East & West

 

As Kenya’s largest national park, Tsavo spans 4% of the country’s total area. It comprises Tsavo East and Tsavo West – each with its unique attractions. Tsavo East is wetter with the Galana River and seasonal Mzima Springs, offering excellent game viewing and scenery. Spot the Big Five along with hippos, hartebeests, lesser kudus, and oryxes unique to the region. On the other hand, Tsavo West is drier but boasts diverse wildlife congregating around the perennial Tsavo River. Highlights are the leopards, rhinos, lions, and spectacular birdlife. Explore both parks to experience their contrasting ecosystems and wildlife.

Key Highlight: Diverse ecosystems between the two parks

 

4.    Ol Pejeta Conservancy 

Image source:

Head to the 360-square-kilometre Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a private conservancy safari. It lies on the Laikipia plateau between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range. Ol Pejeta boasts the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa, along with chimpanzees, big cats, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. It is one of the few places in Kenya where you can track chimps. You can also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Other activities include night game drives, bush walks, lion tracking, and rhino sanctuary visits.

Key Highlight: East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary

5.    Samburu National Reserve

Image source:

In Kenya’s arid north lies the rugged Samburu National Reserve. The lifeline of the reserve is the Ewaso Nyiro River, lined with doum palms and acacia woodlands. The river attracts plenty of wildlife in this arid landscape. Witness unique northern specialists like Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuks. Predators include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Samburu people inhabit villages within the reserve, letting you experience their distinct culture and traditions.

Key Highlight: Unique dry-country wildlife

Get a Tour Guide with Alika Adventures

Kenya offers the perfect setting for a wildlife safari in Africa in its various national parks, reserves, and conservancies. Of its diversity of ecosystems and habitats, it is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife that can be found only in this area. From seeing vast herds of crocodile-infested rivers to catching sight of rare northern specialists, these five safaris include Kenya’s best.

Let Alika Adventures guide you to discover all the spots that will make your African dream a reality. We can help you capture the spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters to remain imprinted in your mind.