There are several more top-notch game reserves in Kenya that are unquestionably worth a visiting with the Masai mara standing out as the top notch and most visited popular National Park in Kenya. Masai mara is famous for its dramatic wildebeest river crossing during the wildebeest Migration period from the plains of the Serengeti.

Besides the Mara, Kenya’s top national park bucket list include;

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is well-known for its spectacular vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing peak in the world, in addition to its richness of wildlife, which includes buffaloes, lions, and elephants. Take in the abundance of animals on a traditional African safari, including giraffes, hyenas, zebras, gazelles, and big cats. Amboseli is particularly well-known for having the highest concentration of African elephants and the longest-running elephant research project in Africa.

Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks

Together, the Tsavo National Parks make up Kenya’s biggest protected area. The Masai Mara and Amboseli are much more popular than Tsavo East and West, despite the fact that they are home to sizable populations of all five Big 5. This is because animals may be difficult to notice in the thick acacia woods. A distant Kilimanjaro in the southwest horizon casts a shadow over the acacia woods, old lava flows, and ragged volcanic outcrops that make up Tsavo West, a natural wonder. The red-earth plains are more akin to the dry north of Kenya, whereas Tsavo East is bigger and less populated. Due to their pristine African wilderness environment, both parks are well-liked by returning safari fans.

Shaba National Reserve, Buffalo Springs, and Samburu

These three game reserves, which are part of the much larger Ewaso habitat, are located northeast of Mount Kenya and are typical of Kenya’s more dry, rocky desert scrub. The Samburu people and the Samburu Special 5—the Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk—call this place home. Experienced safari travelers go to Samburu National Reserve to see the breathtaking landscapes and cross the Samburu Special off their bucket list. A haven for experienced birdwatchers, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and the little-known Shaba National Reserve are home to a wide variety of species rare to northern Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, in addition to the exceptional five.

National Park Mount Meru

One of Kenya’s most popular safari locations is Meru National Park, which is home to Elsa the lioness from Born Free. Meru is a lush, well-watered savannah with an abundance of species that serves as a transitional area between the parched north and the damp central highlands. Meru National Park, which is relatively undiscovered, is an excellent place to go on a Big 5 safari. Along with the Big 5, Meru is home to reticulated giraffes, smaller kudus, gerenuks, Beisa oryxes, and massive herds of buffalo.

The Plateau of Laikipia

The Laikipia Plateau, once a cattle ranching zone during the colonial period, is now one of East Africa’s most prestigious wildlife attractions. The private conservancies mostly serve the upscale safari market. Comprising a multitude of privately and communally held sanctuaries, Laikipia now has the second-largest conservancy area in Kenya, spanning over 9,500 square kilometers. Laikipia is a transitional ecosystem between the desert north and the lush highlands, much like Meru National Park. Ol Pejeta, Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are all located there.

Lake Nakuru National Park: A Paradise for Birdwatchers

Lake Nakuru, northwest of Nairobi, is well-known for the occasional group of pink flamingos. Lake Nakuru National Park, which spans 180 km² of transitional savannah vegetation, is home to the elusive black and bold white rhino as well as common animals like warthogs, buffalo, reedbuck, waterbuck, and, for the fortunate, leopards. However, Lake Nakuru’s 450 resident bird species—which make this national park a birder’s paradise—are its real calling.

View our Kenya Birding Safari Guide to find the top birding locations.

Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha, the tallest lake in the Rift Valley, is home to a wide range of birds, hippos, and other species. The lake lies near Elsamere, where you may unwind in Joy Adamson’s “Born Free” garden. Nearby Hell’s Gate is a geological marvel where you may ride or walk down the canyon with antelopes, giraffes, and wildebeest.

Aberdare’s and Mount Kenya National Park

At 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa. Kenya’s central highlands, which are heavily inhabited and lushly forested, stand out from the rest of the nation. Mount Kenya is part of the Aberdare Range, which is located farther to the west and lies inside a national park. The region, which is home to Afro-montane forests and Afro-alpine moorland, is home to the Big 5 safari animals as well as rare bird species and forest specialists like Sykes and Colobus monkeys. Mount Kenya attracts climbers from all over the globe to reach the 4,985-meter top of Point Lenana because it is less congested and more reasonably priced.

Top Attractions in Kenya

The Archipelago of Lamu the Lamu Archipelago, which consists of the islands of Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu, and Manda Toto, is the ideal island getaway or safari extension. These stunning islands are full of surprises and are located just off the northeast coast of Kenya. With its African and Indian Ocean influences, Lamu is a culturally important place that provides great diving and snorkeling opportunities with whale sharks, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, and turtles. Take a sunset dhow tour and enjoy the pristine beauty.

rehabilitation, release, and reintroduction of these amazing creatures into the wild by visiting their Nairobi elephant nursery.

Nairobi National Park Nairobi National Park offers the most bizarre safari experience, while not being the largest or most ostentatious of game parks. Against the background of Nairobi, the busiest urban center in East Africa, there are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and a variety of other African species.

Distinct cultures Kenya is a melting pot of African, Asian, and Islamic civilizations and is home to the well-known Maasai and Samburu people.

One of Kenya’s most well-known boutique hotels is the Giraffe home, a former manor home. The main attraction is a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes that live there and often eat breakfast with guests. The outcomes? One of Africa’s most Instagrammable moments.

The Wildlife Trust of Sheldrick They are responsible for the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned newborn elephants. You may see how this internationally recognized organization aids in the rescue,