Are you an animal lover and want to see your favourite beasts wandering in their natural habitat? Or maybe you just love the planet we live on and want to see more of it? Whatever your reason for wanting to go on a safari, you’ll not be disappointed when you do.
Kenya is home to a range of different kinds of safari and many of them have a focus on conservation, so you know your holiday destination is doing good too! As well as variety, Kenya also has a deep history of safaris and is considered the home of the ‘original’ safari.
So, while you’re filling out your Kenya eVisa application and booking flights and accommodation, why not take a look below and find out more about Kenyan safaris. We’ve covered how many safaris there are in Kenya, what the best safaris are in Kenya and how to choose a safari in Kenya.
Check it all out below to find out more.
How many safaris are there in Kenya?
So, how many safaris are there in the home of the ‘original’ safari?
Kenya is home to 54 national parks and game reserves each with its own safari trips and tours, offering different experiences to different customers. You are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to safaris in Kenya.
From big cats and wild dogs to rhinos, the Great Migrations, and a mix of wildlife and beaches, you can take your pick of the kind of animals you would like to see in Kenya. To find out more about how to pick a safari in Kenya, keep reading now.
How to pick a safari in Kenya?
Now you know how many choices you have for safaris in Kenya, you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to pick one! Well, we’ve got you covered.
First of all, we’ve got some general advice for choosing safaris below:
- What you want to see – the first thing you’ve got to know when picking a safari is the kind of wildlife you want to see. This varies across Kenya and we have more information on that below!
- Transport – this is a big one for some people. While many tourists choose to go on a safari in the well-known doorless 4×4, there are other options like walking tours and boat safaris.
- Independence – the level of independence you want on your safari is important to your experience. You can join a large group where you may share your time with strangers, book into a private safari, or even go on a self-drive tour.
If you’re trying to decide where to go in Kenya based on what kind of wildlife you can see, check out our summaries of each part of Kenya to find out more.
- Central Kenya: with lots of conservation areas and geographical diversity from lakes to mountains, this part of Kenya is a great place to see all kinds of birds and other wildlife.
- Western Kenya: this part of Kenya is home to big game which you can see year-round and is the only place you’ll see the Wildebeest Migration.
- Northern Kenya: the north is drier than other parts of Kenya and has more hills. It is also the best place to consistently see rhinos.
- Southern Kenya: to get a peek at the great Mount Kilimanjaro, you should head south. With wetter terrain, the wildlife here is diverse and you may be able to pair your safari up with some beach trips too!
Which are the best safaris in Kenya?
Now we know how to pick a safari, let’s take a look at some of the best safari parks in Kenya. We’ve listed a few below and have briefly summarised what you’ll see when you visit. Check it out now.
Masai Mara National Reserve
A world-renowned park and an incredibly popular tourist destination, the Masai Mara National Reserve is home to tonnes of wildlife and is known for its great plains.
What you’ll see: this incredible park is home to everything from Masai lions, cheetahs, and African leopards to wildebeests, zebra and gazelle. You’ll also see elephants and a whole load of other wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park
This stunningly picturesque park is located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and is home to a huge diversity of wildlife.
What you’ll see: this beautiful landscape is home to flamingoes, hundreds of other water and terrestrial birds, rhinos and waterbuck, as well as waterfalls and unique plant life.
Tsavo National Park
Split into two national parks, the Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya. Nicknamed the ‘theatre of the wild,’ this national park lives up to the hype with hundreds of species for you to see.
What you’ll see: the park is renowned for sightings of red elephants, along with rhinos, buffalo, lions, pods of hippo, crocodiles, and 500 different species of bird.
Conclusion: safari parks in Kenya
Home to 54 national parks and game reserves, there is so much to choose from when looking at safaris in Kenya you won’t know where to start. We have briefly summarised some of the key aspects of safaris in Kenya and hopefully, we’ve made your decision a little easier.