Kenya Parks - Ratings & Reviews
Looking for the best parks to visit on your Kenya safari? You’ve come to the right place! We asked our expert guides to rate Kenya’s parks and regions based on the overall experience of our clients. Given that many parks are vast and require multiple days to explore fully, we’ve provided day-by-day ratings for each location.
Additionally, since experiences can vary greatly depending on the time of year, these ratings are month-specific. Below, you’ll find the average ratings for each park, for each day of your visit, on a scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent).
For clients planning a safari tour in Kenya, we recommend using the above ratings as a guide, while also considering detailed information about each park and its location before finalising your itinerary.
Please note:
-
These ratings do not account for factors such as park location, accommodations, or pricing. (However, we have considered the transfer times for ratings.)
-
Day 1 is typically considered a half-day safari, as we usually travel to the park in the morning and begin the safari in the afternoon. Day 2 is a full-day safari, which is why in parks where multiple days are spent, Day 2 is often rated higher than Day 1.
-
Since everyone’s interests and preferences vary, you may not fully agree with our park ratings. We encourage you to consider this information alongside in-depth reviews of each park to better match your personal tastes.
-
The ratings are based on the collective experience of our guides, who have led safaris for many years and have a wealth of expertise.
-
For the Masai Mara from July to September, the ratings above assume the migration typically arrives by mid-July. However, it’s important to note that the Great Migration might not reach the area until the end of July or early August. The exact timing of the migration is unpredictable on a week-to-week basis during these months, so your experience in these regions can vary significantly depending on the migration patterns in the year of your visit.
-
The number of days considered for each park reflects what most clients typically spend at these locations. However, it is possible to arrange longer stays at any of these parks if desired.
Park Reviews
Masai Mara
Masai Mara never disappoints, with sweeping savannas and incredible wildlife sightings all year round, including the Big Five! While spotting rhinos can be tricky, the thrill of seeing lions, elephants, buffaloes, and cheetahs up close more than makes up for it. The wildebeest migration from late July to September is a spectacle, but even outside of these months, the savannas are teeming with life—a must for any safari lover!
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is a haven for rhino and baboon sightings, making it a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts. With 4 out of the Big Five (no elephants), it’s a great spot for close encounters in a more compact setting. While flamingos are a rare sight here now, the park’s beautiful landscape and unique animal encounters make it a memorable stop.
Amboseli
Amboseli is a dream for elephant lovers, with massive herds roaming the plains against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park offers 4 out of Big Five sightings (no rhinos) and exceptional photo ops, especially when the mountain is visible. Just be aware that Kilimanjaro’s peak can sometimes be hidden by clouds, but the experience is still incredible!
Lake Naivasha
This freshwater lake is a haven for hippos, birds, and boating adventures. Lake Naivasha offers serene landscapes dotted with acacia trees, with activities like boat rides to Crescent Island and walking tours that offer up-close wildlife sightings, making for a peaceful getaway. Beyond the lake, you can drive up to the nearby Hells Gate National Park, and enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the stunning gorges.
Nairobi National Park
Just minutes from Nairobi’s city center, this park offers the rare experience of seeing wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline. With 4 out of the Big Five (no elephants), it’s a unique safari adventure where lions, rhinos, and more roam free in a surprisingly compact area. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a one day safari, a quick escape into nature while staying close to the city.
Tsavo East
As one of Kenya’s largest parks, Tsavo East is famous for its iconic red elephants, who coat themselves in the region’s red soil to cool off. The park boasts all the Big Five, offering a nice safari experience with vast, open plains and diverse wildlife. It’s a great destination for those seeking a more rugged, expansive adventure.
Tsavo West
Tsavo West offers a striking safari experience with its rugged landscapes and volcanic hills, including the dramatic Shetani Lava Flow, formed by an ancient eruption. While it boasts all the Big Five, wildlife sightings can be less frequent than in other parks. Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can be viewed through an underwater observatory, is another highlight. Though Tsavo East and West together have the highest elephant density in Kenya, Tsavo West itself has fewer elephants, leading to more spread-out wildlife encounters.
Taita Hills
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more intimate safari experience with its rolling landscapes and unique rock formations. Known for its birdlife rather than abundant wildlife, the sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat. Stay at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, which helped create Taita Hills, and enjoy wildlife sightings near the lodge’s waterhole. It’s a private sanctuary, perfect for a quiet escape with some memorable wildlife encounters.
Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita is a hidden gem in the Rift Valley, particularly renowned for its vibrant birdlife, especially during the rainy season when you can spot large flocks of pink flamingos and pelicans. The serene soda lake setting offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography, with walking tours around the lake providing a closer look at its unique ecosystem. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a nature photographer, this tranquil spot is perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is a stunning destination known for its hot springs, geysers, and vibrant birdlife. During the rainy season, the lake is teeming with pink flamingos, offering a spectacular sight. The dramatic geothermal landscape, combined with the opportunity to enjoy a walk around the lake, makes it a unique spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a wildlife haven, known for its year-round sightings of the Big Five and its commitment to conservation. Home to northern white rhinos and a unique chimpanzee sanctuary, the conservancy offers a range of immersive activities, from night game drives and lion tracking to bush and bird walks. With luxury lodges and a variety of experiences, Ol Pejeta combines responsible conservation with thrilling safari adventures.
Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park offers a peaceful, scenic escape with its dense forests, waterfalls, and cooler mountain air. Though not known for game drives, it’s an ideal spot to unwind between safaris. Visitors can enjoy some wildlife sightings near the waterhole at The Ark lodge.
Samburu/Shaba/Buffalo Springs
Samburu National Reserve offers a unique experience in Kenya’s northern wilderness, with both the "Big Five" and the “Special Five"—the Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Known for excellent leopard sightings and year-round wildlife, it’s perfect for visitors seeking fewer crowds and distinct landscapes. Plus, the local Samburu culture adds to the charm of this less-traveled but richly rewarding destination.
Meru National Park
Meru National Park is a hidden gem with lush forests, rivers, and a decent wildlife, offering a quiet escape for those who prefer uncrowded safaris. Known for its remarkable birdlife with around 427 recorded species, it’s a fantastic spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, providing an immersive experience in Kenya’s scenic wilderness.