Kenya Wildlife Safaris – Top Parks & Animals

Kenya is a land where nature still reigns. Vast open plains, grazing antelopes, lions on the hunt, and flamingos colouring the lakes pink. A wildlife safari in Kenya is a journey through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, but it also takes you deep into the stories of the people who live alongside the animals.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect from Kenya wildlife safaris — the best parks to visit, the unique experiences, and the personal magic that makes it unforgettable.

Kenya’s Top Wildlife Parks: Our Recommendations

Kenya is blessed with a rich variety of national parks and game reserves. These are our favourites to visit and recommend:

Masai Mara National Reserve

This is Kenya’s crown jewel. Famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross into the park from the Serengeti in Tanzania, crossing the Mara River in Kenya. The Maasai Mara is vast and teeming with wildlife year-round — not just during the migration.

“What many don’t realise is that the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara are actually
one continuous ecosystem. The animals don’t know there’s a border.”

Tsavo East & Tsavo West

Separated by a railway line, both parks offer a raw and wild experience. Expect red dust, ancient baobab trees, and big herds of elephants. This area is less visited, which gives a more off-the-beaten-path feeling.

Amboseli National Park

Here you can spot elephants walking against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The scenery is breathtaking and many lodges offer rooms with mountain views.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Known for its flamingos, this park is built around a soda lake. You can take boat rides on the lake, surrounded by pink clouds of birds. It’s also home to rhinos and other plains game.

What Surprises Travellers Most

Kenya’s landscapes are larger than life — open plains that seem to stretch forever, broken by dramatic mountains. Many guests are deeply moved by visits to authentic Maasai villages, where they are welcomed warmly and shown daily life in the bush.

“Our travellers are always amazed by the scale of the parks, and the hospitality of the Maasai.
It’s a true connection, not just a visit.”

How Kenya Differs From Uganda or Rwanda

Kenya is often seen as the classic safari destination — it has a long tourism history and polished infrastructure. The lodges are often more luxurious, and the parks better known.

But with popularity comes crowds and higher prices — especially in the Maasai Mara. By contrast, Uganda offers a more raw, less travelled safari style — ideal for those wanting solitude and forest encounters.

“In Kenya you might start your journey at the coast, in Mombasa. A safari that begins
with your feet in the Indian Ocean — how many places offer that?”

Our Local Partners in Kenya

Elgon Safaris always travels with one of our own guides, but we collaborate with local Kenyan experts on the ground. Each partner has a unique strength. Take James, for example: he’s a Maasai himself and deeply rooted in the Mara.

“James doesn’t just show you the Mara — he shows you his Mara, far from the tour bus routes.
That’s what makes it special.”

These partnerships ensure we offer both depth and authenticity, while keeping logistics and comfort seamless.

Types of Wildlife You’ll Encounter

Kenya is a haven for the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — but that’s just the beginning:

Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras
Hippos, crocodiles and birds along rivers and lakes
Giraffes, warthogs, antelopes everywhere you turn
Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and hundreds of bird species

And sometimes the magic is in the moment — like waking up to see giraffes outside your tent.

“One morning in the Mara, we opened our tent to see giraffes
and antelopes just across the river. With the sunrise behind them.
A memory for life.”

Suggested Itineraries for Kenya Wildlife Safaris

We’ve selected our 3 most-loved safari routes in Kenya. Each is crafted by our local team and ready to inspire your own adventure. Click through for details, prices and day-by-day plans.

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Practical Tips for Your Kenya Safari

Best time to go

Dry seasons: June to October & January to March
Migration peak: July–mid October in Maasai Mara

Packing tips

Binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen
Neutral clothing, especially for game drives
Light layers for early mornings and evenings

Entry & visas

E-visa required for most nationalities. East-African and Kenya Visas at the Kenya Online Portal for ETA
Yellow fever vaccination required.

Link naar site over migratie volgen, waar ze zijn

“The antelopes froze, the grass barely moved — and then it happened. Two cheetahs,
one perfect sprint, and in under a minute,the topi was down. It was raw, fast,
and nothing like the slow-motion scenes you see on TV.”

Ready to experience the wildlife heart of East Africa?

Let us take you on a journey through the unforgettable parks of Kenya — with local expertise and personal care.