Kenya Safari Top Five National Parks

The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in Africa containing national parks and game reserves that consistently provide great wildlife sightings and experiences coupled with high quality accommodation.

But within the country itself there are certain areas that are better than others to safari in.

So, according to the trip reports received at African Safari Journals, forums, my twenty plus years of personal safari experience and the general consensus in the safari industry, these are the top five national parks to visit on your Kenya safari...

1. Masai Mara Reserve

Along with the Serengeti in Tanzania, this is without a doubt the premier game viewing destination in Africa because of the quality and quantity of wildlife sightings to be found here.

This sometimes works against it because in certain places it can be overrun with tourist in safari vehicles all jostling for the best position around a bemused lion pride or leopard in a tree.

But if predators are what you seek from a Kenya safari then this reserve will deliver them in spades in the form of lion, cheetah, hyena and even regular leopard sightings if you know the right areas.

And of course the massive wildebeest migration where up to a million of these ugly antelope trek north from the Serengeti plains across the river into the Masai Mara to find fresher grazing is an awesome spectacle.

Between July and August (reliant on seasonal rains) is the time to find the wildebeest in this area.

Taking a hot air balloon ride over the plains which is a magical experience and you are spoiled with a champagne breakfast when you land.

2. Samburu NP

On a Samburu Kanya safari you will notice that the area is a lot drier and hotter than parks to the south due to the climate warming and the only thing that saves this park from being completely arid is the Ewaso Ngiro river which runs through it.

This river will provide you with lots of wildlife sightings because the animals are drawn to it to drink and the park is relatively small which concentrates the animals and makes them easy to find.

The conditions have spawned some wildlife that are particularly suited to this area like the gerenuk which looks like a cross between a giraffe and an antelope because of its long neck, gravy's zebra (stripes don't go all the way under the belly) and reticulated giraffe which have a geometric pattern on their coat unlike other giraffes.

And then there are the leopards which seem to make a habit of moving around during the day unlike other areas where they are mostly nocturnal.

3. Aberdares NP

This park is set in the Aberdares mountain range which ensures that it has thick woodland forests, waterfalls and ice cold streams filled with trout contained within its boundaries.

It is home to two well known treehouse hotels, the Ark and Treetops, which have walkways and accommodation raised above the ground beside floodlit waterholes with salt licks. You don't need to go on a drive to find wildlife on a safari here because they come to you.

All you have to do is stay close to the waterholes at the lodges and you will see elephant, lion, hyena, various antelope and rhino. There is also a viewing hide below ground level which gives you some unique views as the animals quench their thirst.

And after a strenuous days Kenya safari wildlife viewing from the platforms with a drink in your hand, you can go back to your room with the confident knowledge that if a particularly good sighting is going on at the waterhole like a leopard, lion or hyena you will be alerted by a bell (one ring for lion, two for leopard etc) which will ensure you don't miss any of the action.

If you are tempted to go on a game drive you might spot the elusive bongo antelope and some of the monkeys that make their home in the Aberdare forest.

4. Amboseli NP

Situated close to Kilimanjaro this national park will afford you some awesome views of elephant, giraffe, hippo and antelope with the majestic snow topped mountain as a backdrop.

Streams from the mountain feed swamp areas which support a rich variety of wildlife and birds such as pelicans, bee-eaters, eagles and kingfishers.

It doesn't have the regularity and consistency for predator sightings that a Kenya safari in the Mara provides but lion, leopard and cheetah are seen as well as old bull elephants with some of the biggest ivory tusks in Africa.

Rhino used to be found in this area but unfortunately they are now extinct due to poaching activity.

5. Tsavo East and West NP's

This is the largest national park in Kenya and is divided into Tsavo West which is the most developed part and East where some of the land is accessible but the rest is off limits to the public due to poaching.

If you are looking to get away from the masses of tourists and do your wildlife viewing in relative isolation and peace then a Kenya safari in Tsavo is a good place to do it.

There have been over 500 species of bird recorded in Tsavo west including the migratory species so this provides a visual feast for birders.

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary gives you the opportunity to spot the scarce and temperamental black rhino (42 recorded) in 70 sq kilometres surrounded by electric fence for their protection.

The underwater viewing chamber at Mzima Springs will give you an insight into what hippos do underwater and you will spot a number of other species of game there all attracted by the life giving water.

Find out who the Top Three Kenya safari companies are to help you choose the best operator to guide your own trip to Kenya.

Learn from the Kenya Safari trip reports of previous travellers to the game reserves and national parks there and find out what they experienced.

---

Mount Chimborazo: Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator

The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

Discover The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden In Arcadia California

In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More

Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations ? The Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England

This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More

A Review of Inflatable Boat Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More

Trekking in Jordan

1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More

Adventure Travel on Horseback

When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

River Rafting on the Salmon River

The beautiful Salmon River stretches through over 400 miles of... Read More

Mount Kenya ? Up High at God?s Mountain

Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It... Read More

Its an Alien World in Every River

When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More

Disneyland for Hikers: A Walk to Mt. Whitney

Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More

Bird Watching Life Lists ? Keeping A Record

If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More

Solo Backpacking Tips

Solo backpacking means peace and quiet. No one to talk... Read More

Ireland Golf Vacations ? Top Tips To Help You Plan an Ireland Golf Vacation

Live your golfing dreams on an Ireland golf vacation.The K... Read More

Maples for Autumn Colour

As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

Join the American Hiking Society

Have you taken up hiking as a new form of... Read More

Too much to do in London!

No one can truly say... Read More

Visiting the Last Paradise on Earth ? Costa Rica

I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others... Read More

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More

Stay Out of That Old Mine!

It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More

Topographic Maps 101

The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling,... Read More