The Places to Visit on Safari in Kenya

Welcome to Kenya – a paradise of tranquil lakes, snow-clad mountain peaks, and sprawling savannahs sprinkled with staggering wildlife. Known for its incredible biodiversity, Kenya allows you to connect with nature in a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure. From chasing the Great Migration to a peaceful retreat in the wilderness, we will take you to the top places you can visit on a safari in Kenya.

  • Meru National Park

Rugged and remote, the Meru National Park covers 870 km² of striking wilderness. It’s best known for its work in rhino conservation, making it one of the few places in the world to see the critically endangered black rhino. 

Part of Meru Park’s charm is that it lies off-the-beaten-path. It is ideal for nature lovers who prefer a less crowded safari experience. After all, fewer tourists mean more intimate and peaceful wildlife encounters. 

In addition to the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo), the Meru National Park is home to cheetahs, hippos, and the rare Grevy’s zebra. It also has more than 300 bird species, which makes it a hotspot for avid twitchers.

You can embark on a guided game drive to explore the stunning terrain and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Those who fancy a closer connection to the animals can join a walking safari tour. If you want to take a break from the Savannahs, make a beeline for the majestic Adamson’s Falls, a popular setting for photography, picnics, and nature hikes.

  • Masai Mara 

Most wildlife enthusiasts dream of witnessing the Great Migration, a phenomenon that is considered the Earth’s most spectacular overland passage of animals. Picture over two million wildebeest, zebra, and other hoofed creatures crossing the boundless grasslands of East Africa while being stalked by predators like lions. Kenya, specifically the Masai Mara, is one of the only two countries in the world where you can see the Great Migration.

But even outside the Great Migration season, the Masai Mara remains one of the best places in Kenya for wildlife viewing. Its wide-open savannahs are home to the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and various bird species. Plus, the landscape is breathtakingly stunning, which makes it excellent for guided nature walks and sunrise or sunset hot air balloon rides.

Kenya safaris often focus on the Masai Mara and its surrounding areas. Because of this, the reserve has extensive accommodation options, ranging from lavish lodges to basic but comfortable camps in the wild. So, if you’re looking to blend adventure and indulgence, the Masai Mara makes an outstanding destination for luxury safari holidays in Kenya, promising memories that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

  • Chyulu Hills National Park

Stretched over a mountainous volcanic field, Chyulu Hills forms a line of verdant rolling hills towering above arid plains. It’s one of Kenya’s least visited parks, mainly because it doesn’t have as much wildlife as the other areas. 

However, Chyulu Hills’ draw card is unique from other safari destinations in Kenya, making it worth the trip. It’s home to the Leviathan Cave, Africa’s largest and deepest lava tube. In addition, the hills boast magnificent scenery, with their lush cloud forests and views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

If you’re looking for animals, you can find some elephants, giraffes, buffalos, antelopes, and the occasional leopard. There are also some rare birds. However, the most popular activities in the park are horseback riding, camping, mountain biking, and guided nature walks. Of course, you can’t skip exploring its network of lava caves, which zigzag beneath the hills.

The wildlife in Chyulu Hills might not be as concentrated as in some of the more famous parks in Kenya, but it makes a pleasant change of pace and scenery from the more touristy destinations.

  • Amboseli National Park

When it comes to wildlife diversity, few can rival the popularity of the Masai Mara. The sweeping Amboseli National Park is one of them. Located in southern Kenya, the park is fondly called the home of the African elephant. Indeed, a safari drive in the park will allow you to see immense elephant herds, some up to fifty on one trip.

Apart from the elephants, the park harbours a huge population of animals, including the Big Five, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Another highlight is the park’s incredible view of the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. 

To enjoy more of the park’s scenery, head to Observation Hill, where you can admire panoramas of the plains and swamps from the top. In the rainy season, hike to Lake Amboseli, where you’ll find hundreds of pink flamingos. For those who want to delve into the local culture, a tour of the nearby Maasai villages is a truly enriching experience.

If you want a hassle-free getaway, consider booking an all-inclusive holiday. There are plenty of luxurious safari tour packages in Kenya, with Amboseli among the best options. 

  • Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift spans over 6,000 kilometres from West Asia in the north to Mozambique in the south. It cuts across Kenya, creating dramatic landscapes dotted with lakes, volcanic craters, and verdant hills. A safari in the Kenyan Great Rift Valley is a one-of-a-kind experience, not only for the scale of wildlife found there but also for the sheer beauty of the region.

The Great Rift Valley is famous among safari-goers primarily because of the abundance of wildlife that thrives there. But its iconic bodies of water, especially Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, are among its most popular attractions, drawing crowds of ardent birdwatchers. During the rainy season, the lakes lure thousands of birds, including flocks of flamingos who colour the lake shores pink with their bright plumage.

The valley also shelters herds of giraffes, buffalos, rhinos, zebras, elephants, and even monkeys. It also has ferocious predators like lions and leopards. You will see many of these animals on a game drive.

If you want to add a bit of thrill to your safari holiday, consider hiking to the summit of Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano. It takes about two hours to reach the massive caldera. Or, check out Hell’s Gate, where you can enjoy rock climbing, cycling, or a more relaxing walking safari.

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