National parks in Kenya
Kenya is one of the most fascinating safari countries in the world. Vast plains, ancient landscapes and wildlife that leaves even experienced travellers speechless time and time again. The country’s large national parks are as diverse as the animals that live in them – and it is precisely this diversity that makes Kenya such a special travel destination.
Below, we present the most famous parks: the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Each of these regions tells its own story.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is the heart of Kenya’s safari world. Anyone visiting here for the first time will immediately understand why this place is one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas. The landscape consists of endless savannahs, criss-crossed by small rivers and rolling hills. As soon as you enter the park, you feel as if you are stepping into a living nature documentary.
The density of wildlife is impressive: large herds of elephants, elegant giraffes, mighty buffalo, countless antelopes and, with a little luck, even the shy leopards. Lions are almost omnipresent here. You can often see whole prides resting in the tall grass or preparing to hunt in the early hours of the morning.
The Mara is particularly famous for a natural phenomenon that fascinates millions of travellers every year – the great migration. Between July and October, huge herds flow from the Serengeti into the Mara, crossing the Mara River in the process. The power of these herds and the drama of these river crossings are an experience you will never forget.
The Masai Mara is the perfect place for anyone who wants to experience a safari with intensive wildlife viewing. Hardly any other park offers so many opportunities to encounter the big cats and other large savannah animals.
Amboseli Nationalpark
Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya, right on the border with Tanzania. The landscape changes as soon as you set off on your journey there: vast plains, a light veil of dust above the ground and acacia trees bending in the wind. And towering above it all is the mighty Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain, which rises up behind the border in Tanzania.
Amboseli is famous for its elephants. Not just any elephant population, but some of the largest and most impressive herds in East Africa. They often roam at a leisurely pace across the open plains, directly in front of the mighty mountain backdrop. Especially in the early morning, when the light is soft, this scenery seems almost magical.
But the park offers much more than just elephants. Lions, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests and a large number of bird species can also be found here. Thanks to the many swamps and waterholes, there is plenty of food here all year round – making Amboseli a year-round destination.
Those who love photography will find Amboseli National Park a paradise. For many travellers, the combination of animals, wide views and the incomparable backdrop of Kilimanjaro is the epitome of Africa.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is one of the largest protected nature reserves in the country. The vastness of this park is immediately impressive. Here, you get the feeling that the savannah will never end. Red earth, open grasslands and scattered trees characterise the landscape.
Tsavo East is particularly famous for its elephants, whose skin takes on a reddish colour from the iron-rich dust. When they roam the landscape and the wind whips up the red dust, it creates a scene that can only be found here.
In addition to elephants, many giraffes, zebras, kudus, ostriches, antelopes and buffalos live here. Lions and cheetahs can also be found here, but they are somewhat shyer than in the Masai Mara. The park is particularly suitable for travellers who want to not only see the wilderness, but also feel it – the silence, the vastness, the unspoilt nature.
Tsavo East is a park for people who want to experience the real Africa, far away from the large crowds of visitors.
Tsavo West National Park
While Tsavo East is open and wide, Tsavo West surprises with its varied landscapes. The region is characterised by ancient volcanoes, rocky hills, dense shrubs and green oases. Particularly impressive are the Mzima Springs – clear springs fed by underground meltwater that provide a protected home for hippos and crocodiles.
The wildlife is also diverse. Elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes and antelopes are frequently seen. There are also protected areas where, with a little luck, you can even spot rhinos. The mixture of landscape and wildlife makes Tsavo West a region full of surprises.
Many travellers describe Tsavo West as ‘wild and unspoilt’, but also as mysterious. The rolling hills, dark lava flows and soft evening light give this park something very special.
Which park is right for you?
The Masai Mara is perfect if you want to see as many animals as possible in a short time.
Amboseli delights people who love impressive landscapes and elephants.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West are ideal for travellers who are looking for a taste of true wilderness and want to experience the tranquillity of Africa.
Each park has its own personality – and that is exactly what makes Kenya so unique. With a good combination of two or three regions, you can create a safari experience that hardly any other African country can offer in this form.