Are you looking forward to knowing all and the best National Parks in Kenya? Naicef is listing all of them including the top 10 National Parks in Kenya. They are the best safari destinations and wildlife parks in Kenya. We can also confirm they are the leading national parks in East Africa.
Naicef research team proves that these National Parks in Kenya are premium African safari destinations featured on Nat Geo Wild and Animal Planet.
Also, see all Naicef packages and safari tours in these parks for a personalized true African safari. For direct contact; +254799922277 or email my@naicef.com
So to start, what are some of the national parks in Kenya?
Let’s explore all of them and then narrow down to the top 10 best national parks in Kenya. In our previous article, these parks also fall under other major attractions in Kenya as the best places to visit in Kenya.
Naicef exclusive safari packages in Kenya through our professional guide ensure viewing of the best animals among the best safari moments in Africa.
Facts You Need to Know About National Parks in Kenya
To have the best experience in Kenya, you need to know the following facts about national parks in Kenya;
a. National Parks Ownership & Management;
All the national parks in Kenya are owned by the government. All the national parks in Kenya are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service KWS under the Ministry of Tourism.
National reserves are managed by county governments.
b. National Parks Conservation Rules;
All visitors and tourists have to follow KWS conservation rules to promote wildlife conservation. The rules are known as Safari Codes. See all the Safari Codes and KWS park rules here.
Remember we need to protect wildlife for future generations. That is why in every package you purchase with Naicef, you promote sustainability.
c. National Parks Attractions;
Every national park in Kenya has very many attractions that goes beyond wildlife to landscapes, falls, forests, cultures, and deep attractions.
The beauty of all the top national parks in Kenya and all parks in East Africa is that they all have one brand attraction. Did you know Amboseli is famous for its Elephants? See all about Amboseli.
d. Best Safari Moment;
You can tour most of the national parks in Kenya all year round. However, early morning and late afternoon are the best time to see animals in all national parks in Kenya.
e. Fun Fact;
All national parks in Kenya cover 8% of the total Kenya landmass. Surprisingly, Tsavo National Parks cover 62% of the total Taita Taveta County. This means Kenya is highly committed to wildlife conservation.
How many national parks are there in Kenya?
There are 23 national parks in Kenya, 28 national reserves, and 4 sanctuaries. Let’s dive directly into the list of all the national parks in Kenya, their attractions, uniqueness, and fun facts.
List of All National Parks in Kenya
1. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is a Land of the Elephants with big tusks and large herds of family. This park is in Narok County, approximately 215 Kilometers from Nairobi city.
The Amboseli National Park is a premium park in Kenya and among the top 10 national parks in Kenya. This is because Amboseli National Park attracts the highest visitation, many elephants, and high conservation status.
One of the most spectacular things to enjoy in Amboseli National Park are the many elephants. It is also the best place to view the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. You can’t be in Kenya and Miss Amboseli safari.
There is an institute for learning about elephants and their conservation. Echo was the most studied elephant in the institute.
Click here to see more wildlife, hotels, fun facts, and about Amboseli National Park.
2. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is the second premium national park in Kenya. It is Nakuru County, approximately 156 kilometers from Nairobi.
‘What is Lake Nakuru National Park famous for?’, Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for millions of colorful flamingos, rare sightings of Rothschild giraffes, leopards, and numerous rhinos.
This makes Lake Nakuru among the top 10 national parks in Kenya and one of the most famous soda lakes found at the Great Rift Valley lake system. It is also known as the Sea of Pink although Flamingos are slowly moving to Lake Bogoria.
Maasai Mara has the great wildebeest migration while Lake Nakuru has flamingo migration.
See all the fun facts, wildlife, panoramic lake, and secrets about Lake Nakuru National Park.
3. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya is inside on Mount Kenya National Park.
The Mount Kenya National Park hosts the rare mountain Mbogo which makes it among the best and top 10 national parks in Kenya. Mt. Kenya National Park gives you the best adventure experience starting from the gate.
Through the hike, there is a glimpse of the landscape, forest, and birds, among many attractions. How gorgeous and majestic it stands!
With every game drive, this park amazes you with wildlife species of every kind. With every hike up any of the three peaks, there are rewarding attractions. These three peaks in Mount Kenya include Batian, Lenana and Nelion.
See all the fun facts and everything you need know about Mount Kenya National Park.
Also, see the best Hiking Package to Mt. Kenya.
4. Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park is in Nyeri and Muranga Counties. It is 157 kilometers from Nairobi city.
Aberdare National Park is among the top 10 national parks in Kenya due to its great attractions.
Wonder where the water you use for daily activities comes from while in Kenya? It comes from deep forests of the Aberdare National Park.
This park is unique for two reasons;
a. The Aberdare National Park hosts the tallest waterfalls in Kenya. Where the water comes from, the Aberdare forests, and the majestic peaks, make it known as a mountainous conservation area.
b. Treetops hotel in Aberdare National Park was where the late Queen Elizabeth went to bed as a princess and came down as a queen.
The late Queen Elizabeth toured the park and was fascinated by the majestic waterfalls. One of the waterfalls where she had her high tea, was named after her, Queens Cave waterfalls.
For more, enjoy more about Aberdare National Park wildlife, attractions, waterfalls, and all the fun facts.
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
Did you know that in Hell’s Gate National Park is where the original inspiration for Disney’s Lion King came about? The landscape at the park is evident in the film.
Hells Gate National Park is in Naivasha town, Nakuru County, and 102 kilometers from Nairobi.
The Hells Gate National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in Kenya for day tours. Hell’s Gate National Park has a unique feature that you will not find in any of the national parks in Kenya.
Some of the famous features are the gorges, Fishers Tower, and the famous geothermal spa.
The geothermal spa makes it one of the top national parks in Kenya bringing out its uniqueness.
There are five geothermal spas including Ol Karia geothermal spa, the main spa.
Some of the best things to do in Hells Gate National Park are;
- Tour the hell kitchen
- Wildlife viewing
- Rock climbing activities
- Picnic camp
- Cycling activities
6. Tsavo East National Park
Home of the famous man-eaters, Tsavo National Parks consists of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. The Nairobi Mombasa highway separates Tsavo West National Park from Tsavo East National Park.
However, Tsavo West is wetter than Tsavo East which is more of a dry wilderness park.
Did you know Tsavo East is the largest national park in Kenya? Well, it comes with the best of wildlife and wilderness among great features. Other Tsavo East National Park attractions include;
- Mudanda Rocks
- Lugard Falls
Tsavo East National Park is termed as the ‘Theatre of the Wild’ because you can see all the wild animals in the morning, afternoon, evening, and at night unlike most national parks in Kenya.
Naicef has done a more comprehensive article on Tsavo East National Park. See the wildlife, attractions, and landscapes with all fun facts you need to know.
7. Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is the second portion of large Tsavo National Park. It is among the top 10 national parks in Kenya because of Shetani Lava and the famous Mzima Springs.
Mzima Springs is a water catchment for the Tsavo waters making Tsavo West the wetter part of the Tsavo. The waters are very fresh and clear to see all the fish in the pond. If you love photography, this should help you build under water album.
It is also a great birdwatching point.
See this to enjoy more of all the wildlife, attractions and fun facts about Tsavo East.
8. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park has for the longest time been serving as the only National Park in a capital city. It is the best park in Africa offering an amazing urban experience.
The Nairobi National Park offers exclusive urban safari experience mainly for people visiting Nairobi for business and leisure within the city
The city dwellers either in the tall buildings or highways adjuscent from the park have the privilege to see wild animals.
It is adjuscent to the largest airport in East Africa, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. the park host a lot of wildlife including lions, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes and many more.
For more, see the best attractions in Nairobi. Contact Naicef for a quick city tour and a safari in Nairobi National Park.
A premium park among the top 10 national parks in Kenya and the oldest national park in East Africa.
9. Meru National Park
Meru National Park is the best park in the easter region Kenya in Meru County. The park is 361 kilometers from Nairobi.
This park is called the complete wilderness, though it has 13 rivers cutting through it. This is where the award-winning book and movie, ‘Born Free’ was filmed in.
The film is based on the true history of the Adamson couple who adopted and raised Elsa, a young cub.
Elsa’s Kopje is evidence of what occurred in the park, same as Kora National Park.
To catch more of the interesting stories, see Meru National Park wildlife, hotels, and fun facts
10. Mount Longonot National Park
The Sheer Adventure National Park located along Mai Mahiu, in the southeast of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in Kenya.
Mount Longonot National Park is an adventurous mountaineering national park for nature and adventure lovers.
The park boasts of scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, a ring adventure hike around the crater, wildlife viewing, and a refreshing camping experience.
A unique feature boasted by the national park is the thick forest cover that lies within the crater of the mountain.
To get the best trip of the Mount Longonot National Park Tour, contact us here.
11. Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Arabuko Sokoke National Park is also East Africa’s largest coastal forest, managed by the Kenya Forest Service.
The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is in Kilifi County, 83 kilometers from Mombasa City.
Arabuko Sokoke has a large protected forest that is highly protected by Kenya Forest Service to promote wildlife conservation.
Some of the best wildlife you will see when you tour Arabuko Sokoke are yellow baboons, leopards, elephants, and many more.
Reach out to Naicef to help you enjoy the Best Tour in Arabuko Sokoke.
12. Sibiloi National Park
Dubbed the Cradle of Mankind, Sibiloi National Park is set on the wild and rugged shores of Lake Turkana.
The national park is famous for the ‘Jade Sea’, Lake Turkana, and the archeological sites including Koobi Foora where fossil remains are evident for the understanding of human evolution.
It is one of the top national parks in Kenya that has the largest breeding sites of the Nile crocodiles and an IBA (Important Bird Area) for thousands of birds globally threatened.
It is one of the wildlife parks in Kenya for birdwatching.
Reach out to Naicef for the best trip to Sibiloi National Park.
13. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Referred by the Kamba tribe of Kenya as ‘The mountain of the buffalo’, this national park in Kenya entices adventurers.
Ol Donyo Sabuk is in Machakos County, in close proximity to Thika Town. It is ideal for people who would love to escape the norm for a hike with the buffalos.
It is known for the panoramic experience of the beautiful Machakos landscape.
This national park in East Africa has an interesting history casting William Macmillan, the former American Theodore Roosevelt, Sir Winston Churchill, and the late Tom Mboya.
To enjoy more of this park, reach out to Naicef.
14. Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve
This is one of the top national parks in Kenya because of its Haven for the Green Turtle, unique coral gardens, and Gede Ruins.
It is located in Kilifi County and stands out as a true conservation park for aquatic endangered animals such as the turtle.
This is one of the national parks in East Africa that bursts with birdlife, fish, turtles, and dugongs.
Visitors can enjoy the white sandy beaches, water skiing, and glass-bottomed boat tours.
Get the best tours in Watamu from Naicef as the best tour company in Kenya.
15. Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Beautiful and Sun kissed, this is one of the top national parks in Kenya established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds.
Dolphins are friendly, right? Expect to make dolphin friends since they are not shy to show you love!
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is among the greatest aquatic national parks in East Africa.
To have the best tour in the magnificent Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, reach out my@naicef.com
16. Ruma National Park
A national park that is a safe sanctuary to the last endangered Roan antelope and Oribi, it is located in Western Kenya.
Ruma National Park is one of the national parks in Kenya that lies on the flat floor of the Lambwe River Valley.
The Ruma National Park promises undisturbed peace and ca hill-like experience. If you are planning to visit the western part of Kenya, allow Naicef to offer you the best tour of Ruma National Park.
17. Saiwa Swamp National Park
A quiet national park in Kenya amidst the swirling reeds is home to the rare Sitatunga antelope and De Brazza monkey.
Saiwa National Park is the smallest national park in Kenya. It is a special ‘Important Bird Area’ IBA.
In this park, there is a mixture of swamp vegetation and extraordinary plant life including the famous Meru ‘khat’.
Another fun fact is that it is home to the Sitatunga antelope, a shy and special antelope.
To enjoy a tour to Saiwa, Naicef team is here to help you.18. Central Island National Park
18. Central Island National Park
As the name suggests, it is one of the national parks in Kenya located at the middle of Lake Turkana.
The Central Island National Park emerges from the largest desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana. The island is made up of three active volcanoes belching sulfurous smoke and steam.
The result has birthed three crater lakes, Crocodile, Flamingo, and Tilapia lakes.
We can guarantee that this is one of the best places to tour in Turkana.
To enjoy the Central Island National Park, reach out to Naicef professional.
19. Chyullu Hills National Park
On the slopes of the 500-year-old Chyullu hills, lies a green national park in Kenya.
Chyullu Hills National Park is famous for the 11.5-kilometer-long Kisula cave. It is the second-longest lava cave in the world.
The experience is this park is spectacular to geographic lovers. It is also famous for the many African wild animals including elephants, leopards, lions, buffaloes, and many more.
Naicef is the best tour company for the best tours to Chyullu Hills National Park.
20. Kora National Park
Do you remember Meru National Park as one of the best National parks on this list? Kora National Park is a sister park to Meru National Park.
This park was the former home of the Adamson family dubbed as ‘Kampi ya Simba’. The park is crossed by seasonal rivers, with the Tana River forming the northern boundary of this park and Meru National Park.
Naicef is known to be the best travel company to plan the best tours to Kora National Park.
21. Malindi Marine National Park
Malindi was the first marine park to be established in Kenya in 1968. It has been a UNESCO site since 1979 because of its conservation of its wide coral garden.
The main attractions around this beautiful marine park in Kenya include Vasco Da Gama Pillar great islands for honeymooners and the mangrove forest.
There is a cute activity of Sea turtles feeding on the beds and dolphins feeding on the schools of sardines.
Allow Naicef to give you the best tour to Malindi Marine Park.
22. Mombasa Marine Park
Vibrant town life, beautiful warm weather, and the sun, get your touristic satisfactions quenched with the alluring beauty of Mombasa Marine Park.
Mombasa Marine Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Kenya illuminated by coral reefs, crystal clear ocean waters, and marine life.
It is famous for water sports, boat rides, and the best of coral tours.
Naicef is here to give you all the Best Places and Attracions in Mombasa.
23. Mount Elgon National Park
Covered in mist and a soaring volcanic giant lies the famous Mt. Elgon. The vegetation is grouped into the montane forest is evergreen, there are mixed bamboo, the heath zone, alpine moorland, and open grassland.
Mount Elgon National Park is on the border between Kenya and Uganda making it ideal for those planning to tour both Kenya and Uganda.
In this national park, you are able to hike, mountain climb, rock climb, and game view to enhance your experience.
Here are more fun facts, hotels, packages and, cost to Mount Elgon National Park.
Frequent Asked Questions About Mount Elgon National Park
1. What is the best time to visit Mount Elgon?
The best time to travel to Mount Elgon is in the dry season and that is in June to August and also December to March.
2. How much does it cost to visit Mount Elgon?
To visit Mount Elgon, the estimated costs are;
KES 400- East African Citizens
USD 20- The rest of the African citizens
USD 30- international visitors
3. Where is Mount Elgon?
Mount Elgon is found at the border of Kenya and Uganda and lies 140 kilometers northeast of Lake Victoria.
4. How difficult is it to hike Mount Elgon?
Hiking Mount Elgon needs a reasonably fit climber. This is because there is no special skills needed to get to the peak.
5. How far is Mount Elgon from Nairobi?
By road, you can opt to take a bus from Nairobi to Mount Elgon through Kakakmega which takes 7-8 hours.
By flight, from Nairobi to Mount Elgon, take a flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Kitale Airport then to Mount Elgon.
Conclusion
Naicef has shown you all 23 of the top 10 national parks in Kenya. Moreover, we have listed all the national parks in Kenya describing each of the parks.
To have the best tour in Kenya national parks, reach out to Naicef for the best African experiences. We are the best tour company in Kenya in packaging national parks because we focus on;
- Customer Centricity: we customize the best tours in Kenya and give the best to each traveler.
- Quality: we craft African experiences in quality for the best memorable safaris.
- Professionalism: our team is professional to create a long-lasting relationships with all travel partners.
Moreover, on every safari you take with Naicef, you contribute to Sustainable tourism through our sustainable environmental and local community programs. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best Kenyan safaris, contact Naicef via my@naicef.com or +254799922277
You can also opt for our Naicef savings plan to plan your visit to any national parks in Kenya.
