Kenya is a true paradise for nature lovers, hosting a total of 51 national parks and reserves scattered across the country. These areas vary significantly in size, from just a few square kilometers to expanses comparable to the size of Israel. Although Kenya has several marine reserves, most are inland. A crucial distinction to make is between national parks, which are managed at the national level, and reserves, which are under local authority control. In a country where the population is growing at an alarming rate, this distinction is vital: local governments can choose to alter the boundaries and size of reserves. For example, a few years ago, the famous Maasai Mara lost 10% of its area to benefit shepherds and farmers.
Aberdare National Park
Located in the Aberdare Range between Nyeri and Nyandarua regions, Aberdare National Park spans approximately 766 km². Established in 1950, this park sits at an altitude ranging from 2,100 to 4,300 meters. It’s renowned for its dense forests, spectacular waterfalls, and wildlife observation, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and Colobus monkeys. Visitors can explore its diverse landscapes and enjoy the richness of its unique biodiversity.
Amboseli National Park
Covering about 392 km² in Kajiado County at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park was established in 1974 at an altitude of around 1,150 meters. It’s particularly famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large elephant population. Visitors can admire the park’s vast plains, swamps, and diverse wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and a variety of birds.
Arabuko Sokoke National Park
With an area of about 6 km², Arabuko Sokoke National Park is located on the Kenyan coast near Malindi. Established in 1991, it lies at an altitude between 0 and 200 meters. Renowned for its dry coastal forest and exceptional biodiversity, it hosts many rare and threatened bird species. It’s a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Central Island National Park
Established in 1983, Central Island National Park covers approximately 5 km² in Lake Turkana at an altitude of around 360 meters. It’s famous for its active volcanoes, crater lakes, and Nile crocodiles. Visitors can explore the unique volcanic landscapes and observe a variety of wildlife in this spectacular environment.
Chyulu Hills National Park
Spanning about 741 km² between Tsavo West and Amboseli, Chyulu Hills National Park was established in 1983 with an altitude varying from 1,000 to 2,188 meters. Known for its impressive volcanic landscapes, lava caves, and diverse fauna, visitors can enjoy hiking and explore its fascinating scenery.
Hell’s Gate National Park
With an area of about 68 km² near Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park was established in 1984 at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters. It’s celebrated for its spectacular gorges, climbing and hiking opportunities, and wildlife observation. Visitors can also discover unique geological formations and enjoy its hot springs.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
Covering about 39 km² on Kenya’s southern coast near Shimoni, this marine park was established in 1978 at sea level. It’s renowned for its rich coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can observe a variety of colorful marine life and enjoy its crystal-clear waters.
Kora National Park
Established in 1989, Kora National Park spans approximately 1,787 km² in Tana River County at an altitude of 300 to 500 meters. Famous for its savannah landscapes and wildlife, including lions and elephants, visitors can explore its vast plains and biodiverse rivers.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Covering about 188 km² in the Rift Valley near Nakuru town, established in 1961 at an altitude of around 1,758 meters, this park is world-famous for its pink flamingos, which often blanket the lake, and its white and black rhino populations. Visitors can observe a wide variety of birds and mammals in a picturesque setting.
Malindi Marine National Park
Located on the Kenyan coast near Malindi, covering about 6 km², this marine park was established in 1968 at sea level. It’s well-known for its vibrant coral reefs, excellent for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can discover diverse marine life and enjoy its fine sandy beaches.
Malka Mari National Park
Spanning about 1,500 km² at Kenya’s northern border along the Dawa River, established in 1989 at an altitude of 350 to 500 meters, it’s known for its semi-arid landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife. Visitors can explore its dry plains and observe unique species.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Covering about 1,510 km² in Narok County, bordering Tanzania, established in 1961 at altitudes from 1,500 to 2,170 meters, it’s globally famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five. Visitors can witness spectacular wildlife scenes and enjoy unforgettable safaris.
Meru National Park
With an area of approximately 870 km² in Meru County, established in 1966 at altitudes between 300 and 1,030 meters, it’s renowned for its wildlife diversity, including elephants and rhinos, and its numerous rivers. Visitors can explore its lush landscapes and observe a wide variety of wildlife.
Mombasa Marine National Park
Located near Mombasa with an area of about 10 km², established in 1986 at sea level, it’s known for its coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore colorful marine life and enjoy its clear waters.
Mount Elgon National Park
Covering about 1,279 km² at Kenya’s western border, shared with Uganda, established in 1968 at altitudes from 2,100 to 4,321 meters, it’s famous for its salt caves and forest elephants. Visitors can explore its impressive mountain landscapes and discover its rich biodiversity.
Mount Kenya National Park
Spanning approximately 715 km² on Mount Kenya, between Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi Counties, established in 1949 at altitudes between 1,600 and 5,199 meters, it’s known for its alpine scenery, trekking opportunities, and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can climb its peaks and explore its lush forests.
Mount Longonot National Park
Covering about 52 km² in the Rift Valley near Lake Naivasha, established in 1983 at altitudes from 1,850 to 2,776 meters, it’s known for its active volcano, hiking opportunities, and panoramic views. Visitors can explore the crater and enjoy the park’s impressive landscapes.
Nairobi National Park
Located on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital, covering approximately 117 km², established in 1946 at altitudes between 1,600 and 1,700 meters, it’s celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including rhinos and lions, near an urban setting. Visitors can observe wildlife in this unique urban environment and enjoy hiking trails.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
With an area of about 20 km² in Machakos County, established in 1967 at an altitude of approximately 2,145 meters, it’s famous for Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain and wildlife viewing. Visitors can hike and enjoy panoramic views from the mountain’s peak.
Ruma National Park
Covering about 120 km² in Homa Bay County, established in 1983 at an altitude of around 1,200 meters, it’s known for its Roan antelopes and avian diversity. Visitors can explore its picturesque landscapes and observe a variety of birds and animals.
Saiwa Swamp National Park
With an area of about 3 km² in Trans-Nzoia County, established in 1974 at an altitude of approximately 1,830 meters, it’s renowned for the sitatunga, a rare aquatic antelope, and the biodiversity of its wetlands. Visitors can observe unique fauna and enjoy the tranquility of this small park.
Sibiloi National Park
Spanning about 1,570 km² on the edge of Lake Turkana, established in 1973 at altitudes from 360 to 800 meters, it’s famous for its paleontological sites, crocodiles, and giraffes. Visitors can explore its arid landscapes and discover the park’s fossil treasures.
Tsavo East National Park
With an impressive area of 13,747 km² in Taita-Taveta and Kitui Counties, established in 1948 at altitudes between 200 and 1,200 meters, it’s known for its vast plains, red elephants, and lions. Visitors can explore its expansive wilderness and observe a wide range of wildlife in a preserved environment.