Kenya is home to breathtaking wildlife destinations, from the majestic Masai Mara National Reserve to the majestic Mount Kenya National Park. For adventurous blood, a safari trip to Kenya is the perfect way to explore the beauty of this African country. Next, we look at the 5Â best destinations for a holiday in Kenya.
1. The Masai Mara National Reserve
Located in the Great Rift Valley, the Masai Mara is home to an abundance of wildlife including lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and gazelles. The Masai Mara is also renowned for its annual wildebeest migration when thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara River in search of new grazing grounds in Serengeti- Tanzania.
You will get a chance to see this spectacular event between November and December, where you can also enjoy countless game drives, camping, bonfires, and socializing with the Maasai community.
You will be served with an exquisite view of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo – as well as a variety of other animals such as hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and an incredible variety of birds.
2. Amboseli National Park
Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five, Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik-dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine. Visitors can experience the thrill of game drives or take a walk in the park and discover the rich flora and fauna. Amboseli is famous for its incredible number of elephants that may be seen up close.
It offers a scenic aura of the surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro, the breathtaking views of the park are accompanied by sights and sounds of over 600 types of birds. You also get a chance to enjoy a combination of different environments, ranging from the seasonal Lake Amboseli to the wetlands of sulfur springs, and the savannah to the woodlands. All these are under one roof.
3. Mount Kenya National Park
Located in the Central Highlands of Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five and over 130 species of birds, making it a bird-watchers haven. It is endowed with Mount Kenya, where you can enjoy mountain climbing, hiking, camping, caving, and of course an unforgettable game drive.
Come take in the breathtaking sceneries from Mount Kenya, and the fauna and flora surrounding it. Mount Kenya is surrounded by montane forests, bamboo thickets, and wetlands, and the park is home to a variety of animals such as bushbuck, suni, hyena, and baboon.
You will also be able to see elephants, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, black-fronted duiker, mole rat, bushbucks, waterbuck, and Elands. The park is also home to the rare and endangered mountain bongo, and visitors can often spot these beautiful animals grazing on the slopes of the mountain.
4. Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s largest park, and it’s renowned for its incredible wildlife. It comprises two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park which both spread from Taita-Taveta County to Makueni County.
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The park is home to the Big Five, as well as a variety of other animals such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelopes. The park is also home to a variety of birds and is a great destination for birdwatchers.
The park is home to the famous Tsavo River, and visitors can take a game drive and witness the incredible wildlife of the park. Visitors can also explore the park’s incredible landscapes, including the magnificent Chyulu Hills, the breathtaking Yatta Plateau, and the majestic Galana River.
5. Lake Nakuru National Park
Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is every bird lover’s dream come true. It is home to over 400 different types of birds, with flamingos being the most commonly seen.
You will be sure to spot the African Fish Eagle, Slender-billed greenbul, Long-tailed widowbird, Rufous-throated wryneck, Montane white-eye, Red-capped lark, Northern puff back, Rüppell’s robin-chat, Shining sunbird and many more as the birds enjoy the cool waters of Lake Nakuru. You will also get to enjoy game drives and encounter the Big Five, crocodiles, waterbucks, hippos, impalas, and many more.
There is a myriad of activities that can be done, such as game drives, hiking, camping, bird watching, picnics, and site seeing.
Best Times to Visit Kenya’s Safari Destinations
The best time to visit Kenya’s safari destinations depends on the type of wildlife you are hoping to see. For the iconic Big Five, the best time to visit is usually during the dry season, which runs from July to October.
During this time, the animals are easier to spot and the vegetation is sparse, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife. Some animals come as close as inside hotel environments to look for water, so you might get lucky to see an elephant drop by to drink water close to you.
For birdwatchers, the best time to visit is usually during the wet season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the grasslands are lush and green and the birdlife is abundant.
April to June is the rainy season in Kenya and also the cheapest time to explore Kenya. Hotel prices drop by more than half. However, due to the wet road inside the parks, small cars such as Nissan note, Toyota Vitz and Honda fit are not ideal.
You need to use a specialized safari vehicle such as the 4×4 safari land cruiser that is made to overcome bad roads and rough terrain.
When planning a safari trip to Kenya, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to research the different destinations and decide which ones are the best fit for you.
It is also important to consider the time of year you are visiting, as this can affect the types of wildlife you are likely to see. Additionally, it is important to plan ahead and book your safari accommodation in advance, as some of the more popular destinations can get booked up quickly.
Conclusion
A safari trip to Kenya is an unforgettable experience. From the majestic Masai Mara National Reserve to the serene lakes of Amboseli National Park, Kenya has a lot to offer to the avid safari explorer. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly safari experience or a more rugged adventure, Kenya has something for everyone.
So why not explore the wild side of Kenya and discover the top five safari destinations? With its incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes, a safari trip to Kenya is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Karibu Kenya!