You could say that Kenyans invented the word 'safari'. Meaning 'Journey' in the Kiswahili language it's a term which well describes the country's incredible collection of fifty nine national parks. Together with private reserves and conservancies these natural enclaves cover some ten percent of Kenya.
Protected by the dedicated Kenya Wildlife Service, the country's parks celebrate an unfettered glory, free from tarmac, fences and undue man-made constructions. With the hunting ban expertly enforced, wildlife trails are world class and safari here is quite simply unsurpassed.
With so many reserves it's impossible to make a short-list of 'must-sees' but certain parks enjoy global fame.
Amazing Maasai Mara
Home of Africa's largest population of lions, the Maasai Mara National Park stretches across 1,672 sq. kilometres and is one of Kenya's best-loved reserves. Every July through to September over two million wildebeest migrate north across the Mara river accompanied by zebra and Thomson gazelles,as they seek the lush grass on the northern bank. The migration is unmissable sight and one of the most spectacular natural events in the world.
Stunning Samburu and Shaba
Situated on the banks of the Ewaso N'yiro River, the Samburu and Shaba National Parks and Buffalo Springs are known for attracting large herds of elephants, leopards as well as gerenuk - a giraffe-like antelope – and, of course, the giraffe themselves.
Teaming Tsavo
The largest park in Kenya, Tsavo National Park is as big as Wales, packing a full compliment of incredible animals. The most easily accessible park from the coastal capital of Mombasa, the plains of Tsavo are crossed by the tracks of the historic Kenya-Uganda railway, which brought fame to this region through the legend of The Man-eaters of Tsavo.
National Nairobi
Where else in the world can you find herds of zebra and giraffe, lion and rhino families living free and wild just twenty minutes away from a major city centre? Nairobi National Park was Kenya's first national park and remains one of Kenya's greatest treasures. A recently opened Visitor Centre allows you to get close to some of the animals and learn more about their habitat
