Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves: Kenya is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. When visitors arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, they are ready to experience what Kenya offers regarding wildlife. Major attractions include the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park; Meru National Park is just some of Kenya’s most popular and significant game reserves. In addition, there is a popular one in Nairobi where lions roam among other animals. Many people reserve their safari trips around visiting these parks, and because of this touristy focus, some parks’ prices can get high. But whether you go to see the parks or not, you will want to stay in the surrounding areas for peace. Here are a few attractions and their prices to give you an idea of how to plan your trip.
A Brief History of National Parks and National Reserves in Kenya: There are currently 23 national reserves in Kenya. These are part of the National Reserves System established in the late 1950s to conserve the country’s wildlife and natural resources.
At Drunken Elephant Mara
Stay and do this at the camp
20 rooms under canvas in natural forest, about two kilometres from Sekenani Gate.
Experience
Game drives
Morning, afternoon and full-day drives into the Maasai Mara in search of the big five.
View
Stay · Sleeps 2
Double Tent
An elevated canvas tent for two, with its own verandah and en-suite bathroom.
View
Safari · 3 nights / 4 days
Maasai Mara — 3 Nights
Two full days in the Mara by road from Nairobi, with a visit to a nearby Maasai village.
View
Experience
Bush dinner & Maasai dance
Dinner under the stars, with a performance of traditional Maasai dance.
View
The national parks are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). KWS is a semi-autonomous government agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage. They contain a higher density of wildlife, have more facilities for visitors, and are often home to game drives, walking trails, and other activities. Reserves are smaller, less developed, and less visited than national parks. They do not have as many facilities for tourists or as much infrastructure, but they still offer a fantastic experience in Kenya’s wilderness. This post will look at some of Kenya’s most popular national reserves.
List of National Parks and National Reserves Operated by KWS: The first three national reserves were established in 1957.
- Tsavo East
- Tsavo West
- Amboseli National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Gede Ruins Marine National Reserve (Gede)
- Lake Naivasha National Reserve
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Malindi Marine National Reserve (Makupa)
- Meru National Park
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Mt Longonot National Reserve
- Nairobi National Park
- Ndere Island National Reserve
- Tsavo East National Park
- Tsavo West National Park
- Tsavo West National Parks
- Nairobi National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Aberdare National Park
- Chyulu Hills National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Central Island National Park
- Ruma National Park
- Mount Longonot National Park
- South Island National Park
- Watamu Marine National Park
- Meru National Park
- Ndere Island National Park
- Kisite Mpunguti National
- Marine Park Marsabit national park
- Sibiloi National Park
- Kora National Park
- Saiwa Swamp National Park
- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
- Malka Mari National Park
- Maasai mara national reserve
- Samburu National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve,
- Shaba National Reserve
- Marsabit National Reserve
- Malindi Marine Reserve
- Kiunga Marine National Reserve
- Mombasa Marine National Reserve
- Nasolot National Reserve
- Lake Baringo National Reserve
- Lake Bogoria National Reserve
- Boni National Reserve
- South-Western Mau National Reserve
- Lake Kanyaboli National Reserve
- Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Mwingi National Reserve
- Diani- Chale Marine National Reserve
- Maralal Game Reserve
- Tana Primate National Reserve
- South Turkana National Reserve
- South Kitui National Reserve
- Ngai Ndeithia National Reserve
- Losai National Reserve
- Rimoi National Reserve
- Rahole National Reserve
- Kakamega National Reserve
- Bonjoge National Reserve
- Bisanadi National Reserve
- Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
If you are an avid traveller, then you know that the destination makes all the difference in travel. However, with Kenya being so popular with tourists, it can be a challenge to find an exciting and luxurious tourist spot to visit. This blog post features top tourist destinations in Nairobi, from game parks to national reserves to camps for any traveller’s interests. So, whether you want something adventurous like going on a safari or if you need to relax at a luxury tented camp, we have your perfect vacation location covered.
Questions guests ask
Is the camp inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
No — the camp sits in its own pocket of forest just outside the reserve, about two kilometres from Sekenani Gate. That means quiet nights in the bush, and guided walks and Maasai village visits that the reserve itself does not allow.
Where is Drunken Elephant Mara?
Drunken Elephant Mara is a small tented safari camp at Sekenani in Narok County, Kenya. It sits in natural forest about two kilometres from Sekenani Gate, the main eastern entrance to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, so morning game drives reach the park within minutes.