Guide to Kenya's National Parks and Reserves

One of the most incredible things about visiting Kenya in Africa is sight seeing throughout the land. For many travelers, seeing elephants, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitat, may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

While visiting Kenya, one will definitely want to take time out to visit some of their national parks and national reserves which is sure to be an incredible experience for the entire family.

Abdares National Park in Kenya is a wonderful place to go if you want to see an abundance of elephants and buffalo. Black rhinos, giant forest hogs and bongo antelope also live in the park. Aberdares is a forest and montane grassland which can be accessed only by 4 wheel vehicles. If you are planning on staying close to the park you may want to consider staying at Treetops and the Ark tree hotels. Price of the park is $30 for adults and $10 per child. For more information please visit http://www.go2africa.com/kenya/aberdare-national-park

Amboseli National Park is a small yet busy area located in the shadow of Kilimanjaro Mountain. This park offers its' visitors a fabulous opportunity to see elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, buffalo and hyenas. The park also offers lodging, bandas, and there is also a campsite located right outside of the park. The price for Amboseli National Park is $30 per adult and $10 per child. For more information please visit http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/kenya/safaris/parks/amboseli.asp

Buffalo Springs National Reserves is an awesome place to take a peek if you are visiting Kenya. Buffalo Springs National Reserves is a small reserve adjacent to Samburu and has elephant, lions, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and crocodiles. Accommodations of Buffalo Springs include two lodges and four public campsites. The price to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserves is only $15 for adults and $5 per child.

For more information please visit http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/kenya/safaris/parks/buffalosprings.asp

Lewa Conservancy is a wonderful place to go if you want to spot a white rhinoceros. This privately owned former cattle ranch includes a fenced in rhino sanctuary. Not only does Lewa Conservancy house rhinos, the conservancy also houses elephants, and Grevy's zebras. If you are interested in staying in the conservancy, Lewa has one lodge, one tented camp and eight cottages available. Price to visit is $35. For more information please visit http://www.lewa.org/

Maasai Mara National Reserve is voted the best reserve in Kenya for spotting animals. This heavily toured national reserve is a great place to see wildebeest migrations in August thru September. Balloon trips and the "Big Five" (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo) are also the main attraction of Maasai Mara. If you keep a close eye out, you can also see hippos, giraffes and zebras. Maasai Mara National Reserve offers visitor accommodations with several up-market camps and lodges. They also offer little budget accommodations. The price to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve is $15 per adult and $5 per child. For more information please visit http://www.maasaimara.com/

Mount Elgon National Park is a must see while visiting Kenya. Mount Elgon National Park is the Keyan half of the caldera of an extinct volcano on the border of Uganda. The incredible park houses elephants and is infamous for its' salt-lick caves, hot springs and sights. Visitors can lodge on campsites and bandas inside of the park, however, outside of the park is a lodge. The price to enter Mount Elgon National Park is $15 per adult and $5 per child. For more information please visit http://www.uwa.or.ug/elgon.html

Samburu National Reserve is a great place to spot leopards, elephants, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gernuk, cheetah, Beisa oryx, crocodiles and Somali ostrich. You can catch several of these animals drinking at the river in the reserve. Samburu is a stunning and peaceful reserve in the arid lowlands north of Mount Kenya. The reserve has four available lodges for those who are interested in staying. The price is $15 per adult and $5 per child. For more information please visit http://www.go2africa.com/kenya/samburu-national-reserve

Tsavao East National Park is absolutely the biggest national park located in Kenya. Tsavao East National Park is known for budget camping and safaris. Yatta plateau lava flow on the west side is also an attraction to the park. In Tsavao East one can spot elephants, black rhinos, Mudanda Rock, Lugard's Falls, and Aruba Dam. Tsavao offers visitors four public campsites, one lodge, and several tented camps. The price to visit is $27 per adult and $10 per child. For more information please visit http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/kenya/safaris/parks/tsavoeast.asp

Source:
The Rough Guide to Kenya