Kenya National Parks, Reserves & Conservancies
Discover Kenya’s diverse wildlife habitats, from vast savannahs and forests to exclusive private conservancies
Kenya is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern safari, and its diverse network of protected areas is central to that reputation. Across the country, there are over 40 national parks and wildlife reserves, each established to conserve natural habitats and safeguard Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife. From the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the sweeping savannahs of Amboseli with its iconic elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, these parks offer opportunities to see iconic species such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes in landscapes that are as varied as they are breathtaking.
In addition to national parks and reserves, Kenya is home to a pioneering system of private and community conservancies and Gamewatchers Safaris was the pioneer of the Conservancy Concept in Kenya. The key difference lies in ownership and management: while national parks are state-run with strict regulations, conservancies are leased or owned by local communities or private landholders, offering more flexible wildlife management and controlled tourism. Conservancies often allow a lower density of visitors, enabling exclusive safari experiences, walking safaris, night drives, and other activities not permitted in national parks.
Gamewatchers Safaris has been at the forefront of the conservancy movement in Kenya. Working closely with Maasai landowners, our Founder, Jake Grieves-Cook, pioneered community-owned wildlife conservancies, beginning in 1997 with Selenkay Conservancy in Amboseli and Ol Kinyei Conservancy in 2005, followed by Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, and the more recent Mara Ripoi Conservancy. These projects combine conservation, community benefit, and sustainable tourism, creating safe habitats for wildlife while providing income and employment opportunities for local people.
Whether exploring the vast state-run parks or the exclusive private conservancies, Kenya’s protected areas offer unparalleled opportunities to experience wildlife, landscapes, and culture in a way that is both sustainable and unforgettable.
Kenya is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Across the country, there are over 40 national parks and wildlife reserves, each established to conserve natural habitats and safeguard Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife. From the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the sweeping savannahs of Amboseli with its iconic elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, these parks offer opportunities to see iconic species such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes in landscapes that are as varied as they are breathtaking.
In addition to government-run parks, private and community conservancies offer low-impact safari experiences with fewer visitors and exclusive activities like guided walks and night drives.
Whether exploring the vast state-run parks or the exclusive private conservancies, Kenya’s protected areas offer unparalleled opportunities to experience wildlife, landscapes, and culture in a way that is both sustainable and unforgettable.
Explore Kenya by Safari Region
Aberdare National Park
- National Reserve.
- Mountain wilderness, forest sanctuary, and timeless highland beauty.
- Elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, leopards and over 250 recorded species of bird.
Amboseli & Selenkay Conservancy
- National Reserve & Private Conservancy.
- Iconic elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- Private Conservancy offer off road, night drives and guided walks.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Private Conservancy.
- A 62,000-acre sanctuary in northern Kenya, offering exclusive wildlife experiences and community-led conservation.
- Home to the Big Five, Grevy’s zebra, and over 400 bird species.
Maasai Mara Eco-System
- National Reserve & Private Conservancies.
- World-famous for lions, cheetahs, and the Great Migration season.
- Private Conservancies offer incredible wildlife density and fewer vehicles..
Meru National Park
- National Reserve & Private Conservancies.
- Ideal for experienced safari travellers or those seeking a quieter, authentic experience.
- Elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles.
Nairobi National Park
- National Reserve.
- Only national park in the world located within a capital city, authentic experience.
- Expect to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles and over 400 bird species.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Private Conservancy.
- Big Five game viewing with meaningful conservation initiatives.
- Home to the last remaining northern white rhinos on the planet..
Rift Valley Lakes
- Among the most celebrated are Lakes Naivasha, Elmenteita, Nakuru, and Bogoria, all within a few hours’ drive of Nairobi, making them easily accessible yet dramatically diverse in character.
- Ideal for birding with Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Elementaita historically famous for flamingos, pelicans, and hundreds of migratory bird species.
- Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most important protected areas for rhinos,
Samburu
- National Reserve & Private Conservancies.
- Renowned for wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk — species specially adapted to arid landscapes.
- Ideal for Safaris that offer a deeper sense of place through community-led conservation and cultural heritage.
Tsavo
- National Reserve.
- Tsavo is famous for its large elephant herds, often coated in the region’s iron-rich red soil, alongside lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, and diverse birdlife.
- Expect varied scenery and a more adventurous safari experience.
Aberdare National Park
- National Reserve.
- Mountain wilderness, forest sanctuary, and timeless highland beauty.
- Elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, leopards and over 250 recorded species of bird.
Amboseli & Selenkay Conservancy
- National Reserve & Private Conservancy.
- Iconic elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- Private Conservancy offer off road, night drives and guided walks.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Private Conservancy.
- A 62,000-acre sanctuary in northern Kenya, offering exclusive wildlife experiences and community-led conservation.
- Home to the Big Five, Grevy’s zebra, and over 400 bird species.
Maasai Mara Eco-System
- National Reserve & Private Conservancies.
- World-famous for lions, cheetahs, and the Great Migration season.
- Private Conservancies offer incredible wildlife density and fewer vehicles..
Meru National Park
- National Reserve & Private Conservancies.
- Ideal for experienced safari travellers or those seeking a quieter, authentic experience.
- Elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles.
Nairobi National Park
- National Reserve.
- Only national park in the world located within a capital city, authentic experience.
- Expect to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles and over 400 bird species.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Private Conservancy.
- Big Five game viewing with meaningful conservation initiatives.
- Home to the last remaining northern white rhinos on the planet..
Rift Valley Lakes
- Among the most celebrated are Lakes Naivasha, Elmenteita, Nakuru, and Bogoria, all within a few hours’ drive of Nairobi, making them easily accessible yet dramatically diverse in character.
- Ideal for birding with Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Elementaita historically famous for flamingos, pelicans, and hundreds of migratory bird species.
- Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most important protected areas for rhinos,
Samburu
- National Reserve & Private Conservancies.
- Renowned for wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk — species specially adapted to arid landscapes.
- Ideal for Safaris that offer a deeper sense of place through community-led conservation and cultural heritage.
Tsavo
- National Reserve.
- Tsavo is famous for its large elephant herds, often coated in the region’s iron-rich red soil, alongside lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, and diverse birdlife.
- Expect varied scenery and a more adventurous safari experience.
Not sure which parks fit your trip?
Our safari specialists will design the right combination based on your travel dates, interests, and pace.
Our Porini Camps are extra special. That means we are able to offer our guests much more than typical safari experiences.
You’ll stay in a small eco-safari camp with private en-suite tents, excellent food, and all the comfortable modern amenities at hand.
Unlike national parks and other public game reserves, our private conservancies limit guests and vehicles. Offering a peaceful, crowd-free experience with more intimate wildlife encounters and a deeper connection to nature.
The limited number of vehicles in the conservancies allows for more flexible and customised game drives. Meaning you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, with expert guides tailoring the experience based on your specific interests, whether it’s birdwatching, photography, or tracking a particular animal.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
SOUTH AMERICA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRY FORM
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rick Mcintyre 
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Julie Roggow 
Hi, I'm Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers 
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How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya. A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.
How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya. A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.
How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya. A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.
FAQs - Kenya Parks, Reserves & Conservancies
Which are the best parks and reserves to visit in Kenya?
Kenya is home to a vast array of parks and reserves, each offering its own unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.
To see a wide variety of animals and scenery, we often recommend combining two or more parks.
Private Reserves and Conservancies provide added benefits such as walking safaris, night game drives, and fewer other vehicles on the land, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.
The best parks to visit also depend on the time of year and the wildlife you hope to see. That’s why it’s essential to speak with one of our Safari Specialists, who can advise on the ideal itinerary tailored to your interests and preferred destinations.
Click here to view Kenya's Parks & Conservancies.
When is the best time to go to Kenya?
Kenya is on the equator and is known as a “year round destination” which can be visited anytime.
The hottest months are late January to March while the coolest are July and August.
There are two rainy seasons, known as the “long rains”, a ten week period between April and early June and the “short rains” a six week period during November and early December. Global weather patterns are changing and sometimes the rains fail completely in some parts of Kenya and there is a period of drought or there may be heavy rains outside the normal rainy season. However when it rains it tends to be mainly at night or in the early morning which means there can still be sunny days in between.
Many safari camps close during May when the long rains are at their height, as the tracks and roads get muddy and it may not be possible for the camp vehicles to take visitors on game drives.
During the hot months of January to March conditions can often be dry and dusty and the animals may congregate near water-holes so that there is excellent wildlife viewing.
Just after the rainy seasons, in June or again in December, many of the animals have their young to co-incide with the better grazing from new grass following the rains.
The wildebeest migration moves into the Mara between July and September and this is when many visitors come to Kenya and the parks can get more crowded with tourist vehicles.
To sum up:
- January to March: Usually hot and dry and great for wildlife viewing.
- April-May: Can be wet and muddy.
- June: Green and lush after the rains.
- Jul-August: Cooler but good for the migration in the Mara.
- September-October: Good weather and good wildlife viewing.
- November-December: The short rains.
Ensure you bring some additional warm clothing for chilly early morning or evening game drives (fleece, sweater). Although Kenya is on the equator, you may be surprised at how VERY cold it can get at night and in the early morning, especially in the higher locations!
What wildlife can I expect to see in Kenya’s park & reserves?
Kenya is the perfect destination for a Big Five Wildlife Safari.
In most parks / conservancies you can normally guarantee that you will see the more common grazing animals such as buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, eland, giraffe, gazelles, impala and waterbuck.
In addition, the big cats (lions, leopards and cheetahs) are present in most parks, but are most easily seen in the Mara and the Mara Conservancies.
Elephants are best seen in Selenkay / Amboseli and Rhino are often sighted in Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lake Nakuru Park.
See this link for more information: What Animals Can I Expect To See?
How many national parks and reserves are there in Kenya?
Kenya protects over 40 national parks, reserves, and conservancies, ranging from savannah landscapes to coastal marine parks
What’s the difference between a national park and a wildlife reserve or conservancy?
National parks are state-managed protected areas with strict conservation rules, while reserves and conservancies are often managed by local communities, or private partners. Conservancies typically allow activities like guided walking safaris or night drives and often have lower visitor density.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee or charge to visit a national park or private conservancy in Kenya?
Yes. Entry fees vary by park and are separate to accommodation and vehicle charges, and are usually included in safari packages arranged through tour operators.
Many private Conservancies also have a nightly fee for guests to visit.
Can I combine different parks or conservancies on one safari?
Yes — combining parks gives you the richest experience, whether it’s big cats or migration in the Mara Eco-system, elephants with Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli, or exploring off the beaten track in Meru. Many travellers tailor multi-park itineraries for wildlife priorities. Speak to one of our safari specialists who can assist with expert advice and travel logistics.
View some of our Kenya Safaris for details on how you can combine multiple safari areas.
