What Are the Best Safari Destinations in Kenya For 2023

There’s no better place to get a thrilling and satisfying safari than in Kenya. The country boasts a vast portfolio of game parks, rich cultural heritage, white sand beaches, natural beauty, etc. hence the name magical Kenya. Numerous attraction sites are available, and it is impossible to visit them all in a single holiday. Therefore, it is best to identify the ideal spots and then plan a safari around these places. The good thing is that various packages are tailor-made to meet your expectations, and here are the best safari destinations in Kenya you should visit.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara is home to the wild side of Africa. This is where the Great Migration happens; every year, millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate to Kenya for food and water. This is a must-visit place if you’re all about the action. It’s where to see the wild cats and predators in action against the herds of herbivores.

Apart from the captivating wildlife, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful sunrise as you take your breakfast in the giant hot air balloons. These balloons offer the perfect aerial view of all the action in the wild Kenyan savannah. Also, it provides the perfect view of the country’s beautiful landscape.

There’s more! The Maasai Mara is also home to birds; bird lovers can watch and interact with various bird species, such as vultures, ostriches, crown cranes, etc. One of the many advantages of visiting the Maasai Mara is its affordable safari option. Also, you can choose to include trips to neighboring national parks and beaches.

2. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is your place if you want to take a unique safari and interact with the largest land animals. The park is known for its comprehensive elephant viewing. It is also the best place for first-time safari tourists because it gives a taste of what to expect when on the wild Kenyan savannah. The beauty of this place is the classical view of the elephant herds majestically roaming on the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

You can expect to see many other game animals, from gazelles and zebras to lions and cheetahs, except the rhino. There is fewer wildcat representation, so you shouldn’t expect to see too many wild game interactions. The considerable elephant representation and captivating nature views are the best places to spend time with your family and friends.

3. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a place for bird watching. It is home to flamingos and is known for its impressive rhino presence. You should also not expect too much wild action on this attraction site. However, the Lake Nakuru National Park has a cool vibe perfect for going for a picnic with your friends. The pink-colored flamingos brighten up the serene.

4. The Tsavo

The Tsavo offers two options; the Tsavo East and Tsavo West. It is the place to experience the authentic and wild African wilderness. These two options complement each other as they offer two different safari adventures.

For instance, the Tsavo East is the larger of the two and much drier. As a result, it offers the ideal animal environment, making it perfect for game viewing. Here you’ll get a taste of the Big Five, Africa’s pride. The Big Five animals consist of the African beasts, the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard.

On the other hand, the Tsavo West is more peaceful and more about nature. This park is characterized by breathtaking mountain landscapes, springs, trumps, and a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. This makes it stand out among the safari destinations kenya places. A safari to the Tsavo is the perfect way to begin your combined safari tours. 

5. Shimba Hills

Shimba Hills is a destination not many tourists know about. Yet, this hidden gem is unique thanks to its perfect balance between nature and wildlife. The coastal jungle consists of overgrown hills that give an exceptional view of the Kenyan coast and surrounding environs.

The tropical vegetation is home to exciting wildlife like giraffes, antelopes, elephants, and buffaloes. Shimba Hills is the ideal habitat for these animals and the best place to get an authentic safari feeling. A trip to Shimba Hills is therapeutic, and the sunset views from the top of the hills are magical.

6. Nairobi National Park

This renowned attraction site is the only wildlife national park in the country’s capital. It is characterized by vast open grass plains and scattered acacia bushes. The Nairobi National Park hosts a variety of game animals, including the endangered black rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, and wild cats. There are also over 400 bird species available in the park.

One of the many benefits of taking a safari to the Nairobi National park is its proximity to the country’s central business district. This means services are readily available, from safari tours and picnic sites to walking trails and hiking.

It is also the ideal place for viewing wildlife encounters. The large predators present give tourists a taste of the wild environment. You can combine your trip to this national park with other neighboring attraction sites such as the National Orphanage and Nairobi Safari Walk. There is also an Ivory Burning Site Monument in the park that reminds us of the adverse effects of poaching.

7. Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve is the place for those looking to take a break from their daily activities and step into a different world. Wildlife abundance is in the national reserve, especially the large elephant herds. You’ll also find a significant presence of large predators such as the lion, cheetah, and leopard.

Bird watching is available if you’re not a wild game encounters fan. There are over 450 bird species in this reserve, and the Taita Falcon and the lesser Kestrel are the most prominent. The bird collection at Samburu National Reserve is impressive, and unique species include the Martial Eagle, White Headed Vulture, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, and the African Darter.

One of the unique experiences available at this ideal safari destination is the local Samburu community. The friendly locals will take you on a walking safari as they showcase their traditional ways of life. They inherited these practices from their forefathers, and you’ll be amazed by their rich cultural heritage. So don’t forget to join the Samburu warriors to taste what it feels like to be a true African.

8. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Also known as Kenya’s golden child, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers a rare, exclusive, and individualized safari experience. The benefit of taking on a tour in this wildlife conservancy is you get the wild safari feeling in the comfort of your luxurious packages. You should, however, note that this destination is pretty expensive due to the several luxurious safari services.

The most dominant game animals in the region are the giant elephants and Columbus monkeys hanging on almost every tree. However, there is also a good wildlife presence in this destination.

One of the attraction sites you can’t afford to miss is Ngare Ndare, a waterfall that tumbles to an azure pool and canopy walk. These features create a unique rocky grotto ideal for taking photos, camping or having a picnic. If you are a good swimmer, you can get into your costume and enjoy a refreshing swim in the mountain spring water.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy strikes the perfect balance between wildlife and nature. You can also choose a safari walk under the adorable canopies. In addition, the view of nature during sunset creates a magical gold and green effect.

The Bottom Line

It can be unclear to pick the ideal safari destinations Kenya because the country is the home of safari. However, various attraction sites, from national parks to wildlife conservancies, offer an authentic safari experience. Therefore, if you want a more than satisfactory trip, ensure you visit the above destinations.