Three best locations in Kenya for an African safari
Kenya, located in the heart of East Africa is one of the more well-known countries in Africa largely due to a strategic location, vibrant economy, highly literate population, and being a peaceful democracy which also happens to be the headquarters for several United Nations agencies.
On the tourism front, Kenya is also one of the best places for a vacation, and an African Safari in Kenya is generally considered one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the world, rightfully making it on to many travel bucket lists around the world. Kenya's popularity as a premier travel destination is well deserved, not least due to the stunning landscapes and picturesque scenery, pleasant year-round climate free of hot summers or cold winters, the amazing wildlife that is arguably the best collection of wild animals anywhere on the planet and last but not least, the friendly and welcoming Kenya people who so greatly add to the overall experience of traveling to this country. Despite being a highly rated African safari destination, Kenya remains an affordable tourist destination, especially when compared to other options such as Safari locations in Southern Africa.
Most visitors to Kenya are keen on knowing about the best Safari destinations in the country which are ideal for spotting the so-called “Big Five animals“, namely Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, and Elephant. Below is our list of the most rewarding locations for an African Safari tour in Kenya.
1.Masai Mara National Reserve
Acclaimed as one of the best wildlife reserves in Kenya and indeed the world, Masai Mara National Reserve is known not only for the phenomenal annual Great Wildebeest Migration but also for having some of the highest concentration of the big game animals mentioned above. The national reserve is located in southwest Kenya and is a vast expanse of gently rolling grass-covered African savannah plains measuring 1510 square kilometers in area and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south.
Masai Mara National Reserve is surrounded by various wildlife conservancies covering the area mainly to the north and east of the main national reserve which is itself managed by the Narok county government. Most of these conservancies have camps and lodges located inside their respective boundaries as can be seen in this Map of Masai Mara which also indicates the location of most camps and lodges situated both inside the main Reserve and in the surrounding conservancy areas as well as the location of the various airstrips and main entry gates.
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is one of the most popular National Parks in Kenya in pure visitor numbers. The park is well known for its rich wildlife, particularly the prolific herds of elephants. Amboseli is also famed for the glorious views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is located just across the border in Tanzania but is physically close enough to Amboseli to afford visitors some amazing views. Besides the diverse wildlife, the other attraction of the park includes the opportunity to meet and experience the authentic culture of the local Maasai people who live around the park.
The park is home to over 80 mammals and 400 bird species, with most of the Safari animals being present in the park with the exception of Rhinos. The sunnier climate and clearer skies from December to March are especially suitable for capturing the best photos of Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park is just over four hours by road from Nairobi. There is also a daily flight from Nairobi to the park which is less than an hour in duration.
3. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Located north of Nairobi and covering over 350 square kilometers, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a mix of grass plains, wooded grasslands, and evergreen thickets situated at the foothills of Aberdares and the snow-capped Mt. Kenya. The conservancy boasts the largest black rhino in East Africa, and in 2013 reached a population milestone of 100 black rhinos. It also houses the two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is situated here and provides a haven for orphaned, abandoned, and rescued chimpanzees. It is the only place in Kenya where these great apes can be seen.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the “big five” among a large selection of other African animals. Visit this location during your African Safari to see the endangered black and white rhinos, leopards, lions, cape buffalos, and large elephants, even as you revel in the stunning views of the land. The safari game drives around the conservancy will include a visit to the Chimpanzees sanctuary as well.
