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The Five Must-Visit National Parks in Kenya
Kenya is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the world. From the world-famous Maasai Mara to the lesser-known but equally beautiful Amboseli National Park, there is something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best five national parks in Kenya:
Amboseli National Park
Location of Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is located in the southern part of the country, spanning over 400 square miles. Despite its size and remote location, Amboseli National Park is easily accessible by road and air. The park is just a few hours’ drive from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Amboseli National Park Main Attractions
Amboseli National Park is home to various animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras. The park is named after Amboseli Lake, a famous birdwatching spot, home to hippos and crocodiles.
The park also offers stunning views of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. It is, therefore, a photographer’s paradise, with its open plains and big sky providing the perfect backdrop for wildlife photography.
The park is also home to the Amboseli Elephant Research Centre, which conducts studies on the behaviour and ecology of elephants.
Lastly, the park is home to a wealth of archaeological evidence of early man, including the famous Amboseli Standing Stones. In addition to its archaeological and scenic attractions, Amboseli National Park is home to the Maasai people, who live in several villages within the park. The Maasai are traditionally nomadic people known for their colourful shukas and spears.
Budget for Visiting Amboseli National Park
When planning a trip to Amboseli National Park, it is vital to remember the various expenses you might incur.
The entry price for the park is $80 for adults and $40 for children, which does not include the cost of food and accommodation.
Within the park, different activities are available, such as game drives and guided walks, which come at an additional cost.
However, Amboseli National Park is worth a visit, and the experiences and memories you will take away with you will far outweigh the costs.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Location of Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to Lake Nakuru, a large lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley. It is approximately 56 miles long and 20 miles wide, making it one of the largest lakes in the country. The park is remotely located but easily accessible by road from Nairobi. You can also charter flights through the small airstrips within the park.
Main Attractions at Lake Nakuru National Park
The park is home to many animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. In addition, the park is famous for its flamingos, which can often be seen wading in the shallow waters of Lake Nakuru.
Visitors to the park can participate in safari drives or walks, allowing them to see the animals up close. In recent years, the park has also become a popular destination for birdwatchers as it is home to more than 400 species.
With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, it is no wonder that Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya.
Budget for Visiting Lake Nakuru National Park
Here’s a breakdown of some of the main costs you’ll need to consider when planning a visit to Lake Nakuru:
- Food and Accommodation at Lake Nakuru National Park: Prices vary depending on where you stay, but expect to pay around $30 per night for a basic room. Budget another $20 per day for food.
- Lake Nakuru National Park Entry fee: The park entrance fee is $30 per person, but Kenyan citizens pay just 10 $ per head.
- Activities at the Lake Nakuru National Park: There are plenty of activities to choose from, including game drives, bird watching and hikes. Fees vary depending on the activity but expect to pay around $50 daily.
Tsavo East National Park
Location of Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is one of the largest national parks in Kenya. The park is located in southeastern Kenya, about 200 kilometers from the capital city of Nairobi.
Main Attractions in Tsavo East National Park
The main attraction in Tsavo East National Park is wildlife. The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, rhinos, and many other animals. The park also has a variety of birds, including the rare Taita falcon.
In addition to the wildlife, Tsavo East National Park also has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Kenya. The park is filled with acacia trees and red soil contrasting with the blue sky.
Several rivers and waterfalls run through the park. Visitors to the park can explore its savannah grasslands and woodlands by foot, bicycle, or car.
Several lodges and campsites are also located within the park, making it an ideal destination for a safari. Tsavo East National Park is a must-see for any nature lover.
Budget for Visiting Tsavo East National Park
The entrance fee is 60$ per head for foreigners and 5$ for local tourists. You are likely to incur other costs while at the park, including food and accommodation expenses and activities fees—most people who visit Tsavo national park stay at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary has various accommodation options to suit different budgets, but prices start at around 30$ per night.
Regarding food, there are several restaurants and cafes near the park entrance and several eateries inside the park itself. Prices vary depending on the food type, but you can expect to pay around 10-15$ for a main meal.
Finally, many of the popular activities in Tsavo national park come with an additional fee. For example, a game drive costs 30$ per person, while a safari walks costs 20$. So, when planning your trip to Tsavo national park, factor in these additional costs.
Nairobi National Park
Location of Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is one of the largest urban national parks in the world, located just 7 kilometers from the city center. Visitors can easily access the park by car, bus, or train.
Main Attractions in Nairobi National Park
The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including the Big five and over 400 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The scenery is also stunning, with sweeping plains, towering acacia trees, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or even by balloon.
Budget for Visiting Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park’s entry fee for foreigners is $60 per person, while Kenyan citizens pay just $6.
Accommodation within the park ranges from $50-$250 per night, depending on your lodging type.
If you want to hire a guide to show you around, expect to pay about $30-$40 per day. And if you want to take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the savannah, be prepared to shell out $450 per person.
While Nairobi National Park can be expensive to visit, it’s more than worth the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife up close.
Aberdare National Park
Location of Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is one of the most scenic parks in Kenya. The park is located in the central highlands and covers an area of 767 sq. km. The park is accessible by road and rail from Nairobi, and there are also several airstrips within the park.
Main Attractions at Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National park has unique sceneries and typical tourist attractions, including waterfalls, forests, moorland and historical sites.
The park also provides visibility of some wildlife, including the Big Five, common zebra, Grants gazelle, Defassa waterbuck, and unique bird species such as the black stork, rhinoceros hornbill, kingfishers, sunbirds and many more.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenalin-pumping safari or a peaceful nature hike, Aberdare National Park has something to offer everyone.
Budget for Visiting Aberdare National Park
The cost of visiting the Aberdare National Park can vary depending on your trip and the services you need. Entry into the park for a day trip costs just 60 dollars for foreigners and 5 dollars for domestic tourists, but if you plan to camp or stay in one of the lodges, you will need to pay accommodation fees.
There are also fees for certain activities such as guided hikes, safaris and horseback riding. However, these activities provide a unique opportunity to see the wildlife up close and personal, making them well worth the cost.
Overall, a visit to Aberdare National Park is an affordable option for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Kenya.
Final Thought
There are many incredible national parks in Kenya, but three of the best are Tsavo National Park, Nairobi National Park, and Aberdare National Park. Tsavo is famous for its vast wildlife, including lions, leopards, and rhinos. On the other hand, Nairobi is within the city. It offers a spectacular sightseeing experience on your approach slope to JKIA, as you cruise over the Southern bypass to/from Wilson Airport, catch the SGR train or take your few hours of layover rest. Aberdare has a rich history due to the famous Queen Elizabeth’s tour and is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, including the Big Five.
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