Kenya has 23 national parks and 28 national reserves, each famous for unique wildlife, landscapes, or cultural heritage. The Maasai Mara is world-renowned for the Great Migration, Amboseli for elephants with Mt. Kilimanjaro views, and Tsavo for vast wilderness and red elephants. Nairobi National Park is unique as the only capital city park with lions roaming against a skyline.

National Parks

National Park	Location	Known For
Aberdare	Central Highlands	Forests, waterfalls, rare bongo antelope.
Amboseli	Kajiado County	Large elephant herds, Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop.
Arabuko Sokoke	Coast	Birding hotspot, butterflies.
Central Island	Lake Turkana	Volcanic islands, crocodile breeding grounds.
Chyulu Hills	Between Amboseli & Tsavo	Volcanic hills, caves, scenic hiking.
Hell’s Gate	Rift Valley	Cliffs, gorges, geothermal activity; inspiration for Lion King.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine	Coast	Coral reefs, dolphins, snorkeling.
Kora	Eastern Kenya	Rugged wilderness, George Adamson’s legacy.
Lake Nakuru	Rift Valley	Flamingos, rhinos, diverse birdlife.
Malindi Marine	Coast	Coral reefs, marine biodiversity.
Malka Mari	Northern Kenya	Remote, arid landscapes.
Meru	Eastern Kenya	Elsa the lioness (Born Free).
Mombasa Marine	Coast	Coral reefs, diving.
Mount Elgon	Western Kenya	Caves, waterfalls, forest elephants.
Mount Kenya	Central Kenya	UNESCO site, trekking, glaciers.
Mount Longonot	Rift Valley	Volcanic crater hiking.
Nairobi	Nairobi	Lions, rhinos, giraffes against city skyline.
Ol Donyo Sabuk	Central Kenya	Hiking, panoramic views.
Ruma	Nyanza	Rare roan antelope.
Saiwa Swamp	Western Kenya	Smallest park; sitatunga antelope.
Sibiloi	Lake Turkana	Archaeological fossils, “Cradle of Mankind.”
Tsavo East & West	Southeastern Kenya	Vast wilderness, red elephants, Mzima Springs.
Watamu Marine	Coast	Coral reefs, turtles.

National Reserves

Reserve	Location	Known For
Maasai Mara	Narok County	Great Migration, Big Five safaris.
Samburu	Northern Kenya	Unique species: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich.
Buffalo Springs	Isiolo County	Hot springs, elephants, lions.
Shaba	Isiolo County	Rugged terrain, rare wildlife.
Marsabit	Northern Kenya	Crater lakes, elephants.
Bisanadi	Eastern Kenya	Buffer zone for Meru NP.
Kakamega Forest	Western Kenya	Last equatorial rainforest remnant.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve	Coast	Birding hotspot, butterflies.
Lake Bogoria	Rift Valley	Hot springs, flamingos.
Mwea	Eastern Kenya	Birdlife, rivers.
Dodori & Boni	Coast (Lamu)	Rare coastal forests, endangered species.
South Turkana	Northern Kenya	Arid wildlife habitats.

Private Conservancies

Kenya has several private national parks and game reserves, often called conservancies. These are managed by communities, trusts, or private landowners and are known for exclusivity, fewer crowds, and strong conservation programs—especially for rhinos and endangered species. The most famous are in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.

Major Private Conservancies in Kenya

Conservancy / Trust	Location	Known For
Ol Pejeta Conservancy	Laikipia Plateau	Largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa; home to the last two northern white rhinos; Big Five safaris.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy	Laikipia	UNESCO World Heritage Site; rhino protection, Grevy’s zebra, community conservation.
Borana Conservancy	Laikipia	Horseback safaris, rhino conservation, luxury lodges.
Ol Jogi Conservancy	Laikipia	Private luxury safaris, rhino and big cat conservation.
Mugie Conservancy	Laikipia	Rare species like Jackson’s hartebeest; conservation education.
Il Ngwesi Conservancy	Laikipia	Community-owned, eco-lodge, cultural immersion with Samburu/Maasai.
Ol Malo Conservancy	Laikipia	Family-run; camel safaris, cultural experiences, artisanal crafts.
Segera Conservancy	Laikipia	Luxury eco-retreat; art and conservation blend; endangered species protection.
Naboisho Conservancy	Maasai Mara	Community-owned; high predator density; exclusive safari experiences.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy	Maasai Mara	Low vehicle density; excellent lion sightings.
Mara North Conservancy	Maasai Mara	Private lodges; migration viewing without crowds.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy	Maasai Mara	Pristine wilderness; cheetah sightings; community partnership.
Siana Conservancy	Maasai Mara	Scenic landscapes; cultural Maasai experiences.
Selenkay Conservancy	Near Amboseli	Elephant corridors; walking safaris; community-run.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust	Nairobi & Tsavo	Famous for its elephant orphanage; pioneering elephant rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs; anti-poaching and habitat conservation.