This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the National Parks and Game Reserves in Kenya as officially managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Here is everything you need to know for planning your 2025 safari adventure.
Kenya has cemented its position on the global stage and is widely referred to as the home of safari, due to the remarkable number of protected areas, including world-renowned destinations such as the Masai Mara, which provides spectacular views of the Great Wildebeest Migration every year.
According to recent reports from the Ministry of Tourism, the number of tourists visiting Kenya is projected to reach 2.5 million annually, demonstrating that this vital industry continues its rapid growth trajectory. A key factor contributing to the country’s thriving tourism sector is the extensive network of protected sites, which fall into distinct management categories: National Parks, National Reserves, National Sanctuaries, and Marine Protected Areas.
National Parks are managed exclusively by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which strictly prohibits human habitation to allow wildlife to thrive in their pristine natural habitats. These areas are designated as fully protected regions where conservation takes absolute priority. National Reserves, on the other hand, operate under a different management structure where local councils and communities play key roles, allowing some controlled human activity while still prioritizing wildlife conservation. National Sanctuaries represent specialized conservation areas focused on specific species or habitat protection.
As officially confirmed by KWS in 2025, Kenya’s protected area network consists of 23 National Parks, 28 National Reserves, and 4 National Sanctuaries, along with various marine parks and reserves distributed along the counties that border the Indian Ocean. Together, these protected areas cover approximately 8% of Kenya’s total landmass, representing one of Africa’s most comprehensive conservation systems.
Major National Parks and Game Reserves
Below, we have discussed the Major National parks and game reserves in the country:
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara stands as one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and captivating landscapes. Covering 1,510 square kilometers in southwestern Kenya, this reserve forms the northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem, creating one of Africa’s most important wildlife corridors.
The reserve is globally famous as the stage for the Great Migration, the world’s most spectacular wildlife phenomenon involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and 200,000 zebras searching for fresh grazing areas. This remarkable natural spectacle typically occurs from July through October, when massive herds cross the treacherous Mara River, providing visitors with unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Masai Mara offers exceptional opportunities to witness the Big Five lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses with one of Africa’s highest concentrations of large predators. The reserve boasts over 470 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Amboseli National Park
Located in the southern region of Kenya along the Tanzania border, Amboseli National Park encompasses 392 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands and savannahs to acacia woodlands. The park is internationally renowned for its large elephant populations, often described as having some of Africa’s most impressive tuskers.
Amboseli serves as a critical habitat for over 400 recorded bird species, making it one of Kenya’s premier birdwatching destinations. The park’s varied landscapes support diverse wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, hippos, and numerous antelope species. The optimal visiting period extends from June to October when the dry season concentrates animals near permanent water sources, though the park offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park represents Kenya’s largest protected area, covering an impressive 22,000 square kilometers and divided into two distinct sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Tsavo East is characterized by expansive semi-arid savannahs, seasonal rivers, and distinctive red elephants—so named because they dust themselves with the area’s iron-rich red soil. The park covers approximately 13,747 square kilometers and provides habitat for large elephant herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 500 bird species.
Tsavo West, on the other hand, offers more varied topography with volcanic hills, natural springs, dense vegetation, and the famous Mzima Springs, where visitors can observe hippos and crocodiles through underwater viewing chambers. The park encompasses 9,065 square kilometers and features the striking Shetani lava flows, Chaimu Crater, and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
The best time to visit both Tsavo parks is from June to September when wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, though each park offers unique experiences throughout the year.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya, northeast of Laikipia, covers approximately 165 square kilometers of land. While less frequented than southern Kenya’s parks, Samburu offers exceptionally rewarding wildlife experiences for those seeking authentic safari adventures away from crowds.
The reserve is famous for hosting the Samburu Special Five, which includes unique species rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, including the Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.
Meru National Park
Meru National Park, covering approximately 870 square kilometers, represents one of Kenya’s most underrated conservation gems. The park gained international recognition through Joy Adamson’s famous book Born Free, which chronicled the rehabilitation of Elsa the lioness. Today, Meru offers visitors opportunities to experience over 300 bird species and encounter rare species, including greater kudu, caracal, and aardwolf, alongside more common safari animals.
The best months to visit Meru National Park are from January to March and June to October, when weather conditions optimize wildlife viewing and accessibility throughout the park.
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects Africa’s second-highest mountain and its unique high-altitude ecosystems. The park covers approximately 715 square kilometers and encompasses diverse vegetation zones from montane forests through alpine moorlands to the glaciated peaks.
The park is renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna adapted to high-altitude conditions, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The varied elevation zones create distinct ecological communities, from dense forests inhabited by elephants, buffalo, and various primates to alpine areas where specialized plants have adapted to extreme conditions.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is the world’s only national park located within a capital city’s boundaries. It covers approximately 117 square kilometers and is just seven kilometers from Nairobi’s city center.
The park supports over 100 mammal species and serves as an important sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino. More than 500 bird species have been recorded, including seasonal migrants from Europe and Asia, making it a significant birdwatching destination.
Complete List of Parks in Kenya
Below is a table with all national parks, national reserves, and marine protected areas in Kenya as managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service:
National Parks (23)
- Aberdare National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Arabuko Sokoke National Park
- Central Island National Park
- Chyulu Hills National Park
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Kora National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Malka Mari National Park
- Meru National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Mount Longonot National Park
- Nairobi National Park
- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
- Ruma National Park
- Saiwa Swamp National Park
- Sibiloi National Park
- Shimba Hills National Park
- Tsavo East National Park
- Tsavo West National Park
- Watamu Marine National Park
- South Island National Park
National Reserves (28)
- Arawale National Reserve
- Bisanadi National Reserve
- Boni National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Dodori National Reserve
- Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- Lake Bogoria National Reserve
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Mwea National Reserve
- Nasolot National Reserve
- Rahole National Reserve
- Rimoi National Reserve
- Samburu National Reserve
- Shaba National Reserve
- Shimba Hills National Reserve
- South Kitui National Reserve
- South Turkana National Reserve
- Tana River Primate Reserve
- West Pokot National Reserve
- Kerio Valley National Reserve
- Losai National Reserve
- Maralal National Sanctuary
- Ngai Ndeithya National Reserve
- North Kitui National Reserve
- Ol Kinyei Conservancy
- Ruma National Reserve
- Witu Forest Reserve
- Marsabit National Reserve
Marine Parks and Reserves (6)
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
- Kiunga Marine National Reserve
- Malindi Marine National Park
- Mombasa Marine National Park
- Watamu Marine National Park
- Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve
National Sanctuaries (4)
- Nairobi Animal Orphanage
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
- Maralal National Sanctuary
- Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
FAQs
How many national parks and reserves does Kenya have?
There are 23 National Parks, 28 National Reserves, 4 National Sanctuaries, and 6 Marine Parks and Reserves in Kenya
What is the smallest national park in Kenya?
Saiwa Swamp National Park in Trans-Nzoia County covers only 3 square kilometers.
What is the largest national park in Kenya?
Tsavo National Park, both Tsavo East and Tsavo West, covers approximately 22,000 square kilometers.
Which is considered the best game reserve in Kenya?
Masai Mara National Reserve
