1. Masai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the most famous tourist destination in Kenya, locally referred to as “The Mara”.

Maasai Mara Reserve was named after the Masai people, who were the ancestral inhabitants that migrated from the Nile Basin, and the word “Mara” means “spotted” in the local Masai language.

Maasai Mara Reserve was first designated a wildlife conservation sanctuary in 1961 and later a reserve.

It gained the status of a reserve in 1974, and part of its management was given to the Narok County Council, while another area was given back to the local communities.

The TransMara County Council (TMCC) was formed in 1994, and it jointly manages the reserve with the Narok County Council.

Maasai Mara Reserve covers an area of 1,510 km2, and it sits in the northern part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. With a semi-arid climate with both the rainy and the dry seasons, the reserve also ranges on an elevation of between 1,500 and 2,180m above sea level.

Location of Masai Mara National Reserve

The reserve is found in Narok, Kenya in East Africa and it is in the same ecosystem as Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is in South west Kenya (South Western Kenya) along the Great Rift Valley and 224 kilometers away from Nairobi city.

The Mara borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and together, they form the Mara Serengeti ecosystem which covers an area of 25,000 square kilometers, making it the largest ecosystem in Africa – with the world’s largest population of Wildebeests.

The reserve also sits among famous safari parks/national parks like Amboseli National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Lake Nakuru National Park and near Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park (Tsavo National Parks).

Attractions/What to See in Masai Mara National Reserve

The Greater Mara ecosystem covers the Mara Triangle, the Maasai Mara Reserve, and many conservancies like Lemek, Mara North, Naikara, Siana, Kerinkani, Kimintet, Ol Choro Oirowua, Koiyaki, Olkinyei, Maji Moto, Ol Derkesi, Naikara, and Oloirien, among others. Other destination attractions, especially the Kenya safari parks are the Lake Nakuru National Park and Amboseli National Park. Amboseli National Park is among the most famous Kenya national parks/wildlife parks in Kenya.

It is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. This event involves the migration of over 1,300,000 Blue Wildebeests, about 500,000 Thomson’s Gazelles, 200,000 Grant’s Zebras, 97,000 Topis, and 18, 000 Common Elands as they cross the Mara River and other landscapes.

The reserve is also home to various other wild animals, like the big five. The big five in the reserve are both the Black and White Rhinos, African Buffalo, Lion, African Bush Elephant, and African Leopard.

The Mara is the only place in Kenya to find black rhinos in the wild. Other Kenya safari animals to see at Maasai Mara Reserve are the East African Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas, African Wild Dogs, African Civets, Honey Badgers, African Wolves, Genets, and African Clawless Otters, among others.

Additionally, the Mara is home to over 470 bird species, including about 60 species of raptors. Common examples of the birds in the reserve include the Crowned Cranes, Secretary Bird, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Vultures, Hornbills, and Marabou Storks, among others.

What to do at the Mara Safari Reserve

Masai Mara Reserve boasts several incredible safari activities for example game drives in safari vehicles, game viewing, nature walks, and cultural tours, hot air balloon safaris, horseback safaris, among others.

• Game drives in the reserve is one of the Kenya safari excursions done in the morning in the Kenya safari vehicles when the sun is just rising beautifully from the horizon and the animals are active. The evening game drive also provides diverse wildlife conservation experiences as you watch the beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
• Nature walks are also incredible on the open savannahs gifted with the natural beauty of the unspoilt wilderness and the lovely climate of the reserve. They can be done both inside and around the park, giving you sights of the Giraffes, Antelopes, and Elephants grazing, among others.
• Balloon safaris in the reserve take you on an endless journey to experience the wildlife in wider and a more authentic way as you watch every diverse wildlife clearly from above the horizon. You will be in a basket lifted by a balloon into the air to provide you with the most amazing vantage point to view these features.

You may also watch the Wildebeests as they cross the Mara River or other attractions in the area.

• Cultural tours are also among the most beautiful experiences to have during your tours in Masai Mara NR. You will get to encounter the pastoral indigenous Masai tribe who have lived in the region for more than one hundred years and have a peak into their way of life for example dances, singing, and cooking.

2. Mwingi Reserve

Mwingi Reserve is an amazing safari destination in Kenya known as an extensive place for wildlife conservation exploration. It covers an area of 755 square kilometers and it has acacia woodlands, savannah plains, and rivers in their natural habitat.

Location of Mwigi Reserve

The Mwigi Reserve is found in north eastern Kenya at the Meru Conservation Area – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park has the same borders with some of the Kenya National Park areas for example Meru National Park, Kora National Park, and Bisandi Reserve.

What to See in Mwigi

The reserve has various explorations through its attractions, like Wildlife, George Adamson Bridge, and Ngomeni Rock.

• Wildlife in Mwigi range from the Leopard, Elephant, Lion, Antelopes, and Hippos, among others. However, their population is much lower.
• George Adamson Bridge was made between 1986 to 1990 at the Northern end of the game reserves and it divides Kora National Park and Meru National Park in Northern Kenya. The bridge was a tribute to George Adamson who together with Joy Adamson took care of “Elsa the Lioness” from whom the book “Born Free” was based.
• Ngomeni Rock is a scenic site found between the Southern end of the Mwigi Reserve in the north and Ukasi Hill in the South. The rock boasts a 3kn square rock catchment dam with waters at its foot and an amazing floral diversity in the grass.

What to do in Mwigi

The Mwigi Reserve boasts many safari activities with the most common ones being camping, camel riding, boat rides, and fishing, among others

• Camping is an adventure that allows tourists to enjoy the unspoilt wilderness as they enjoy budget accommodation. It is the most common accommodation in the park unlike other with Kenya safari park hotel facilities.
• Camel riding allows you to explore the reserve in a more nature-friendly way as you visit the beautiful neighboring villages and their people.
• Boat ride, the water adventure will give you a closer look at the different water species for example the Crocodiles, Hippos, and bird species.
• Fishing is mostly done at the Tana River which neighbors different Kenya national parks/wildlife parks and the game reserves in the conservation area. There are various fish species for you to explore during your fishing experiences in the park.

3. Nasolot Reserve

The Nasolot Reserve is a beautiful mountainous area, found northward of Mount Melo. Due to its remoteness, Nasolot provides extensive remote experiences to travelers around the world.

The reserve was formed in 1979 and it covers an area of 92 square kilometers.

Location of Nasalot

Nasalot is found in the West Pokot District in the Rift Valley Province in the Northern part of Mount Melo. It covers a distance of 528 kilometers in the North West of Nairobi, the capital city.

Attractions/What to See in Nasalot

There are different eye-catching attractions at the Nasalot Reserve including the wildlife and the Nasalot Hill.

• Wildlife at the reserve ranges incredibly from the animals, birds, and plant species. Some common examples include the Lesser Kudu, Elephants, Leopards, Waterbucks, Oryx, and Hippos, among others.
• Nasalot Hill is a rocky scenic feature found at the end of the Nasalot Park. It provides a mesmerizing view of the park to explore its abundant wildlife.

What to do in Nasalot

Visitors to the reserve can enjoy doing different safari activities, for example, camping, nature walks, bird watching, sport fishing, boating safaris on River Turkwell, and game watching, among others.

• Game viewing at the Nasalot Reserve will allow you to watch different animal species for example the Antelopes, Spotted Hyenas, Olive Baboons, Hippopotamus, Leopards, Lions, and Elephants, among others.
• Sport fishing, allows you to leisurely catch different fish species for example the Cat Fish, Nile Perch, Robber Lates, and the Rudolf Lates, among others. The experience occurs at the Turkwell River where you will experience a very fun adventure on your tours.
• Bird watching is an amazing experience allowing you to have a remarkable experience while you watch different bird species like the Rock Dove, Plain Night Jar, African Sacred Ibis, Comb Duck, and the Eurasian Wigeon, among others.
• Nature walk is an adventure that occurs on foot on the open plains of the Nasalot Reserve. It will let you watch different animals, birds, and plant species much more closely in their natural habitat.
• Camping at the Nasalot Reserve is a nature-absorbing activity bringing you closer to the wildlife, the activity occurs at the Marich Pass field studies center campsite.

4. Kakamega Forest Reserve

This forest covers an area of about 238 kilometers square and receives an average amount of rainfall between 1200mm and 1700 mm per year. This forest sits at an altitude of between 1500 and 1600 m above sea level.

It was first gazzetted in 1933 as Trust Forest but the Yala and the Isecheno game reserves were added to it in 1967.

Location of Kakamega Reserve

The Kakamega Forest Reserve is found in Kakamega and Nandi counties in the northwestern direction of Nairobi in western Kenya. The forest is found in the Lake Victoria catchment which is about 40 km the North of Kisumu.

This reserve is located East of the Nandi escarpment and lies in the watershed of Yala and Isiukhu rivers both of which flow through the river and empty into Lake Victoria.

Safari Activities/What to See at the Kakamega Reserve

Kakamega has beautiful mammal species for example, the Duikers, Bushpigs, Red-Tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Baboons, and Pottos, among others.

Additionally, there are 367 bird species in the reserve, including, among others, the Black and White Casqued Hornbill, the Great Blue Turaco, and nine other examples of birds that are found nowhere else.

The forest also boasts over 380 plant species, 150 tree and shrub species, 170 species of flowering plants, and 60 fern species which includes 60 orchid species of which 9 are only found in the forest.

Additionally, the forest reserve is home to over 489 butterfly species.

What to do in Kakamega

There are different safari activities offered by the reserve, for example, primate watching, forest walks, game watching, butterfly watching, camping, forest walking, bird watching, and hiking.

5. Bisanadi Reserve

Bisanadi Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve with spectacular scenery found in Kenya’s vast arid and unspoilt wilderness. The reserve covers an area of 606 square kilometers comprising the swamps, combretum thickets, savannah plains, and forests.

This reserve was established in 1979 to protect the abundant wildlife species in their natural habitat and it is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Location of Bisanadi

The Bisanadi Reserve is a Kenyan protected area found in Isiolo County. It is near Meru National Reserve, thus offering various trips between the two national parks.

What to See in Bisanadi

Wildlife: This reserve is home to abundant wildlife, for example, the cheetahs, the lions, the African Elephant, the African Buffalo, Cheetahs, and the White Rhinoceros, among others.

Birds: It also protects over 400 species of birds in the different biospheres like the forests, savannah plains, thickets, and swamps.

Safari Activities/What to do in Bisanadi

The different safari activities to participate in at the Bisanadi Forest Reserve include wildlife viewing, birding, camping, fishing, and boat rides.

Wildlife viewing: There are various animal species to explore at the Bisanadi reserve during your game viewing experiences for example the Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Elands, African Elephant, Cheetahs, and Rhinos, among others.

Bird watching: This park protects over 400 species of birds, which include among others the Kingfisher, Huggins Coaster, and the Brown Backed Pecker, among others.

Camping: This is the most famous outdoor activity in the park exposing you to the natural environment and the natural beauty of the outdoors for example the skies as you bond on a campfire with friends and family.

Fishing: This takes place either at the River Rojewero or at the Tana River. You are encouraged to come with your fishing gear as you go out to fish.

Boat Rides: It is an amazing experience on either River Tana or River Rojewero. You will have a long time enjoying the natural beauty of the wildlife in and around the water so it is important to carry your lunch and ensure to have a life jacket for safety.

6. Shimba Hills National Reserve

This small reserve is among the most beautiful safari parks/national parks to visit in Kenya. The reserve comprises the coastal rainforest, grassland, and woodland on diverse landscapes. More than 50% of the 159 rare plant species of Kenya can be found at the reserve, making it a rich place for plant conservation.

The area is also recognized nationally as a site for protecting butterflies and some rare birds.

Location of Shimba Hills Reserve

The reserve is found in the former Kenyan coast province, just 33 km away from Mombasa and 15 km away from the coast.

Attractions/What to See in at the Reserve

Below are the most sought-after attractions at the reserve.

Wildlife: The most common wildlife species to view at Shimba Reserve are the over 500 Elephants and the Sable Antelopes. Other animals to view at the reserve include the Serval Cat, Leopard, Coastal Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Buffaloes, and the Bush Pig, among others.

Sheldrick waterfalls: This beautiful feature found in the park produces a breathtaking flow of the waters thus creating a spectacular scenery for especially visitors on nature walks.

Mwaluganje forest: The forest in the reserve harbors amazing animal species, especially the big five like the Elephants, Leopards, Lions,

Various viewpoints: The different viewpoints at the reserve provide an incredible vantage point for travelers in their habitat to have a view of the animals for example the Elephants, Antelopes, and the birds.

Safari Activities/What to Do at the Reserve

Birding watching: The reserve provides incredible bird-watching opportunities so you can find different birds like the Mottled Swift, Green Barbet, Red Necked Spurfowl, and the Zanzibar Red Bishop, among others.

Game viewing: Having different animals especially a large number of Elephants, Serval cats, Bush Pigs, and the Red Shrew, among others.

Forest walks: Guided forest walks are an important activity while exploring the reserve. Through the experience, you will get to explore the different forest wildlife like the Elephants, and birds for example the Spotted Ground Thrush, and the Red-Necked Spurfowl.

7. Mwea Reserve

The Mwea Reserve is a famous nature reserve dominated by Acacia Commiphora bushland on the northern shores of Kamburu Reservoir, the Thiba Rivers, and at the confluence of Tana. This reserve lies at an altitude between 1,000 and 1,100 m.

Location of Mwea Reserve

Mwea Reserve is found in Mbeere District in Eastern Kenya about 200km from Nairobi. The reserve is made up of a rich ecosystem including the Thiba and Tana Rivers, Kamburu Reservoir, Baobab trees, Acacia species, Open Grasslands, and Riverine Woodlands spreading in the diverse landscapes, among others.

What to See in Mwea Reserve

There are various things to see at the Mwea Reserve like Wildlife, and birds.

Wildlife: Enjoy a lovely experience as you watch the wildlife for example, game watching of various animals for example, Grant’s Zebras, Bushbucks, African Elephants, Impalas, Warthogs, Common genital cats, African Elephants, Yellow Baboons, etc.

Birds: Mwea is also an Important Bird Area (IBA), with over 200 species of birds recorded, including the White-Backed Night Heron, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and the Malagasy Pond Heron, among others.

What to do in Mwea Reserve

Other safari activities to explore in the reserve include walking expeditions, game-watching, camping, bird-watching, boat rides at Kamburu Dam, and hippo sightings at Hippo Point.

Game Viewing: The activity provides wonderful game-watching adventures for tourists to view the Giraffes, Buffaloes, Impalas, Zebras, and African Elephants.

Camping: This safari adventure welcomes tourists to embrace outdoor safari activities like building night fires and enjoying the wild nature. Some of the campsites at the reserve include the Kanyanga Camp, Kyangosi Camp, Mbogo Camp, Githechu Camp, Hippo Point Camp, Mavuria Camp, and Silvester Camp.

Bird Watching: With over 200 species of birds, Mwea Reserve is a rich destination for bird watching, giving you great views of the Malagasy Pond Heron and the Pels Fishing Owl.

Boat Rides: Boating is an exciting experience that occurs at the Kamburu Dam and with it, you will be able to have an amazing adventure watching the beautiful sceneries, water birds, and the Hippos.

Hippo watching at the Hippo Point: A great number of tourists participate in watching Hippos and Crocodiles at the Hippo Point.

8. Arawale Reserve

Arawale Reserve is one of the important protected areas in Kenya, managed by Garissa County with assistance from the Kenya Wildlife Service.

It was created to protect the Hunter’s Hartebeest and the Hirola Antelope and it covers an area of 130 kilometers from Malindi.

The reserve was created in 1974 and was made a Lion Conservation Unit along with Lag Badana National Park in 2005.

Location of Arawale

This reserve covers an area of 533 kilometers square, and it is bordered by the River Tana in the west and the Garissa-Lamu road. It is 250 kilometers from Mombasa.

What to See in Arawale

It was first gazetted as a protection area for the endangered Hirola. However, it is also an amazing place for watching other wildlife species, for example, the East African Wild Dog, Grevy’s Zebra, the East African Cheetah, and the African Bush Elephant.

There are also various birds to watch while in the park and these range from the residential birds, the amazing Tana River, and the Migratory birds.

What to do in Arawale Reserve

Major activities to do at the Arawale Reserve are bird watching, guided nature walks, picnics, and camping.

9. Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu reserve has a size of 165 kilometers and it is found 350 kilometers away from Nairobi and sits at an altitude between 800m to 1,230m above sea level.

This reserve is also the place where the conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa, a lioness. The experience led to the writing of the best-selling book and producing the award-winning movie, “Born Free”.

Samburu reserve is also a famous place because of Kamunyak, a lioness who adopted oryx calves.

This reserve was created in the late 1960s covering rocky outcrops, kopjes, and the arid scrublands.

Location of Samburu

Samburu Reserve is found in Samburu County on the Ewaso Nyiro river banks, which is also neighbored by the Buffaloe Springs Reserve.

It sits 200 miles North of Nairobi in Central Kenya, resting in the arid lowlands of Northern Kenya. In the North of the Equator, Samburu Reserve connects to Shaba Reserve and Buffaloe Springs, all in Northern Kenya.

What to See in Samburu

You can enter this reserve through the Ngare Mare and the Buffalo Springs Gates and you will get to watch different attractions for example the Koitogor and the Ololokwe Mountains and Ewaso Nyiro River which attracts various animals to drink water. Ewaso Engiro flows from the Kenyan highlands and pours its waters into the Lorian Swamp.

Different wildlife attracts travelers in the region and these include the Cape Buffalo, African Leopard, Reticulated Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Cape Buffaloes, Cheetah, Nile Crocodiles, etc. In 2005, the reserve was considered a Lion Conservation Unit.

In the savannah plains and the riverine forest of the Samburu reserve, you will also explore the Samburu special five which are the Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx.

Over 350 species of birds can also be seen in the reserve and some of them include   Sunbirds, Marabou Stork, and Secretary bird, Yellow Billed Hornbills, Sunbirds, African Fish Eagle and the Palm Nut Vulture, among others.

Other attractions to see at the Samburu reserve include the riverine forest, Mount Koitogor and Mount Ololokwe, the Samburu Culture, and the big three cats (Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs).

What to do in Samburu

Samburu is the ultimate destination for various safari activities for example game watching, camelback safaris, bird watching, cultural safaris, walking safaris, mount biking, and bush breakfast.

Game viewing: The thrilling experiences at Samburu will allow you to watch wild animals like the Impalas, Grevy’s Zebra, Elephants, Gazelles, and Warthogs, among others.

Camelback safaris: These provide a unique way of exploring the unspoilt wilderness and the outside stunning scenery where you will find numerous animals in their habitat.

Bird watching: Get to discover the over 350 species of birds at Samburu including the Chestnut Weaver, Lanner Falcon, Red Bellied Parrot, Bare Eyed Brush, and the Greater Kestrel, among others.

Cultural safaris: The different cultural experiences introduce you to the nomadic locals and the captivating way of life of the locals. In their colorful Shukas, you will experience the locals as they sing, dance, and go about their day in the local markets.

Walking safaris: The beautiful landscape at the Samburu National Reserve provides an even better experience for safari goers as they explore the Lorian Swamp, Ewaso Ngiro River, and the extensive savannah plains.

Mount biking: This is another one of the amazing adventures to explore at the Samburu Reserve. You will cross the semi-arid plains to find beautiful birds, vegetation, and animals.

Bush breakfast: Samburu provides an amazing bush breakfast experience for travelers in the forest to allow them to enjoy the captivating nature in the wild.

10. Boni Reserve

The Boni Reserve, found in Garissa County in Kenya covers an area of 1,339 kilometers square and the Kenya Wildlife Service manages it. It comprises the northeast and the eastern monsoon winds and it was named after the Boni Forest.

This reserve receives rainfall ranging from 750mm to 1000mm and its temperature ranges from 15 to 38 degrees Celsius.

The reserve was gazetted in 1976 as a sanctuary for the Elephants during the dry season as there were a lot of poachers hunting them down.

Location of Boni

The Boni Reserve is found in Garissa County in the Kenyan coastal area and it borders Somalia.

What to See in Boni

The vegetation of the reserve comprises the Boni Forest which is a canopy forest and it also forms part of the Northern Zanzibar-Inhambane coastal forest mosaic. However, there are also various other highly regarded plant species in the reserve, thus being declared one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Other wildlife to explore in the reserve include the Bushpigs, Common Duiker, Warthog, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Buffaloes, African Elephants, and the African Wild Dog. You will also be able to discover various birds including the globally endangered Sokoke Pipit.

Birds are also an incredible attraction to explore in the park as you will find different birds like the African Darter, Fischer’s Turaco, Mombasa Woodpecker, Sanderling, and the African Fish Eagle, among others.

What to do at Boni Reserve

With the numerous wildlife to explore at the Boni Reserve, expect to participate in activities such as game watching, bird watching, guided nature walks, and impressive cultural encounters.

11. Buffalo Springs National Reserve

The Buffalo Springs National Reserve was established in 1948 and it was part of the Isiolo Game Reserve, but it was re-gazetted to its present boundaries in 1985. It is managed by the Isiolo County Council.

Location of the Reserve

The reserve is found in the South of Samburu National Reserve near River Ewaso Ngiro it covers an area of 131 square kilometers and it boasts a large ecosystem that comprises water sources, grassland, and riverine forests among others.

What to See at the Reserve

The climate which is dry and semi-arid is one of its major attractions that creates a spectacular scenery in the plains. It is also a flora-rich destination with popular examples like the Acacia Elatior, Tana River Poplar, Doum Palm, and Acacia Tortilis.

Additionally among the fauna, you will also find various animals such as the endangered Grevy’s Zebra, Grant’s Zebra, African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Leopard, Hyena, Oryx, Hippopotamus, Reticulated Giraffe, Cheetahs, Gerenuk, among others.

Also, discover over 390 birds at the reserve which include among others the Somali Ostrich, Egyptian Vulture, Red Eyed Dove, African Cuckoo, Morning Collared Doves, and the Speckled Pigeon, among others.

What to do at this Reserve

Famous safari activities to have are game drives, bird watching, walking safaris, and cultural safaris.

Game Drives: This safari activity occurs in safari vehicles on the open plains of the park to allow you to encounter the beautiful animals in the plains like the Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, and Lions, among others.

Bird Watching: The reserve boasts among the best safari parks/national parks for birding as you will encounter different birds like the White Bellied Bustard, Mourning Collared Dove, and the Somali Ostrich.

Walking Safaris: The captivating environment of the game reserve provides an exquisite place for walking safaris thus giving you amazing wildlife adventures on the scenic landscapes to meet the beautiful wildlife.

Cultural Safaris: Meeting local communities around the reserve is a great way for you to learn more about their cultural practices, traditions, lifestyle, and way of life.

12. Dodori Reserve

Dodori Reserve was established in 1976 and it is found in the Coastal Province district of Lamu East. The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the reserve and it is recognized among the Important Cultural Area. It is also an important conservation site for different organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Conservation International.

Dodori Reserve was declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1980 by the Dodori Reserve.

Location of Dodori Reserve

Dodori Reserve is found on the Kenyan coast and is located East of Lamu District and it covers an area of 877 square kilometers.

What to See in Dodori Reserve

Dodori Reserve is famous for its incredible beaches and unique cultures that allow visitors to explore the beautiful reserve.

Its 877-kilometer square land also comprises various animals such as Buffaloes, Lions, Elephants, and the Coastal Topis, among others.

Discover the colorful birds of the reserve like the Honey Buzzard, Palm-nut Vulture, Violet Breasted Sunbird, and the Carmine Bee Eaters.

What to do at Dodori Reserve

Dodori Reserve will offer you fascinating safari activities to experience like wildlife viewing, bird watching, and cultural tours.

13. Lake Bogoria Reserve

The Lake Bogoria Reserve administered by the Kenya Wildlife Service is found in the Great Rift Valley.

It became a reserve in 1970 and in 1999, it was submitted as a possible place to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is covered by Acacia Ficus Woodland, bushes, and a papyrus swamp in the north of its diverse landscapes.

Location of Lake Bogoria

The reserve is found below the Ngendelel Escarpment, about 600 meters high and it lies in the semi-arid area. It is in the South of the Equator and Lake Bogoria is just 239 km in the North West of Nairobi.

Lake Bogoria which is found inside the reserve covers an area of 32 square kilometers and is fed by the Waseges River which has its flow from the Aberdare Ranges in Aberdare National Park.

Attractions/What to See at Lake Bogoria

The reserve is a famous destination for protecting the Flamingoes, and other birds like the raptors, Little Bee Eater, Gabar Goshawk, Starling, Hornbill, and the little Grebe. There are over 135 species of birds to watch in the park.

Like Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Baringo provides exceptional Flamingo watching experiences.

Additionally, there is a large number of wildlife to explore in the reserve, for example, the Zebra, Baboons, Buffaloes, Olive Baboons, Spotted Hyenas, Hyena, Verve Monkeys, Impalas, and Caracal, among others.

Cultural Centers are also a rich attraction of the reserve, exposing you to the lives and ways of the Endorois community culture, and homesteads built with the Tugen architectural design.

Safari Activities/What to do in Lake Bogoria

Being home to the Flamingos, you will enjoy breathtaking Flamingo watching as there will be millions covering the expansive lakes. Much as Lake Nakuru National Park in Central Kenya is a great place to watch the Flamingos, Lake Bogoria provides a more enthralling experience.

Other safari activities to enjoy at the park include cycling, guided nature walks, bird watching, boiling eggs in the springs, boat trips, and bird watching.

14. Rahole Reserve

It was established in 1968 and covers an area of 870 kilometer square. The park protects animals that migrate from the Meru National Park in Northern Kenya and it is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Location of Rahole Reserve

Rahole Reserve is found on the Northern bank of River Tana near the northeastern bank of the Kora Reserve. Its dry thorny bushland extends to Garissa District in the Northeastern province which is about 150km north east of Mount Kenya National Park.

What to See in Rahole Reserve

Most of the land is covered by thorny bushland and you will get to experience different attractions of the park for example wildlife, and the different birds.

Common examples of the animals in the park include the Grevy’s Zeba, Elephants, Duikers, Lesser Kudu, Thompson Gazelle, and the Beisa Oryx, among others.

On the other hand, you will also get the chance to explore various birds covering both migratory and residential birds.

What to do in Rahole Reserve

Discover other activities to do in this area including nature walks, game watching, camping, and bird watching, among others.

15. Rimoi Reserve

Rimoi Reserve is an amazing animal conservation area found in Kenya’s Elgeyo Marakwet County. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and it has an area of 66 kilometer square.

Although the reserve was neglected for many years, the Kenya Wildlife Service collaborated with the Elgeyo Marakwet County government to restore it.

Location of Rimoi Reserve

Rimoi is located near Lake Kilmarnock in the Rift Valley province.

Attractions/What to See in Rimoi Reserve

The reserve is near Lake Kamnarock and it protects large mammals in the Rimoi and the Kamnarok like Elephants, and other small mammals for example the Impala, Civet, Pangolin, Dikdik, Bush pig, Monkeys, Warthog, and Pangolin, among others.

Elgeyo Makakwet County protects large herds of Elephants that migrate from as far as the Samburu, Sibiloi National Park, and Turkana, moving in large groups of about 100 Elephants.

This reserve boasts a rich biodiversity that covers the Kerio Valley, and the Panoramic landscape.

You will thus engage in exploring various wildlife in the reserve during your safari trips while in the country.

Safari Activities/What to do in Rimoi Reserve

The major activities to explore at the Rimoi Reserve include game viewing, guided nature walks, birding, and a visit to Cheptarit Hill.

16. Tana River Primate Reserve

The Tana River Primate Reserve is an amazing place to go to for your safaris and tours and the reserve covers an area of about 170 kilometers square. Much of the reserve’s area is covered by the semi-arid savannah and other parts with the riverine forest.

From 1976 to 2007, the reserve existed to protect the endangered Red Colobus Monkeys and the Crested Mangabey.

River Tana crosses through the Reserve through the rainforests and it pours its waters into the Indian Ocean.

Location of Tana River Reserve

Tana River Primate Reserve is found in the South Eastern part of Kenya in Buhoni Town on the Kenyan coast.

What to See in Tana River Reserve

The reserve has a recorded number of wildlife, that is, about 262 species of birds and 57 mammal species.

Common mammal species in the reserve include the Zebras, Nile Crocodiles, Sykes Monkey, Maasai Giraffe, Hippos, and the Lesser Kudu, among others.

The birds in the park include the Martial Eagle, African Pygmy Falcom, White Winged Apalis, Black Bellied Starling, etc.

What to do in Tana River Reserve

The Tana River Primate Reserve boasts many safari activities for example wildlife viewing, fishing, bird watching, and bungee jumping.

17. Witu Forest Reserve (Utwani Forest Reserve)

The Witu Forest Reserve is an important protected area in Kenya gazetted in 1927 when the Utwani Forest Reserve was joined with the Gongoni Forest Reserve. It covers an area of 46.39-kilometer square.

In 1995, some settlement areas were created for the neighboring settlers of the area for agricultural use.

The endangered Euphorbia Tanaensis, a critically endangered plant listed on the IUCN red list as a threatened species is found in the reserve.

Location of Witu Forest Reserve

Witu Forest Reserve is found in Lamu District in Kenya, found in East Africa.

Attractions/What to See in Witu Forest Reserve

There are various attractions to explore at the Witu Forest Reserve for example the animals which include among many others the Lesser Kudu Gerenuk, Hartebeest, and the Gazelle Bufaloes, among others.

Common birds in the park include the Green Hylia, White Breasted Negrofitch, African Blue Flycatcher, and the Cassin’s Honeybird, among others.

What to do in Witu Forest Reserve

Visitors to Witu Forest Reserve can engage in different safari activities for example nature walks, wildlife viewing, and bird watching.

Other reserves in Kenya include the

1. South Kitui Reserve near Tsavo West National Park
2. Laikipia Reserve near the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
3. The South Turkana Reserve which also protects the famous Lake Turkana
4. Marsabit National Park where you will also find the Lake paradise
5. Mombasa Marine National Park which is one of the many marine parks in the country
6. Mount Kenya Forest Reserve
7. Lewa Biosphere Reserve around Mount Kenya National Park
8. Aberdare Forest Reserve in Aberdare National Park

Frequently Asked Questions about Game Reserves in Kenya, East Africa

1. How Many Reserves Are in Kenya?

There are 28 reserves in Kenya with the Masai Mara Reserve being the most famous one.

2. Which Reserve in Kenya is Known for Wildlife?

Almost all the Kenyan reserves are known for wildlife. However, the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya is the most famous reserve in Kenya known for its large number of wildlife, especially the great migration.

3. Who owns Maasai Mara National Reserve?

The Mara Reserve is owned privately by different Maasai families by managed by the TransMara County Council (TMCC) together with the Narok County Council.

4. Why is Maasai Mara National Reserve Famous?

The Maasai Mara Reserve is famous for hosting the Great Migration which is considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

5. Why is Masai Mara so Expensive?

The Mara Reserve is expensive due to different factors affecting the Kenya safari itinerary trip. Some of them are the season of your visit in which the dry season attracts more visitors than the wet season thus more expensive. The length of your stay, activities to do, and the class of accommodation you choose also make a safari to Masai Mara Reserve expensive.

6. What is the Largest Reserve in Kenya?

The Tsavo National Park (Tsavo East and Tsavo West safari parks) which cover an area of 22,000 square kilometers is the largest reserve in Kenya’s land area.

This includes both the protected areas in the Tsavo National Park which are the Tsavo East National Park and the Tsavo West National Park, thus one of the largest game reserves on earth.

7. Is It Worth Going to Nairobi National Park?

Nairobi National Park in Central Kenya is worth going to for your African safaris. The experience will allow you to have an incredible wildlife conservation experience in the capital city.

Other safari parks to visit near Nairobi city include the Lake Naivasha Park in the Northwestern part of the city.

8. What is Special About Nairobi National Park?

Nairobi National Park is known to be the most successful Rhinoceros sanctuary in the whole world.

Nairobi National Park is likewise the only safari park in the world that is found in the capital city of a country.

9. What is the Best Time to Visit the Game Reserves in Kenya?

The dry season is the best time to visit the different reserves in Kenya as there is better weather for the explorations. Tracks are drier, especially the walking safaris, and many animals gather at the water sources to drink water.

Conclusively, the reserves and national parks in Kenya protected by both the local communities and some by the Kenya Wildlife Authority are great tourist destinations. You will get the chance to explore various attractions like animals, birds, vegetation, people, and various physical features.