Kenya National Parks
About Kenya National Park About 8% of the Kenya’s land mass is protected area for wildlife conservation. Protected areas are best known as gazetted views/seascapes that have been surveyed, demarcated as National Parks or National Reserves. These vary from forests, wetlands, savannah, marine, arid and semi-arid.
Kenya has 23 terrestrial Parks, 28 terrestrial Reserves, 4 marine Parks, 6 marine Reserves and 4 national homes.
In addition KWS manages over a hundred field stations/ outposts outside the protected areas. As noted above protected areas in Kenya are categorized either as parks or reserves. However, in parks there is complete protection of natural resources and the only activities allowed is tourism and research.
On the other hand in reserves, human activities are allowed under specific conditions. These activities are for instance fishing in marine reserves or firewood collection in terrestrial reserves. It is worth mentioning that a lot of Kenya’s wildlife lives outside Protected Areas, this is because most of the protected areas are not fully fenced, and hence wildlife moves in and out of these areas in search of pasture and water. This therefore requires that KWS embraces a strategic partnership with people living in wildlife areas.
MOUNTAIN KENYA
“Come touch the sky”
Climbing to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. The view surrounding this designated World Heritage Site is breath-taking. It is pristine desert with lakes, tarns, glaciers, think forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and risky types of animals.
high altitude adapted plain game and special Montane and alpine vegetation. Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, camping and caving with the mountain’s rugged glacier-clad peaks providing the perfect backdrop.
AMBOSELI
“Home of the African Elephant”
Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
Nature lovers can explore five different homes here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with Sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai people who live around the park and meet their authentic culture.
SOUTH ISLAND
“The Isle of Mystery”
Covered end to end in volcanic ash, the nightly glow of its South Island’s luminous vents has inspired many tales of ghosts and evil spirits. The island is home to a profusion of birdlife including 34 types of European migrants most amazingly viewed as they return home between March and May.
At least 23 types breed here, including Goliath heron, and African skimmer, while African open-billed stork, Duck and Gulls feed on the shores and the volcanic island lakes attract lesser flamingos. Birds of prey are also abundant, mainly swallow-tailed kites. This park is ideal for game watching and has one of the world’s largest masses of crocodiles.
SAIWA SWAMP
“Sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope’’
A veritable haven for nature lovers, the Saiwa Swamp National Park is a forested paradise filled with exotic flowers, trees and birds. It is also the habitat of the rare and risky semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope and as a preserve for the rare De Brazza’s monkey.
Within this tropical wetlands and mosaic of riverine forest, sedges and acacia woodlands, with fringing think rushes and grass beds Bird life is abundant. Water birds include the lesser jacana, grey heron and the African black duck while the forest shelters the Narina trogons, the collared and orange-tufted sunbird, the yellow bishop, Hatlaub’s marsh widow bird and the Noisy Ross’s turacos which are difficult to miss.
SIBILOI
“The Cradle of Mankind”
Located on the wild and rugged shores of Lake Turkana – the cradle of mankind – Sibiloi is home to important archaeological sites including Koobi Fora where the fossil remains have contributed more to the understanding of human evolution than any other site in the continent.
The area is defined by semi-desert home and open plains flanked by volcanic formations including Mount Sibiloi, where the remains of a petrified forest can be seen. Sibiloi serves as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile.
Terrestrial wildlife includes zebras, Grant gazelles, lions, leopards, stripped hyenas, Beisa Oryx, greater kudu, cheetahs and northern topi among others. A total of over 350 species of aquatic and terrestrial bird have been recorded in Lake Turkana.
Sibiloi is surrounded by the Turkana, the Gabra and the Dassanach who are people with very rich and unpolluted traditional cultures.
RUMA
“Dramatic Valley of the Roan Antelope and Oribi”
A mosaic of landscapes, ranging from riverine woodland and rolling savannah to magnificent escarpments and towering cliffs, Ruma National Park promises undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace. It is also Kenya’s last remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope.
Ruma lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River Valley bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the South-East, and by the volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills to the north. Ruma’s birdlife is exceptional. The park is also the only protected area in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant, is regularly recorded.
Blue swallows, which depend upon moist grassland for both feeding and roosting, arrive in Kenya from their breeding grounds in Southern Tanzania around April and depart again in September.
OL DONYO SABUK
“Ultimate Panoramic Experience”
Dominated by a small mountain covered in Montane forest, the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is home to 45 species of birds including the white-browed sparrow weaver, grey- headed sparrow weaver, African pied wagtail, mourning dove, augur buzzard, African hawk eagle and purple-breasted sunbird.
Buffaloes are the dominant animals in the ecosystem and other wildlife include bushbucks, leopards, olive baboons, aardvarks, porcupines, mongoose, pythons and monitor lizard. The mountain’s summit also offers visitors scenic views of Mount Kenya.
NDERE ISLAND
“Island of Serenity and Beauty”
Located on Lake Victoria, this island is a haven for birds. Covered in grassland, Ndere Island provides beautiful scenic views of the Homa hills to the south, Magenta Island to the east and the glimpses of Kampala in Uganda beyond the south west horizon.
The lake shore supports a wide variety of animals and Over 100 different types of birds
MOUNT LONGONOT
“Sheer Adventure”
Rising from the floor of the Great Rift Valley like a monolith is the lost volcano of Mount Longonot. A special feature is the thick forest that lies within the crater of the mountain. The crater rim also provides great scenic views across the beautiful Rift Valley all the way to Lake Naivasha.
Major wildlife attractions at Mount Longonot include buffaloes, elands, lion, leopard, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles.
MOUNTAIN ELGON
“Untamed Wilderness, Secluded Splendor”
High in the mist-wreathed hills of western Kenya there is a towering volcanic giant, crowned by a vast caldera, etched by glacial tarns, and cascaded by streams.
Visitors can explore the forest, caves and also enjoy hiking, and rock on the eighth highest mountain in Africa, Mount Elgon.
MERU NATIONAL PARK
“Complete Wilderness”
Brilliant on a fine scale, the Meru and Kora sister parks features fancy forest, coursing rivers, verdant swamp, khaki grasslands and gaunt termite cathedrals all under the sky’s great blue bowl. .
Visitors can see Gravy’s zebras, elephants, Bohor reedbucks, hartebeests, pythons, and more than 427 recorded types of birds.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
“A beautiful wildlife haven”
On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooden and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru.
Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied homes that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surroundings. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnic and game drives.
TSAVO EAST
“Theatre of the Wild”
The sight of dust-red elephant was wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters. palm-shaded Galana River is one the most moving images in Africa. This, along with the 300 kilometer long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for a tour unlike any other in the Tsavo East. The park formed the largest, protected area in Kenya. it is a home to most of the larger mammals.
NAIROBI
“The World’s only Wildlife Capital”
A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. it has a wide variety of wildlife and varied birdlife with over 400 types recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.
ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
“Majestic Peaks, Moorlands and Intriguing Falls”
Lovely, steep forested ravines and open moorland define the Aberdare National Park. The park provides a home for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others. Visitors can indulge in picnics, trout fishing in the rivers and camping in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 types of birds in the park.
HELL’S GATE
“A Walk on the Wild Side”
Named for the intense geothermal activity within its borders. Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Amazing view included the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam. make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi. In addition to, About Kenya National Park the bio-diversity that included raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.
MARSABIT
“A remote paradise for nature lovers”
Nevertheless, far to the north of Kenya, About Kenya National Park there is a think forested mountain and three crater lakes. they provide a haven for a variety of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. Meanwhile, the beautiful Marsabit National Park is a refuge for huge tusked bull elephants, varied birdlife and reptiles. Lastly, hikes in the think forest, can be enjoyed along with camel rides, bird watching and visits to the singing wells.
KORA NATIONAL PARK
“The Last Wilderness”
Meanwhile, About Kenya National Park home to the Adamson’s Camp – Kampi ya Simba – the former home of George and Joy Adamson. Kora National Park offered a pristine desert dotted with tall icebergs. And graced by the Tana River on which the Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls and Kora Rapids are found. Visitors can enjoy the varied birdlife, fishing in Tana River, rock-climbing and also visiting George Adamson’s grave.
CENTRAL ISLAND
“The Gem of Lake Turkana”
Meanwhile, appearing blue-green waters of the largest permanent desert lake in the world. Lake Turkana, in the Central Island is made up of three active volcanoes that belch sulphurous smoke and steam.
Finally, About Kenya National Park the three crater lakes, provide breeding grounds for the world’s largest mass of Nile crocodiles. Central Island has a camp site where visitors do enjoy the beauty of moving shining waters. washing up onto a black lava beach. while the moon rises over the badly smoking craters.
TSAVO WEST
“Land of Lava, springs, Man-Eaters & Magical Sunsets”
From the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal clear water, gushing out from Mzima Springs to the Shetani lava flows. However, About Kenya National Park the savannah ecosystem forms open grasslands, scrublands, Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges. Similarly, Tsavo West also offers some of the most beautiful game viewing in the world. while, attractions may include wildlife, varied plant and bird types.
KIUNGA MARINENATIONAL PARKS AND NATIONAL RESERVE
“An Enchanted underwater World”
Further north along Kenya’s amazing Indian Ocean coast is the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. However, About Kenya National Park this pristine ecosystem included a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago.
Meanwhile, visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass and large mangrove forests. Lastly, the reserve provides ideal chances for wind surfing, diving and snorkeling, water skiing and sunbathing.
WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARK
“Haven of the Green Turtle” #About Kenya National Park
Nevertheless, green turtles, special coral gardens, the Gede Ruins-the Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve has it all. Meanwhile, the park is part of a complex marine and tidal home along the Kenya’s north coast. Furthermore, About Kenya National Park visitors can enjoy the white sandy beaches, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing and glass bottomed boat tours.
MOMBASA MARINE NATIONAL PARK AND RESERVE
“Allure of natural beauty” #About Kenya National Park
Nevertheless, About Kenya National Park warm Azure Ocean, swaying coconut palms on white sandy beaches are in the Mombasa Marine. However, the park lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks.
while, About Kenya National Park its blue waters are ideal for wind surfing, water skiing, snorkeling and diving. They also provided a home to colorful variety of marine types and interesting migratory birds
KISITE MARINE PARK
“Home of the Dolphins” #About Kenya National Park
Nevertheless, this is unspoiled, beautiful and sun kissed. However, About Kenya National Park it lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island. Meanwhile, Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations at the coast. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, diving and of course, sunbathing.
“The Coral Garden” #About Kenya National Park
Furthermore, from swimming with zebra fish to windsurfing. this beautiful slice of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline provided the perfect getaway. Meanwhile, About Kenya National Park the park has beautiful resources. Visitors can also enjoy glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling, camping and beach walks in this veritable paradise.