Top 10 things to see in Kenya
Kenya is safari country: big cats and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, elephants below Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, rhinos at Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta, and rare northern species in Samburu. Then there's the Indian Ocean coast to relax on.
Start with our ten favourites, then browse every sight by region, each with practical tips, park fees and the safaris that include it.
Our top 10
- 1Masai Mara National ReserveThe Masai Mara and the Rift ValleyKenya's most famous safari, with lions, cheetahs and leopards all year and the Great Migration from July to October.
- 2Amboseli National ParkSouthern KenyaBig, relaxed elephant herds walking below Mount Kilimanjaro.
- 3Lake Nakuru National ParkThe Masai Mara and the Rift ValleyUNESCOA Rift Valley lake with black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and flamingos at times.
- 4Ol Pejeta ConservancyNorthern KenyaKenya's rhino stronghold, home to the last two northern white rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary.
- 5Samburu National ReserveNorthern KenyaDry river country with the Samburu special five, including Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe.
- 6Sheldrick elephant orphanageNairobiWatch orphaned baby elephants at feeding time, run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
- 7Lake Naivasha and Hell's GateThe Masai Mara and the Rift ValleyBoat trips among hippos, walking safaris on Crescent Island and cycling in Hell's Gate.
- 8Nairobi National ParkNairobiRhinos, lions and giraffes with the city skyline behind them, minutes from the airport.
- 9Diani BeachThe coastLong white sands south of Mombasa, the easiest beach to add to a Kenya safari.
- 10Tsavo East and WestSouthern KenyaKenya's largest parks, with red dusted elephants, Mzima Springs and few other vehicles.
Kenya's World Heritage sites
Two of the sights on this page are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best preserved Swahili town in East Africa, and Lake Nakuru, part of the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley. Mount Kenya and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia are also listed.
Plan when to go with our Great Migration tracker and check what park fees add to your trip in the safari cost calculator.
The Masai Mara and the Rift Valley
The Masai Mara and the lakes on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the heart of most Kenya safaris.
Southern Kenya
Amboseli below Kilimanjaro and the vast Tsavo parks on the road to the coast.
Northern Kenya
Dry river country in Samburu and the rhino conservancies of Laikipia, below Mount Kenya.
Nairobi
A national park on the city's edge, orphaned elephants and giraffes you can feed.
Nairobi National Park
Rhinos, lions and giraffes with the city skyline behind them, minutes from the airport.
Visitor guide →Sheldrick elephant orphanage
Watch orphaned baby elephants at feeding time, run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Visitor guide →Giraffe Centre, Nairobi
Feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes by hand from a raised platform.
Visitor guide →The coast
White beaches, coral reefs and Swahili towns on the Indian Ocean.
See them on a tour
Most Kenya safaris start in Nairobi, with a driver guide, vehicle, camps and park fees arranged for you.
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