Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Kenya
1. Turkana Basin National Reserve
A unique desert landscape with fossil sites dating back to over 4 million years. Home to various wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and diverse bird species.
- Paleontological Wonders: Offers a chance to explore fossil sites of early humans and animals
- Desert Landscape: An unusual and striking desert ecosystem in Kenya
- Remote and Peaceful: A less-crowded reserve for a serene wildlife experience
2. Kitum Cave Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Unique location where chimps feed on a psychoactive plant called 'Ngulu'. An important research site for chimpanzee behavior studies.
- Chimpanzee Research Site: Provides insights into the behavior and cognitive abilities of chimps
- Ngulu-Eating Chimps: One of the few places where chimpanzees consume Ngulu, a psychoactive plant
- Off-the-beaten-path experience: A less popular destination offering an authentic and unique safari encounter
3. Saiwa Swamp National Park
Home to the globally threatened Sitatunga antelope, a semi-aquatic species. A peaceful wetland sanctuary teeming with wildlife.
- Sitatunga Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of the Sitatunga antelope
- Peaceful Wetland Sanctuary: A tranquil destination for wildlife observation and photography
- Endemic Bird Species: Boasts several endemic bird species found nowhere else in the world
4. Ndere Island National Park
A small island park hosting a rich diversity of birds, including the shoebill stork. A serene lake setting offers boat safaris.
- Shoebill Stork Spotting: One of the best places in Kenya to see the elusive shoebill stork
- Boat Safaris: Enjoy boat rides through the tranquil lake, spotting wildlife from a unique perspective
- Birdwatcher's Paradise: An ideal destination for birdwatchers with over 250 species recorded
5. Kabarnet Forest Reserve
A lush forest reserve harboring a variety of primates like colobus monkeys and baboons. Offers canopy walks for breathtaking views.
- Canopy Walks: Walk among the treetops for unique wildlife viewing experiences
- Primate Watching: Opportunities to observe various primate species in their natural habitat
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to many endemic and threatened species
6. Elgeyo Escarpment National Reserve
A scenic reserve offering views of the Great Rift Valley. Home to various wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking panoramas of the Great Rift Valley
- Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see various large mammals like elephants and leopards
- Geographical Significance: Part of the Great Rift Valley, a significant geological feature
7. Kapenguria Forest National Reserve
A high-altitude forest reserve with a rich diversity of birdlife. Known for its striking waterfalls.
- Birdwatching: Ideal destination for bird enthusiasts with diverse avian species
- Waterfall Scenery: Stunning waterfalls providing a picturesque backdrop
- High-altitude Forest: A rare opportunity to explore high-altitude forests in Kenya
8. Saiwa Swamp National Park Extension
An extension of Saiwa Swamp National Park focusing on conserving the Sitatunga antelope and its wetland habitat.
- Sitatunga Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Sitatunga antelope
- Wetland Habitat Protection: Works towards preserving this unique and vital habitat
- Research and Monitoring: Supports ongoing research on the Sitatunga antelope and its wetland ecosystem
9. Kitum Cave Chimpanzee Research Station
A research station dedicated to studying the behavior of chimpanzees that feed on Ngulu. Offers guided tours for visitors.
- Chimpanzee Behavior Studies: Contributes to understanding chimpanzee social structures and cognitive abilities
- Guided Tours: Allows visitors to learn about the research station's work and observe chimps feeding on Ngulu
- Ngulu Research: Investigates the impact of Ngulu consumption on chimp behavior and physiology
10. Mt. Elgon National Park
A diverse park straddling the Kenya-Uganda border. Offers trekking opportunities, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
- Trekking Opportunities: Provides scenic hiking trails for various fitness levels
- Wildlife and Birdwatching: Chances to spot elephants, buffaloes, and over 240 bird species
- Cultural Encounters: Opportunities to interact with the local Sabaot and Bagisu communities
11. West Pokot Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants and primates. Known for its beautiful waterfalls.
- Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see various wildlife species like elephants and primates
- Waterfall Scenery: Stunning waterfalls providing a picturesque backdrop
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to many endemic and threatened species
12. Mt. Pokot Wildlife Sanctuary
A community-run sanctuary protecting the endangered Pokot Duiker and other wildlife species.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the protection of the endangered Pokot Duiker
- Community-led Initiative: Empowering local communities through wildlife conservation
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe various species, including the Pokot Duiker
13. Nachu Conservancy
A private conservancy offering game drives, night safaris, and cultural experiences.
- Exclusive Game Viewing: Offers a more exclusive wildlife experience compared to public parks
- Night Safaris: Unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife species
- Cultural Encounters: Opportunities to interact with the Maasai and Pokot communities
14. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
A private conservancy focused on rhino conservation and offering diverse safari experiences.
- Rhino Conservation: Dedicated to the protection of black and white rhinos
- Diverse Safari Experiences: Offers various activities like game drives, night safaris, and horseback riding
- Community Empowerment: Supports local communities through education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives
15. Saiwa Swamp National Park Extension II
Another extension of Saiwa Swamp National Park dedicated to the conservation of the Sitatunga antelope and its wetland habitat.
- Sitatunga Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Sitatunga antelope
- Wetland Habitat Protection: Works towards preserving this unique and vital habitat
- Research and Monitoring: Supports ongoing research on the Sitatunga antelope and its wetland ecosystem