Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Nairobi, Kenya

1. Aberdares National Park

Situated in central Kenya, it's known for the spectacular waterfalls and varied wildlife including elephants, leopards, and black rhinos.

Unique Flora: Home to unique bamboo forests that attract rare mountain elephants.
Waterfalls: Incredible waterfalls like Kamukara, Kiharu, and Mutinda add scenic beauty.
Leopard Spotting: One of the few places in Kenya where leopards are easily spotted due to less vegetation.

Famous for its millions of flamingos, it's also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos.

Flamingo Colonies: Hosts the largest number of flamingos in the world.
Rhino Sanctuary: Protects black and white rhinos, which are critically endangered.
Alkaline Lake: A unique alkaline lake supports diverse aquatic life.

Known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, it's a vast savannah with a diverse range of wildlife.

Great Wildebeest Migration: One of the world's most spectacular natural events with millions of wildebeests migrating.
Rich Wildlife: Home to Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).
Maasai Culture: The traditional Maasai culture is an integral part of the experience.

Located just minutes from Nairobi city center, it's a unique combination of wild savannah and urban landscape.

Urban Location: The only national park located within a capital city.
Diverse Wildlife: Supports over 100 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: Adjacent to the park, it's a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos.

It's the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa with the last two northern white rhinos.

Last Two Northern White Rhinos: Home to the last two remaining northern white rhinoceroses.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Provides a safe haven for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees.
Big Five Safari: Offers the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).

Known for its unique Samburu Special Five (Gerenuk, Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich)

Samburu Special Five: Home to unique and rare species not found in other reserves.
Eagle-eyed Guides: Guides with exceptional knowledge of the area for unparalleled wildlife viewing.
Mathews Range: The Mathews Range provides a dramatic backdrop to the reserve.

With its dense forests, open plains, and rivers, it's perfect for exploring on foot or by vehicle.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Adjoins the park, offering additional wildlife viewing opportunities.
River Tana: The river supports diverse aquatic life and attracts a variety of wildlife.
Elephant Migration: Offers the chance to witness elephants migrating between the Tana and Ura Rivers.

A remote island paradise with coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Coral Reefs: Supports diverse and abundant marine life, including turtles and dolphins.
Remote Location: A remote island offers a peaceful and tranquil safari experience.
Swahili Culture: Experience the unique Swahili culture with its architecture, music, and cuisine.

Known for the Yatta Plateau, a 290 km long lava flow.

Largest Lava Flow: The Yatta Plateau is one of the world's longest lava flows.
Mudanda Rock: A large rock outcrop providing a vantage point for wildlife viewing.
Big Five Safari: Offers the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).

Known for the Mzima Spring, a freshwater oasis supporting diverse aquatic life.

Mzima Spring: A unique freshwater spring with a glass-fronted underwater hide for wildlife viewing.
Shetani Lava Flow: An active lava flow believed to be the 'devil's brew' by the local Maasai.
Big Five Safari: Offers the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).

Known for its dry river beds, acacia forests, and the Shaba Hills.

Uaso Nyiro River: A seasonal river attracting wildlife during the dry seasons.
Shaba Hills: The rolling hills provide a beautiful backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Georges Camp: A historic camp where George Adamson rehabilitated Elsa the Lioness.

An impressive mountain peak with diverse habitats including moorland, alpine, and glaciers.

Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails for various fitness levels, from day hikes to multi-day expeditions.
Diverse Habitats: Supports diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and several primate species.
Highest Peak in Kenya: The second highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro.

Known for its open plains and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.

Mount Kilimanjaro: The famous mountain serves as a breathtaking backdrop to the park.
Observation Hill: A scenic hill providing panoramic views of the park and Kilimanjaro.
Big Five Safari: Offers the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).

Known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs, geyser, and fumaroles.

Geothermal Activity: The park's active geysers and hot springs create a unique landscape.
Hell's Gate Gorge: A narrow gorge offering dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Bike Safaris: One of the few parks in Kenya where biking is allowed, providing an adventurous experience.