This comprehensive guide will walk through all the National Parks and Game Reserves in Kenya as provided by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Here is all that you need to know in 2025
Kenya has cemented its position on the global stage and is widely referred to as the “home of safari” due to the number of National Parks, such as the Massai Mara, which provides a great view of wild beast migration every year. According to reports from the Ministry of Tourism, the number of tourists coming to Kenya is projected to reach 2.5 million annually, proving that this industry is rapidly growing. A key factor contributing to the country’s tourism sector is the protected sites of two categories: National Parks and Game reserves.
National Parks are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which strictly prohibits human habitation to allow wildlife to thrive in their natural habitats. Hence, they are marked as protected regions. On the other hand, game reserves are managed by local councils, allowing some human activity, but the conversation is still given priority. As of 2025, there are 27 national parks and 28 game reserves, with various marine along the counties that border the Indian Ocean, all of which cover about 8% of Kenyan landmass.
Major National Parks and Game Reserves
Below, we have discussed the Major National parks and game reserves in the country:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara is one of the best national reserves in Kenya, mainly known for its wildlife and captivating landscapes. It covers 1510 square kilometers and is the home of the Great Migration, which involves the wildebeest and Zebra searching for green pasture lands. If you plan to visit this reserve in Kenya, the best time is between July and October when the migration happens. You can also get a chance to see the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. At the same time, use the Ballon safari to enjoy captivating bird views and visit the Masai village just nearby to learn about the culture.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli Park is located in the southern part of Kenya. It covers 392 square kilometers and is famously known for its large elephants and bird-watching opportunities, with up to 400 species recorded. The Park also provides a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The best time to visit Amboseli is from June to October when the animals are near water points since it is a dry season.
Tsavo East & West National Parks
Tsavo National Park is the largest national park in Kenya. It is divided into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Together, they cover an area of approximately 22,000 square kilometers. Tsavo East is known for its vast savannahs and large herds of elephants, while Tsavo West features volcanic hills and lush vegetation. The best time to visit is from June to September.
Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu is another key national park in Kenya, although it is less populated than other national parks in northern Kenya (northeast of Laikipia). In the park, you will see abundant animal species, including the best oryx, grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali Ostrich, and many more. It covers about 165 square kilometers, and the best season to visit the park is during the dry season, from July to October.
Meru National Park
Meru National Park is often overlooked, but it is another national park you should visit in Kenya. The Park covers about 870 square kilometers and features forests, swamps, and savannahs. Here, you can enjoy more than 300 bird species, including rare species such as kudu, caracal, and aardwolf. This park was made famous by Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free.” The best months to visit the Meru National Park are from January to March and June to October.
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that protects the second-highest mountain in Africa. The park covers about 715 square kilometers and is known for its unique flora and fauna adapted to high altitudes.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is the only national park located within the capital city. Covering approximately 117 square kilometers, it offers a unique juxtaposition of urban life against a backdrop of wildlife. It features more than 100 mammal species, 20 season migrants from Europe, and over 500 types of Avi-fauna.
Detailed List of Parks in Kenya
Below is a table with all the national game reserves and marine parks in Kenya:
| National Parks | National Reserves | Marine Parks and Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Aberdare National Park | 23. Arawale National Reserve | 38. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park |
| 2. Amboseli National Park | 24. Bisanadi National Reserve | 39. Kiunga Marine National Reserve |
| 3. Arabuko Sokoke National Park | 25. Boni National Reserve | 40. Malindi Marine National Park |
| 4. Central Island National Park | 26. Buffalo Springs National Reserve | 41. Mombasa Marine National Park |
| 5. Chyulu Hills National Park | 27. Dodori National Reserve | 42. Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve |
| 6. Hell’s Gate National Park | 28. Kakamega Forest National Reserve | 43. Tana River Primate National Reserve |
| 7. Kora National Park | 29. Lake Bogoria National Reserve | 44. Watamu Marine National Park |
| 8. Lake Nakuru National Park | 30. Masai Mara National Reserve | |
| 9. Malka Mari National Park | 31. Mwea National Reserve | |
| 10. Masai Mara National Park | 32. Rahole National Reserve | |
| 11. Meru National Park | 33. Rimoi National Reserve | |
| 12. Mount Elgon National Park | 34. Samburu National Reserve | |
| 13. Mount Kenya National Park | 35. Shimba Hills National Reserve | |
| 14. Mount Longonot National Park | 36. Tana River Primate Reserve | |
| 15. Nairobi National Park | 37. Witu Forest Reserve | |
| 16. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park | ||
| 17. Ruma National Park | ||
| 18. Saiwa Swamp National Park | ||
| 19. Sibiloi National Park | ||
| 20. Tsavo East National Park | ||
| 21. Tsavo West National Park | ||
| 22. Watamu Marine National Park |
FAQs
How many national parks and game reserves are there in Kenya?
There are a total of 27 national parks and 28 game reserves in Kenya.
What is the smallest game reserve in Kenya?
The smallest game reserve in Kenya is Saiwa Swamp National Park in Trans-Nzoia County. It covers an area of only 3 square kilometers. Here, the Sitatunga is a rare aquatic antelope known for its adaptations to swampy environments.
What is the largest national game park in Kenya?
The largest national game park in Kenya is Tsavo National Park, which covers an area of approximately 22,000 square kilometers. It is divided into two sections: Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park.
What is the name of one game reserve in Kenya and Tanzania?
Masai Mara National Reserve is the best reserve in Kenya, known for the annual great migration similar to Serengeti National Park, known for its large savannah lands and high concentration of wildlife, including lions and elephants
