Widely regarded as one of East Africa’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, Nairobi sits along the Nairobi River and serves as Kenya’s capital and largest urban centre, acting as a major gateway for safari travel across the country. The city features a growing café culture, active nightlife, and cultural landmarks such as the National Museum of Kenya and the Karen Blixen Museum. Just outside the city centre lies Nairobi National Park, where wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and buffalo, roam against a backdrop of skyscrapers — one of the rare cases in the world where a major national park borders a capital city. Visitors also often stop at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage for close encounters with rescued calves.
Located in the southern reaches of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Maasai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions include opportunities to meet the Maasai people and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Located in Taita-Taveta County in south-eastern Kenya, Tsavo West National Park covers more than 9,000 square kilometres, making it one of the country’s largest and most dramatic protected areas. Its varied scenery includes volcanic cones, lava flows, rocky outcrops, swamps, wooded grasslands, riverine forests, plains, lakes, and natural springs. The otherworldly Shetani Lava Flows, named after the Swahili word for “devil”, spread across the savannah in striking black layers. Other notable features include Chaimu Crater, the panoramic viewpoint at Roaring Rocks, and Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear freshwater pools that sustain hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can look for highly endangered black rhinos at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, alongside elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, eland, impala, Maasai giraffe, and many other species.
Separating northern and southern Kenya, Tsavo East National Park features bushy grasslands, open plains dotted with baobabs alternating with semi-arid acacia scrub and lush woodlands. The arid environment with its unique red earth creates spectacular photo opportunities. This park is home to some of the largest elephant and buffalo herds in Kenya. Tsavo East boasts rich biodiversity and is said to be one of the last remaining wildernesses. Visitors can enjoy many wonderful attractions including: Galana River and Lugard’s Falls; the magnificent Yatta Plateau; and Mudanda Rock, a natural viewpoint that overlooks a much visited and photographed drinking hole. The south of the park is busier, while north of Galana is a remarkably quiet wilderness where visitors can enjoy this unspoilt beauty.
