Reserves, Conservancies and National Parks in East Africa

Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Your all-in-one informational guide to East Africa‘s most conspicuous and interesting national parks — known for mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, trees, and flowers — an essential companion on any safari to the region.

KENYA – THE SAFARI KINGDOM

They say, “You can’t please everyone.” Well, “they” surely haven’t been to the astonishing national parks of Kenya – for these parks truly offer something for everyone.

• Nairobi National Park – Incredibly, within sight of downtown Nairobi you can spot lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, and so much more just minutes away from the big city.
• Masai Mara National Reserve – The densest concentration of lions in the region and home to the Great Migration — the largest movement of animals on the planet. Up to two million gazelle, wildebeest, and zebra flow into the park in a yearly cycle of survival. Also home to the Maasai people.
• Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks – Kenya’s largest reserves, hosting all the Big Five, including large herds of elephants.
• Samburu National Park – Home to close to a thousand elephants and the native Samburu people, with opportunities to spot unusual species and birdlife.
• Amboseli National Park – Framed by Mt. Kilimanjaro, its dense concentration of elephants guarantees sightings of these noble creatures.
• Lake Nakuru National Park – Protected sanctuary for endangered black rhinos and an abundance of birdlife including fuchsia flamingoes.
• Ol Pejeta Wildlife Sanctuary – A haven for rhinos and the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — the only place in Kenya for chimpanzee viewing.
• Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park – Dive and snorkel among dolphins and turtles by an immense coral reef, dubbed the “rainforest of the sea.”
• Watamu Marine National Park – Brilliant lagoons and coral gardens rich with sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish.
• Malindi Marine National Park – Africa’s first marine park with fringing coral reefs, dolphins, turtles, and abundant marine life.
• Aberdare National Park – A refreshing contrast to typical savannahs, this paradise of waterfalls and rainforests features cool mountain breezes.
• Mt. Kenya National Park – Home to Africa’s second-highest mountain.
• Meru National Park – With jungle, rivers, and green hills, it’s known for its rich wildlife and as the place where Joy Adamson released Elsa the lioness (“Born Free”).

TANZANIA – THE ESSENCE OF AFRICA

Tanzania is epic — with spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife in vast conservation areas. Nearly half of the country is protected, offering endless safari opportunities.

• Serengeti National Park – Endless plains, over 3,000 lions, millions of wildebeests, all Big Five animals, and one of Africa’s “Seven Natural Wonders.”
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area – A massive crater home to over 25,000 animals — one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth.
• Mount Kilimanjaro National Park – The highest peak in Africa and tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
• Tarangire National Park – A haven for elephants, with over 3,000 individuals, plus lions, wildebeests, zebras, and buffalo.
• Lake Manyara National Park – One of the most picturesque parks, featuring flamingoes and unique tree-climbing lions.
• Arusha National Park – A small, diverse park with rainforests, alpine moorlands, and the slopes of Mt. Meru.

UGANDA – THE PEARL OF AFRICA

Uganda features mountain ranges, deep forests, powerful waterfalls, and a treasure of primates — a natural jewel of East Africa.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Trek through steep rainforest to see over 300 endangered mountain gorillas — half the world’s population.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Rich in wildlife with frequent sightings of lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and unique tree-climbing lions.
• Kibale Forest National Park – Known for its dense primate population and colorful butterflies. Home to red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and forest elephants.
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site of lakes, glaciers, and rare alpine species.
• Kidepo Valley National Park – Stunning, remote landscapes with rare species like cheetahs, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes.
• Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s largest park, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge into Lake Albert — a spectacular natural wonder.

RWANDA – LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS

Think of Rwanda and imagine lush green hills, bamboo forests, rare mountain gorillas, and a haven of biodiversity.

• Volcanoes National Park – The Virunga mountains are home to the elusive mountain gorilla. These lush rainforests are one of the last remaining gorilla habitats.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park – Track chimpanzees in this rich equatorial rainforest, or walk the treetop canopy to spot birds, butterflies, and orchids.
• Akagera National Park – A savannah paradise featuring zebras, giraffes, rhinos, lions, elephants, and more — a complete safari experience in diverse terrain.