1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

Image by Mihaela Istrate from Pixabay

Established in 1961 and it is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. It is located in Narok County. It provides one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya due to its amazing landscape which is characterized by dotted trees, savannah plains, scrubs, acacia trees, and rolling’s which make it possible to spot the (big five) lions, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, elephants in their natural habitat and other wildlife such as the wild beast, zebras, hyenas, gazelles, giraffes, and cheetahs. You will be able to witness the great wild beast migration which occurs during the months of July- October. In September the wildebeests migrate from Tanzania (Serengeti national park) to Maasai Mara for greener pastures and water. For a closer view, the eastern banks of the Mara River are recommended. To enter the park, you will need a vehicle. A guided safari tour is the best for the best experience. The best time to visit is during the dry season for easier spotting of the wildlife since they will gather around water sources.

2. Amboseli National Park

Image by Poswiecie from Pixabay

It was established in 1900 as Maasai Ambos Eli game reserve but later in 1974 established as a national park. It is located in Kajiado south constituency in Kajiado County. Ever wanted to get close to free-ranging elephants? Amboseli is the best place. When visiting, you will have the best opportunity to see wild animals such as African bush elephants, lions, cheetah, Cape buffalo, impala, spotted hyena, Maasai giraffe, and zebras, especially in September due to sparse vegetation as a result of long dry months. It also offers the best world viewing with 400 species of birds including water birds such as pelicans, crackers, kingfisher, and 47 raptor species. You will also be able to enjoy the view of Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest mountain in the world. To access the park you will need a vehicle or tour vehicle

3. Tsavo East National Park

Image by Rico Lotze from Pixabay

It’s among the oldest and largest parks in Kenya. It was started in April 1948 and it is located near Voi town in Taita Taveta County. This park provides homes for wildlife. You will be able to see major attractions such as mud and rock which act as a water catchment area for the dam below and also offers a good standpoint for hundreds of elephants and other animals that come to drink water during the dry season. You will also be able to appreciate the view of many wild animals such as cape buffalo, bushbuck, Tsavo lions, African wild dog, African hedgehog among others, and also birds which are approximately 500 bird species including weaverbirds, ostriches, herons, and hornbills.

4. Tsavo West National Park

Image by Alex Strachan from Pixabay

It’s located in Taita Taveta county and it is separated from Tsavo east by a railway and the Nairobi to Mombasa road. Its popularity is due to the various wildlife it hosts such as eastern black rhino, hippopotamus, elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, and small animals like bushbaby, Maasai giraffe. During your visit, you will be able to see the Mzima springs which is a sequence of natural springs and pools which are famous for their hippos and crocodile population. You will also be able to go rock climbing and guided walks along the Tsavo River.

5. Shimba Hills National Reserve

Image by Rolf Dobberstein from Pixabay

It’s a small national reserve located 35km southwest of Mombasa and south of Kwale in Kwale County. It contains a great diversity of Kenya’s plant species including the rare and endangered species of cycad and orchids. It contains Kenya’s only population of sable antelopes and also has herds of elephants. Visiting Shimba hills during the dry season in September is simply the best since climate makes it easier to spot animals since they gather around water sources and also the grass is short. Avoid the rainy season since it’s hard to spot animals. Due to plenty of water and pastures, the animals get sparse. You will be able to go for guided walks to Sheldrick falls to sell bird life in the forest or go for sundowners on pengo hills which face west and watch the sun go down below the horizon.

6. Lake Nakuru

Image by Jean van der Meulen from Pixabay

This is a freshwater lake which is located south of Nakuru. It was established in 1961 with only Lake Nakuru and surrounding mountainous vicinity but has extended to cover larger parts of the savannah. Although the area is often dry, for an excellent view of the pink flamingos it’s best to visit during the dry season since the rainy season results in plenty of water in the lake which drives the flamingoes away to Lake Bogoria. Apart from its famous flamingoes, it contains other birds species like goliath heron, hamerkop, pied kingfisher and also has the highest number of eastern black rhinos, southern white rhino, giraffe, waterbucks, lions, cheetahs, and leopards which you will be able to spot during your visit. You will also be able to see large size pythons that live in the dense woodlands either crossing or swinging on trees. Bird watching, hiking, and picnicking in Lake Nakuru are really amazing.

7. Mombasa

Image by Herbert Aust from Pixabay

The hot and sunny September makes it the best time to visit Mombasa. History people can spend some hours in Fort Jesus which has old buildings which reminds us of when the Portuguese ruled the port. You will be able to visit Heller park, Mombasa marine national park, north coast beaches such as Nyali beach which is best for strolling due to its soft white sand, Bamburi beach for camel riding, and south coast beaches such as Diani beach which offers beautiful beachscapes and also watersports like windsurfing, sailing, and diving. For a romantic date, you can go to Tiwi beach, which offers a very quiet environment that is also good for sunbathers and snorkelers. During your visit, you will be able to see the Mombasa tusks which were built to remember Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Mombasa in 1952 and they also mark the entrance to the town. You will also be able to visit the mamba village center in Nyali which is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm and you will learn their behaviors. Your visit will be worth it and amazing.