Kenya: 3 National Parks We Love!

We’re off to Kenya on an authentic African safari. The expedition will see us jeeping across savannahs, trekking into wetlands, exploring unique woodlands and more.

Get to know the 3 national parks we’ll be visiting below.

Amboseli National Park

About the region: In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro sits Amboseli National Park. Of all the parks we visit, this is the most diverse, offering 5 unique habitats to explore, including savannahs, grasslands, woodlands and the dried-up Lake Amboseli, as well as the nearby sulphur springs.  Observation Hill is an exceptional vantage point to truly grasp this vast park and snag the perfect panorama.
Size: 390.26 sq. km / 242.5 sq. mi

What you may see: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and water buffalo) are on clear display and will be the focus of your time here. But by no means are they the end-all. The giraffes will delight, crocodiles will terrify, and the cheetahs will impress. Over 600 species of birds will flit and flutter throughout. Oh, and if you cruise the bushes, you may even find a dik-dik or two ;).

Lake Nakuru National Park

About the region: Originally, the shallow lake was the only protected area in the region; however the National Park has since expanded to include the surrounding savannahs and grasslands as well. It’s located near the village of Nakuru, which translates to “Dust” or “Dusty” in English, offering a slight hint of what to expect.
Size: 188 sq. km / 117 sq. mi

What you may see: The white and black rhinos certainly impress tourists; however, it’s actually the legions of Fuschia and crimson flamingos that draw crowds. The lake attracts the largest population of flamingoes in Africa thanks to the abundant algae available to feast on. The eclectic birds really are the focus here, including massive ostriches racing around the savannah. You can also expect to see a number of critters coming to the lake for a quick drink, including thirsty warthogs, gazelles and zebras.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

About the region: Located on the southwest border of Kenya and Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve has often been noted as Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve. It is also one of the largest reserves in Africa, taking up hundreds of kilometres in both countries. The reserve offers visitors a chance to truly see Africa as it once was. Ecologically, it’s mostly savannah, grassland and rolling hills. Both the Mara and Talek rivers cut through, dividing them into distinct regions. On the outskirts of the reserve are small villages of Maasai Mara people.
Size: ‎1,510 sq km / 580 sq mi (between both Kenya and Tanzania)

What you’ll see: Of greatest note is the famous wildebeest migration occurring annually between July and October. Maasai Mara is the only region of Kenya to witness the migration in which millions of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and impala slowly trek towards fresh grazing regions and higher quality water supplies. Beyond the migration, you can view 570 or so bird species flying above. Cheetahs, hippos and elephants will also be visible throughout the reserve.

Experience an authentic African safari in the safety of a gay group tour with Out Adventures. Click here for more info.

Header photo from Shutterstock. All other photos courtesy of Kevin Robitaille.