Best Game Reserves in Kenya

Covering about 300 square kilometers, Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of East Africa's biggest coastal forests, second only to the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. A major draw is its impressive elephant population, with over 700 thriving in the Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary. Situated in Kenya's Kwale County, near the southeast coast, the reserve is also vital for conserving the endangered Sable Antelope, the only population of its kind in Kenya.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is in Isiolo County, Kenya, covering 131 square kilometres. It's part of the Samburu-Buffalo Springs-Shaba Ecosystem, next to the Samburu and Shaba National Reserves. The reserve is famous for the "Special Five" (Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk) and a good chance to see four of the "Big Five" (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, excluding rhinoceroses). The reserve is home to approximately 900 elephants.

Mwea National Reserve, covering 42 square kilometers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, is a peaceful oasis with diverse landscapes. It's known for the meeting point of the Tana and Thiba rivers and the Kamburu and Masinga hydroelectric dams. With over 200 bird species, the reserve is great for birdwatching, home to rare species like Pel’s fishing owl, the white-backed night heron, and the endangered Hinde’s Babber. The Kamburu water reservoir is also home to a healthy hippopotamus population.

The Mara Triangle is part of Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, managed by a non-profit. It covers 510 square kilometers, about a third of the whole reserve. With the Mara River as a natural boundary, it's quieter and less crowded. Despite that, it's home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five and plains animals like cheetahs and giraffes all year. It's also a key route for the Great Migration, showcasing herds moving between the Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Nasolot Reserve, north of Mount Melo, is a beautiful and rugged area known for stunning views from Nasolot Hill. The reserve features diverse wildlife, including monkeys, oryx, waterbuck, baboons, gazelles, hippos, leopards, lions, and elephants. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, camping, fishing, and nature walks in this remote natural paradise.

Covering 239 square kilometers, Shaba National Reserve is in northern Kenya, next to Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves. The dry environment is home to remarkable animals, including the Special Five - Somali giraffes, oryx antelopes, Somali ostriches, Grevy's zebras, and gerenuks. You can also find four of the Big Five, except rhinos, and a large pride of lions. Notably, the reserve is linked to the famous conservationist Joy Adamson, who released her first hand-raised leopard here.

Samburu National Reserve, located in Kenya's Rift Valley, covers approximately 165 square kilometres (64 square miles). It's famous for excellent leopard sightings and unique wildlife called the Special 5 – Gerunuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. It has four of the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), but no rhinos. The reserve features two notable mountains, Koitogor and Ololokwe, and is crossed by the Ewaso Ng'iro River.

Mwingi National Reserve in North Eastern Kenya is part of the Mount Conservation Area, bordering Kora National Park, Meru National Park, and Bisandi National Reserve. It hosts diverse wildlife from neighboring parks, featuring caracals, elephants, hippos, leopards, lions, and various antelope species. The reserve is remote, offering fly camping, fishing, and camel and horseback safaris. Highlights include Adamson’s Falls, Tana River activities, and a visit to Kampi ya Simba, former home of Joy and George Adamson, and the grave of Elsa the lioness.

Arawale National Reserve in Northeast Kenya, covering 533 square kilometers along the Tana River, aims to protect endangered species like Hunter's hartebeest, Grevy's zebra, wild dog, and cheetah. It's also home to African bush elephants, giraffes, lesser kudus, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. Recognized as a Lion Conservation Unit, visitors can enjoy activities such as game viewing, bird watching, guided nature walks, camping, and picnics.

Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve in Watamu is the largest remaining piece of dry coastal forests in East Africa, covering 420 square kilometers. Home to 230 bird species, playful monkeys, and unique creatures, the reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. It also hosts charming birds like the Amani sunbird, Clarke’s weaver, and the Sokoke scops owl, along with a resident herd of elephants and buffalo. Visitors can enjoy forest walks, bird watching, exploring Mida Creek, and camping in this natural gem.

North of Meru National Park is the Bisanadi National Reserve, a vast arid wilderness. It hosts various mammals like lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalos, and over 400 bird species. Visitors can go boating and fishing on the Tana and Rojewero rivers and camp under the stars in this tough but beautiful place.

Sweetwaters Game Reserve is a vast 24,000-acre ranch with stunning views of Mount Kenya, just a 2.5-hour drive from Nairobi. It has the highest game-to-area ratio in Kenya, hosting the Big Five. The reserve features a popular floodlit waterhole for excellent night game viewing. There's also a 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary offering a free boat ride among the chimps, weather permitting. Visitors can spot wild dogs at Ol Pejeta and observe abundant black and white rhinos.