Top 7 National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Tanzania (Safari Guide)
Planning an African safari and not sure where to go? Kenya and Tanzania boast some of the most iconic national parks in the world, teeming with wildlife, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five or witnessing the Great Migration, this guide to the top 7 national parks in Kenya and Tanzania will help you choose the best destinations for your dream safari.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Famous For: The Great Migration, Big Cats, Hot Air Balloon Safaris
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated safari destination — and for good reason. It’s home to the northern section of the Great Wildebeest Migration, offers incredible sightings of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, and is one of the best places to see the Big Five.
Best Time to Visit:
- July to October (migration season)
- Year-round for predators and general wildlife
Kenya-Tanzania Migration Safari Packages
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Famous For: Vast Plains, Great Migration, Predator Action
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s crown jewel — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s oldest ecosystems. It’s where the Great Migration begins and ends, and where lions, hyenas, and cheetahs follow massive herds of wildebeest and zebra across endless savannahs.
Highlights:
- Calving season (Jan–Mar) in the Southern Serengeti
- River crossings (June–Sept) in the Northern Serengeti
Combine Serengeti with Masai Mara for full migration coverage.
Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Famous For: Large elephant herds, Mt. Kilimanjaro views
Amboseli is a small but scenic park known for its photogenic elephants set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a paradise for photographers and a must-visit for elephant lovers.
What You’ll See:
- Huge elephant herds
- Lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and over 400 bird species
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October (dry season) for best visibility
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Famous For: High wildlife density, Black Rhinos, Crater views
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and offers some of the best game viewing in Africa. Within a single day, you can see the Big Five, flamingos, hippos, and more in this naturally enclosed habitat.
Key Highlights:
- High chance of spotting endangered black rhinos
- Over 25,000 animals in the crater
Pair Ngorongoro with Serengeti for an unbeatable combo.
Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
Famous For: Elephant migration, baobab trees, off-the-beaten-path safaris
Often overlooked, Tarangire offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience. It’s especially famous for its large elephant herds, dramatic baobab trees, and seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebra.
Why Visit:
- Fewer tourists than Serengeti or Ngorongoro
- Incredible birdwatching and predator sightings
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October for peak game concentration
Visit during the dry season for dramatic river crossings.
Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)
Famous For: Flamingos, White Rhinos, Scenic Lakes
Lake Nakuru offers a different type of safari — one focused on birdlife, lush forests, and rare species like white rhinos and Rothschild giraffes. It’s ideal for a short stopover between Nairobi and the Masai Mara.
Wildlife Highlights:
- Massive flamingo flocks (seasonal)
- White and black rhinos
- Waterbucks, leopards, and pelicans
Birdwatcher’s Dream: Over 450 bird species recorded here.
Tsavo National Parks (Kenya)
(Tsavo East & Tsavo West)
Famous For: Red-dust elephants, remote wilderness, lava fields
Together, Tsavo East and West form one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Kenya. Tsavo is known for its “red elephants” (coated in volcanic soil), Man-Eaters of Tsavo history, and fewer crowds.
Why Go:
- Off-the-beaten-path adventure
- Spectacular landscapes: rivers, lava flows, rock formations
- Home to lions, leopards, giraffes, and more
Combine Tsavo with Amboseli for a southern Kenya circuit.
Best Time to Visit National Parks in Kenya and Tanzania
| Month | Highlights | Best Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Calving season, green landscapes | Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Jun–Oct | Dry season, Great Migration, Big Five | Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tarangire |
| Nov–Dec | Short rains, fewer crowds | All parks (lush but less crowded) |
Plan Your Dream Safari Across Kenya and Tanzania
Visiting these national parks offers the ultimate African safari adventure — from watching elephants against Kilimanjaro to catching river crossings in the Serengeti. Whether you’re seeking the Big Five, rare bird species, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, these parks deliver unforgettable experiences.
Get a Custom Safari Quote
View Our Kenya-Tanzania Safari Packages
FAQs: Kenya and Tanzania National Parks
Masai Mara or Serengeti — excellent wildlife density, reliable sightings, and iconic landscapes.
Absolutely. Most safaris combine at least 2–4 parks for a diverse experience.
National parks offer scale and iconic status, while conservancies allow for off-road driving and night safaris. A blend is ideal.
