Best Game Reserves in Kenya

Samburu National Reserve, situated in Kenya's Rift Valley, is known for its excellent opportunities to spot leopards and wild dogs. It's home to the Special 5 and while it has four of the "Big Five" animals, it doesn't have rhinos. The reserve has two major mountains, Koitogor and Ololokwe, and lies along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Accommodation Inside: Sasaab, Saruni Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp
Wildlife: Leopards, Wild Dogs, Special Five & Big Five (except rhinos)
Nearest Town: Archers Post

Best Time: June - October

The Masai Mara is a well-known wildlife reserve famous for the Big Five and hosting the Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes. It's also recognized as one of Africa's top natural wonders and a global marvel.
Accommodation Inside: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Wildlife: Big Five, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and Thomson's gazelles.
Nearest Town: Narok

Shimba Hills National Reserve, situated near the southeast coast, is one of East Africa's largest coastal forests, next to the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. It's home to over 700 elephants, particularly thriving in the Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary. The reserve also protects the endangered Sable Antelope, the only population of its kind in Kenya.
Accommodation Inside: Shimba Hills Lodge
Wildlife: Elephants & Sable Antelope
Nearest Town: Mombasa

Best Time: July - October

Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Isiolo County, Kenya, is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the "Special Five" and four of the "Big Five" animals. Named after its natural springs, which are crucial water sources for wildlife, especially buffalo herds.
Accommodation Inside: Samburu Simba Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp
Wildlife: Special Five & Big Five (except rhinos)
Nearest Town: Isiolo

Best Time: June - October

Shaba National Reserve in northern Kenya, near Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves, hosts unique wildlife like the Special Five and four of the Big Five, excluding rhinos, and a large lion pride. Notably, it is linked to conservationist Joy Adamson, who released her first hand-raised leopard here.
Accommodation Inside: Joys Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Wildlife: Special Five & Big Five (except rhinos)
Nearest Town: Samburu

Best Time: June - October

Sweetwaters Game Reserve, a short drive from Nairobi, offers stunning views of Mount Kenya and hosts the Big Five. It features a lit waterhole for night game viewing and a chimpanzee sanctuary with free boat rides. Visitors can also see wild dogs at Ol Pejeta and numerous black and white rhinos.
Accommodation Inside: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Wildlife: Chimpanzees, rhinos, & Big Five
Nearest Town: Nanyuki
Best Time: June to October

Mwea National Reserve in Kirinyaga County is famous for where the Tana and Thiba rivers meet and the Kamburu and Masinga hydroelectric dams are located. It's a hotspot for birdwatching with over 200 bird species. You can also spot hippos in the Kamburu water reservoir.
Accommodation Inside: No lodges inside
Birdlife: Hinde's Babber, Pel's fishing owl, white-backed night heron
Nearest Town: Mwea
Best Time: June to October

Nasolot Reserve, north of Mount Melo, is a beautiful and rugged reserve known for stunning views from Nasolot Hill. The reserve features diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, camping, fishing, and nature walks in this remote natural paradise.
Accommodation Inside: No lodges inside
Wildlife: Monkeys, oryx, waterbuck, baboons, gazelles, hippos, leopards, lions, and elephants
Nearest Town: Kitale
Best Time: Mid-June to October

Mwingi National Reserve, part of Kenya's Meru Conservational Area, is bordered by Kora, Meru, and Bisandi National Parks, drawing wildlife from these areas. Though less visited, it offers activities like fly camping, fishing, and camel and horseback safaris for a genuine wilderness adventure.
Accommodation Inside: No lodges inside
Wildlife: Caracal, elephant, hippo, leopard, lion and antelopes
Nearest Town: Mwingi
Best Time: June to September

Arawale National Reserve in northeastern Kenya is famous for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, Grevy's zebras, giraffes, and many birds. It's a crucial home for the endangered hirola antelope. Visitors can enjoy activities like game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching.
Accommodation Inside: No lodges/campsites inside
Wildlife: Hirola or Hunter's hartebeest
Nearest Town: Garissa
Best Time: June to October

Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve, near Malindi on the Kenyan coast, is East Africa's largest coastal forest, rich in biodiversity. With dense forests, woodlands, and swamps, it's home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, primates, and over 270 bird species. Visitors can explore through forest walks, birdwatching, and camping.
Accommodation Inside: No lodges/campsites inside
Wildlife: Golden-rumped Elephant shrew and Ader's Duiker
Nearest Town: Malindi
Best Time: August and April

Bisanadi National Reserve lies north of Meru National Park, offering a large dry wild reserve. It's home to many animals like lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, and buffalos, along with over 400 bird species. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing on the Tana and Rojewero rivers and camp under the stars here.
Accommodation Inside: Only campsites; no lodges
Wildlife: Lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalos, elands, and giraffes
Nearest Town: Meru
Best Time: June to October