Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park is the second most-frequented safari location in Kenya and sits about 150 miles from Nairobi, bordering Tanzania to the south. This safari location is known for its elephant herds and abundant birds. The park also notes the presence of wildebeest, giraffe, African lions, antelope, zebra, hyena, monkeys (one monkey’s bony little fingers swiftly and stealthily grabbed a croissant directly out of someone’s hand while they sat in the Safari Transit van.) Lesson learned: If you’re eating, keep the windows closed! Best times to visit: January through February and June to September. Nairobi National Park Nairobi National Park is the smallest and oldest of all Kenyan national parks—providing a glimpse into what the city’s landscape looked like a century ago. The vast view of Nairobi’s buildings (inset) whilst deep in the midst of wilderness is awe-inspiring. Home to the Black Rhino Sanctuary, the park also houses lions, buffalo, ostrich, leopard and more. During the summer, one can experience Wildebeest migration and marvel at the “Big Five” African Safari animals: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard. Tsavo East and West Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks once were a single park, but now are separated. Tsavo West National Park sits west of its former sibling, Tsavo East, and is located approximately 180 km west of Mombasa. West is considered spectacular for topography and aviary fans. Key attractions include the Galana River and the Yatta plateau, along with pools and dams that beckon all manner of wildlife to for thirst-quenching in the sometimes-blazing Kenyan Sun. Tsavo East National Park is about 300 km southeast of Nairobi and 173 km northwest of Mombasa. Its proximity to beaches and coastal attractions around make it the perfect day trip for safari-goers. As one of the oldest and largest African safari parks in Kenya, it contains naturally flat, dry plains and bush. Marshy swampland also can be found within its borders. Tsavo East is home to all “Big Five” must-see African safari animals: Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Rhino and Leopard. Abundant with wildlife, visitors also can find large families of giraffe, gazelle, wildebeest and zebra.
