Welcome to the wild and adventurous world of Kenyan national parks! Kenya is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, offering an unforgettable safari experience to visitors from all around the globe.
With so many stunning national parks to choose from, it’s essential to choose the right park for your unique safari adventure. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three of the most popular national parks in Kenya: Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli. We’ll compare and contrast the different landscapes, wildlife, and accommodation options available in each park to help you choose the perfect destination for your next safari adventure.
Park Fees for Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli
When planning a safari adventure, one of the essential factors to consider is the cost of park fees. The park fees vary from one national park to another and depend on various factors, such as location, park size, and the types of wildlife found in the park. In Kenya, three of the most popular national parks are Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli.
The park fees for Masai Mara are slightly higher than those for Nairobi National Park and Amboseli. To enter Masai Mara, non-residents pay between $70-80 per adult per day. For Nairobi National Park, non-residents pay between $50-60 per adult per day, while in Amboseli, non-residents pay between $50-70 per adult per day.
Several factors affect the park fees in these national parks. One of the significant factors is the size of the park. Masai Mara, for instance, is larger than the other two parks, covering an area of about 1,510 km2. Therefore, the park fees charged at Masai Mara may be higher to cater to the larger size of the park.
Another factor affecting the park fees is the types of wildlife found in the park. Masai Mara is known for its vast populations of wildebeests and zebras, which attract many tourists during the annual migration. On the other hand, Nairobi National Park is home to black and white rhinos, making it a unique destination for visitors. The different types of wildlife in each park play a significant role in determining the park fees.
Accommodation for Masai Mara, Nairobi, and Amboseli National Parks
Accommodation is a crucial aspect of a safari experience, and it is important to choose the right type of accommodation that suits your needs and budget. The three national parks in Kenya, Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli, offer a range of accommodation options for travelers of all budgets.
In Masai Mara, accommodation facilities are categorized into three categories, catering to all types of travelers. The hotels range from one-star budget camps to five-star luxury lodges. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of hotel, with luxury lodges being the most expensive.
In Nairobi National Park, the accommodation facilities are conveniently close to the city, providing a wide range of accommodation options ranging from comfortable guesthouses to five-star hotels. The cost of accommodation in Nairobi National Park is relatively lower than that of Masai Mara.
In Amboseli, the accommodation facilities are in the form of permanent lodges, cottages, permanent tents, safari tents, and mobile tents. The cost of accommodation in Amboseli is also relatively low, making it an affordable safari destination for travelers.
When choosing accommodation, it is important to consider factors such as location, facilities, and cost. If you are on a tight budget, you may opt for a budget camp or a guesthouse. However, if you want a luxurious safari experience, you may choose a five-star lodge.
The landscape for Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli
Kenya is home to some of the world’s most magnificent landscapes and wildlife, making it a prime destination for safari enthusiasts. Three national parks that stand out among Kenya’s many natural wonders are Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli. Each park boasts a unique landscape, ecosystem, and array of wildlife, making the choice of which park to visit an important consideration for your safari experience.
The landscape in each park is markedly different. Masai Mara is known for its vast grassy plains, dotted with acacia trees and surrounded by the stunning Siria Escarpment. The park’s landscape also includes forests, hills, and riverine bushland, making it a haven for an abundance of wildlife. Nairobi National Park, on the other hand, is unique in that it is the only national park located within a capital city’s limits. Its landscape is a mix of open grass plains and Acacia bushes, as well as highland dry forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports an array of animals. Finally, Amboseli is known for its wetlands and swamps, surrounded by savannah, acacia woodlands, and towering Mount Kilimanjaro. The swamps are the park’s unique feature, attracting a wide range of bird species and providing a habitat for elephants and other wildlife.
Animals to See at Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli
The parks also vary in the types of animals that can be seen. Masai Mara is home to the famous wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing land.
The park is also known for its large population of predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Nairobi National Park is home to four of the Big Five animals, including rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalos. It also has a high density of herbivores, such as Masai giraffes and elands, as well as a large population of hyenas and cheetahs.
Finally, Amboseli has a high concentration of elephants, making it a great destination for elephant viewing. It is also home to buffalos, lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife, with the swamps attracting a variety of bird species.
Birdlife to Watch at Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli
Kenya is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, with many different bird species found in the national parks. Each of the parks – Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli – has its own unique selection of bird species and habitats.
In Masai Mara, more than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, with almost 60 species being raptors. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds such as the African pygmy-falcon, martial eagle, yellow-throated sandgrouse, lilac-breasted roller, and red-necked spurfowl. Birdwatching opportunities in Masai Mara are best during the rainy season when the birds are most active.
Nairobi National Park has a high diversity of bird species with up to 500 permanent and migratory species in the park. Dams have created a man-made habitat for birds and aquatic species. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds such as the ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, and black-bellied bustard.
