Kenya national parks and reserves at a glance
Not every famous wildlife area in Kenya is a national park. Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Lake Nakuru are national parks run by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Samburu and Masai Mara are national reserves, and Masai Mara is administered by the Narok County Government. Private conservancies are different again, with their own fees and rules.
The category matters because the fees, the managers and the rules differ. A park fee for one area says nothing about another. The sections below start with Nairobi, the first park, and then go on to the main areas outside the city. If you are short of time, a Nairobi National Park safari is the quickest way to see Kenyan wildlife.
Our pick: Amboseli as a day trip
If you want a second park from Nairobi, this day trip goes to Amboseli, and it is a long day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kenya safari tours from Nairobi
Park and reserve tours that start in Nairobi, with live prices and availability.
Kenya parks and reserves compared
Size, founding and distance from Nairobi.
| Area | Category | Size | Founded | Distance from Nairobi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | National park | 117 km² | 1946 | 8 to 10 km from the city centre |
| Amboseli National Park | National park | 392 km² | 1973 or 1974 | 204, 220 or 265 km, by route |
| Tsavo East National Park | National park | 11,747 to 13,747 km² | 1948 | 233 km to Mtito Andei |
| Tsavo West National Park | National park | 9,065 km² | 1948, split from Tsavo East in 1949 | 240 km to Mtito Andei |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | National park | 188 km² | Bird sanctuary 1961, national park 1968 | 156 km on the A104 |
| Samburu National Reserve | National reserve | 165 km² | – | – |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | National reserve | 1,510 km² | 1961 | Depends on the gate |
For most visitors with a few days, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara are the usual first choices outside Nairobi. Tsavo suits a longer trip, because the two parks are very large.
Nairobi, Amboseli and Tsavo
Three national parks in the south.
Nairobi National Park
The first national park in Kenya, 117 km², with the skyline of the city behind the animals. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo live here, but there are no wild elephants. See our Nairobi National Park animals page and the entry fee page.
Amboseli
A park of 392 km², founded in 1973 or 1974. Distances from Nairobi run from 204 km to 265 km, depending on the route. More on the Amboseli National Park site.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West
Tsavo East covers 11,747 to 13,747 km², established in April 1948, with Mtito Andei 233 km from Nairobi. Tsavo West covers 9,065 km², with Mtito Andei 240 km away. Park fees follow the same person tariff as Nairobi. See the Tsavo National Park guide.
Lake Nakuru, Samburu and Masai Mara
Two parks and a reserve outside the south.
Lake Nakuru National Park
A park of 188 km² on the A104, 156 km from Nairobi. The Main Gate is about 4 km from Nakuru town. It started as a bird sanctuary in 1961 and became a national park in 1968. See Lake Nakuru for the park.
Samburu National Reserve
A reserve of 165 km², run as a national reserve and not as a Kenya Wildlife Service national park. In 2025 a non-resident adult paid $85 and a child $50. Check the current fee before you go. More at Samburu National Reserve.
Masai Mara National Reserve
A reserve of 1,510 km², founded in 1961, administered by the Narok County Government. County fees differ from Kenya Wildlife Service fees, and private conservancies set their own. The time to reach it depends on the gate. See Masai Mara National Reserve.
Park fees compared in 2026
Per person, 2026 rates.
| Area | East African citizens | Kenya residents | Non-residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amboseli and Lake Nakuru | KES 1,500 and KES 750 | KES 2,025 and KES 1,050 | $90 and $45 |
| Nairobi, Tsavo East, Tsavo West | KES 1,000 and KES 500 | KES 1,350 and KES 675 | $80 and $40 |
Each cell shows adult first, then child. Citizens of other African countries pay $50 and $25 at Amboseli and Lake Nakuru. Vehicle and activity fees come on top, so check the current rates before you go.
Hell's Gate, the coast and Lamu
More areas, a different kind of trip.
Hell's Gate National Park near Naivasha was established on 2 February 1984 and covers 68.25 km². Other well-known areas are Lake Naivasha, Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. Fees, distances and access differ, so check each one before you plan. Each has its own guide: Hell's Gate, Lake Naivasha, Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.
Kenya's coast has beaches and history of its own. The Kenya coast guide covers Mombasa and the south coast, and Lamu has its own island guide.
Kenya national parks: frequently asked questions
Are Samburu and Masai Mara national parks?
No. Both are national reserves. Masai Mara is administered by the Narok County Government, so its fees and rules differ from the Kenya Wildlife Service parks.
Which was Kenya's first national park?
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946.
How much do Kenya's national parks cost?
In 2026 a non-resident adult pays $80 at Nairobi, Tsavo East and Tsavo West and $90 at Amboseli and Lake Nakuru. Children pay half.
Which park is closest to Nairobi?
Nairobi National Park, about 8 to 10 km from the city centre. Lake Nakuru is 156 km away.
Is a private conservancy the same as a national park?
No. Conservancies are separate areas with their own fees and rules.
Is this an official Kenya parks website?
No. This is an independent guide with no connection to the Kenya Wildlife Service, county governments or any tour operator.