Kenya, known for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, offers some of the most extraordinary safari experiences in the world. If you’re staying in Nairobi and want to explore the country’s national parks, you’re in luck—many of the top safari destinations are just a few hours away. This guide will detail the distance and safari options from Nairobi to some of Kenya’s most famous safari parks, including Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Meru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lake Naivasha. We will also highlight the activities available in these parks and how you can easily book a safari tour with us.
1. Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 45 minutes
Travel Time:
- By Road: 5-6 hours
- By Air: 45 minutes
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara typically takes around 5-6 hours, depending on the route and road conditions. The most common route is via Narok, which offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley.
- By Air: Several charter flights are available from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to various airstrips within the Masai Mara. The flight takes about 45 minutes, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Mara plains.
Activities in Masai Mara:
- Game Drives: Witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and other wildlife during early morning and late afternoon game drives.
- Great Migration: Between July and October, experience the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Mara River.
- Balloon Safaris: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride at dawn, offering panoramic views of the Mara’s savannahs.
- Cultural Visits: Visit a local Maasai village to learn about their customs, traditions, and lifestyle.
2. Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 240 km (150 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 40 minutes
Travel Time:
- By Road: 4-5 hours
- By Air: 40 minutes
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive to Amboseli from Nairobi takes about 4-5 hours, passing through Emali and onto Loitoktok Road. The journey offers scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- By Air: Daily flights are available from Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip, taking around 40 minutes.
Amboseli is also great for day trips.
Activities in Amboseli:
- Elephant Watching: Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, often seen against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Bird Watching: The park hosts over 400 species of birds, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise.
- Guided Nature Walks: Explore the park on foot with an experienced guide, learning about the flora and fauna.
- Cultural Tours: Interact with the local Maasai communities and learn about their way of life.
3. Nairobi to Tsavo National Park (East and West)
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 250 km (155 miles) to Tsavo East and 275 km (170 miles) to Tsavo West
- By Air: Roughly 1 hour
Travel Time:
- By Road: 5-6 hours
- By Air: 1 hour
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Tsavo East takes around 5 hours, while Tsavo West is slightly longer at about 6 hours. The Mombasa Highway is the main route.
- By Air: Charter flights are available from Wilson Airport to various airstrips in Tsavo, with a flight duration of about 1 hour.
Activities in Tsavo:
- Game Drives: Tsavo is home to the “Red Elephants” due to the red dust they cover themselves in. The park also boasts a variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, and giraffes.
- Lugard Falls and Mudanda Rock: These natural features in Tsavo East are perfect spots for photography and picnics.
- Mzima Springs: Located in Tsavo West, these springs are a key water source for wildlife and offer an opportunity to spot hippos and crocodiles.
- Bird Watching: Tsavo is a bird-watching haven, with over 500 species recorded.
4. Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 345 km (214 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 1.5 hours
Travel Time:
- By Road: 6-7 hours
- By Air: 1.5 hours
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Samburu takes around 6-7 hours, passing through Nanyuki and Isiolo.
- By Air: Charter flights are available from Wilson Airport to Samburu’s airstrip, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours.
Activities in Samburu:
- Unique Wildlife: Samburu is known for its rare species, including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.
- Game Drives: Enjoy early morning and evening game drives to spot the “Samburu Special Five” and other wildlife.
- Cultural Visits: Experience the rich culture of the Samburu people, closely related to the Maasai.
- Guided Nature Walks: Discover the rugged landscape of Samburu on foot, with opportunities to see unique flora and fauna.
5. Nairobi to Meru National Park
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 350 km (217 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 1.5 hours
Travel Time:
- By Road: 6-7 hours
- By Air: 1.5 hours
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive to Meru National Park from Nairobi takes about 6-7 hours, passing through Embu and Meru towns.
- By Air: Flights from Wilson Airport to Meru’s Kinna Airstrip take about 1.5 hours.
Activities in Meru National Park:
- Game Drives: Meru is known for its rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and over 300 bird species.
- Adamson’s Falls: Visit the stunning Adamson’s Falls, named after conservationists George and Joy Adamson.
- Bird Watching: The park’s varied habitats support a wide range of bird species, making it ideal for bird enthusiasts.
- Rhino Sanctuary: Meru has a rhino sanctuary where both black and white rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.
6. Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 160 km (100 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 30 minutes
Travel Time:
- By Road: 2-3 hours
- By Air: 30 minutes
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru takes about 2-3 hours, following the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway through the scenic Great Rift Valley.
- By Air: Flights from Wilson Airport to Naishi Airstrip in Lake Nakuru take approximately 30 minutes.
Activities in Lake Nakuru:
- Bird Watching: Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, which often create a pink blanket over the lake. The park is also home to over 450 bird species.
- Game Drives: The park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, as well as lions, leopards, and buffaloes.
- Makalia Falls: A picturesque spot within the park, ideal for photography and picnics.
- Baboon Cliff: This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding park.
7. Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 90 km (56 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 30 minutes
Travel Time:
- By Road: 1.5-2 hours
- By Air: 30 minutes
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha takes about 1.5-2 hours, passing through the Great Rift Valley.
- By Air: Although flights to Naivasha are less common, private charters can be arranged.
Activities in Lake Naivasha:
- Boat Rides: Explore Lake Naivasha on a boat ride, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
- Crescent Island: Take a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
- Hell’s Gate National Park: Located nearby, Hell’s Gate offers hiking, rock climbing, and cycling amidst dramatic landscapes.
- Bird Watching: Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 bird species, making it a popular spot for bird enthusiasts.
8. Nairobi to Mount Kenya National Park
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 175 km (109 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 1 hour
Travel Time:
- By Road: 3-4 hours
- By Air: 1 hour
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Mount Kenya National Park takes about 3-4 hours, passing through Thika and Nanyuki.
- By Air: Flights from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip take about 1 hour.
Activities in Mount Kenya:
- Mountain Climbing: Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, offers several climbing routes for both experienced climbers and beginners.
- Game Viewing: The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, and several species of antelope.
- Bird Watching: The diverse habitats of Mount Kenya support a wide range of bird species.
- Fishing: The park’s rivers and lakes are popular spots for trout fishing.
9. Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 160 km (100 miles)
- By Air: Roughly 30 minutes
Travel Time:
- By Road: 2.5-3 hours
- By Air: 30 minutes
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park takes about 2.5-3 hours, passing through Nyeri.
- By Air: Charter flights are available to Mweiga Airstrip, taking about 30 minutes.
Activities in Aberdare:
- Game Viewing: Aberdare is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.
- The Ark and Treetops Lodges: Stay in these unique lodges, where you can watch wildlife from your room as they come to nearby waterholes.
- Waterfalls: The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, including Karuru and Gura Falls.
- Bird Watching: With over 250 species recorded, Aberdare is a great destination for bird lovers.
10. Nairobi to Hell’s Gate National Park
Distance:
- By Road: Approximately 90 km (56 miles)
- By Air: Not applicable
Travel Time:
- By Road: 1.5-2 hours
Getting There:
- By Road: The drive to Hell’s Gate from Nairobi takes about 1.5-2 hours via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
Activities in Hell’s Gate:
- Hiking and Rock Climbing: Hell’s Gate is famous for its towering cliffs, gorges, and geothermal activity, offering excellent hiking and rock climbing opportunities.
- Biking Safaris: Rent a bike and explore the park’s trails, spotting wildlife such as zebras, gazelles, and giraffes.
- Hot Springs: Relax in the park’s natural hot springs, a unique feature of this geothermal area.
- Cultural Visits: Learn about the Maasai culture and traditions from local communities living near the park.
Booking Your Safari from Nairobi
We understand that planning a safari can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. That’s where we come in! Our expert team can arrange everything for you, from transportation and accommodation to guided tours and activities. Whether you prefer a luxury lodge experience or a more budget-friendly camping adventure, we have options to suit every traveler.
How to Book:
- Contact Us: Reach out to our team via phone, email, or through our website to discuss your safari preferences.
- Tailored Packages: We offer a range of safari packages from Nairobi, each tailored to different interests and budgets.
- Flexible Itineraries: Choose from our pre-designed itineraries or let us create a custom safari plan just for you.
Travel Options:
- By Road: We provide comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers to take you to your safari destination.
- By Air: Prefer to fly? We can arrange charter flights to most of the major national parks from Nairobi.
Why Choose Us?
- Experience: With years of experience in organizing safaris, we know the ins and outs of Kenya’s top parks.
- Personalized Service: We pride ourselves on offering personalized service, ensuring that your safari experience is unforgettable.
- Safety and Comfort: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We only work with trusted partners to provide the best possible experience.
Kenya offers a wealth of safari experiences, each unique in its own way. Whether you’re looking to witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara, watch elephants roam beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, or explore the rugged landscapes of Samburu, there’s something for every nature lover. And with Nairobi as your starting point, these incredible adventures are just a short journey away. Let us take care of the details—just contact us, and we’ll make your dream safari a reality.