- Nairobi, Kenya
- Florida, U.S.A
Sepia Safari Africa takes you through the wild heart of Kenya….a journey through iconic wildlife sanctuaries.
Explore the diverse beauty, rich culture, and untamed wilderness of Kenya’s most celebrated national parks and reserves.
Why Kenya?
Kenya is more than a destination—it’s an experience. From the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya to the sun-drenched savannahs teeming with wildlife, this East African jewel offers an unmatched blend of biodiversity, scenic wonder, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re drawn by the legendary Big Five, rare birdlife, or captivating cultural encounters, Kenya’s national parks and reserves promise unforgettable memories at every turn.
A Wild Call to Adventure
Kenya doesn’t just let you see the wild—it lets you feel it. The thunder of hooves during the Great Migration, the stillness of a sunrise over savannah grasslands, and the flicker of a lion’s eyes in the twilight—these moments imprint forever on the soul.
So whether you’re a first-time traveler or a returning safari enthusiast, Kenya’s wild heart awaits. Pack your spirit of wonder, and let the adventure begin.
Samburu National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries—and the most popular game reserve in Northern Kenya. Its fame is owed to its remarkable variety of wildlife, diverse vegetation, and breathtaking landscapes.
Located approximately 350 km northeast of Nairobi, the reserve spans 165 km² and sits at an elevation of around 1,230 meters above sea level. The journey to this extraordinary destination takes travelers through Kenya’s fertile agricultural highlands and past the majestic Mount Kenya, the country’s highest peak and Africa’s second tallest.
Samburu is home to wildlife species rarely found in other Kenyan parks. Visitors have the rare opportunity to spot the elusive Beisa oryx, graceful gerenuk, striking reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and the thin-striped Grevy’s zebra.
The reserve also hosts the iconic big cats—lion, African leopard, and cheetah—as well as large populations of African bush elephants, Cape buffalo, olive baboons, gazelles, warthogs, hyenas, and many others.
For bird enthusiasts, Samburu is a haven, with over 350 recorded species. These include the northern red-billed hornbill, yellow-necked spurfowl, helmeted guinea fowl, marabou stork, secretary bird, kori bustard, Verreaux’s eagle, bateleur eagle, superb starling, sunbirds, and numerous vultures.
Adding vitality to this arid savannah is the Ewaso Nyiro River, which winds through palm groves and riverine forests. This crucial water source supports both flora and fauna and is home to thriving populations of Nile crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
Samburu is also steeped in conservation history. It was here that legendary naturalists George and Joy Adamson raised their adopted lioness, Elsa, whose story inspired the beloved book and award-winning film Born Free.
For those eager to experience the soul of Northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is a top pick. The area offers a wide range of accommodations—from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly game camps—to suit all types of travelers.
Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya’s most prominent national parks—and the only one in the world located within a capital city. Aptly nicknamed “The World’s Wildlife Capital,” it offers nature lovers sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse vegetation—all against the surreal backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.
Just 7 kilometers south of Nairobi’s city center, the park holds the title of Kenya’s oldest national park, established in 1946—well before the country gained independence.
Covering about 117 km², Nairobi National Park is among the smallest in Kenya, and due to its size, it does not support elephant populations, which require vast grazing areas. However, its open grass plains, scattered acacia bushlands, riverine forests, and rocky gorges offer an impressive variety of habitats.
A key highlight of the park is its well-protected population of endangered black and white rhinos—making it one of the best places to encounter these iconic animals in Kenya. Other residents include lions, cheetahs, leopards, serval cats, hyenas, Cape buffalo, elands, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras, olive baboons, and many more.
What makes the park especially unique is the stunning contrast of wild animals roaming freely with a backdrop of skyscrapers—a visual unlike anywhere else in the world.
Visitors can enjoy more than just game drives. Nairobi National Park also offers walking trails, picnic sites, and even camping experiences. A visit here combines urban vibrance with true wilderness.
Adding to its cultural and conservation legacy, the park is home to the historic Ivory Burning Site, where in 1989, Kenya’s second president symbolically burned 12 tonnes of ivory to declare the country’s firm stance against poaching. This moment remains a globally recognized milestone in the fight for wildlife preservation.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s three premier wildlife sanctuaries and the exclusive home of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, the park lies approximately 156 km northwest of Nairobi and sits at an elevation of 1,754 meters above sea level. It is located beside the volcanic Lake Nakuru and boasts a rich variety of birdlife, most of which are aquatic species supported by the lake’s unique ecosystem. The park is home to over 400 bird species.
Over the years, Lake Nakuru has become one of the most visited parks in Kenya, attracting guests from around the world thanks to its abundant birdlife, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Initially designated as a bird sanctuary in 1961—especially for flamingos and pelicans—the park has continued to flourish as a hub for avian conservation.
Birds commonly sighted in the park include the fish eagle, white and grey herons, yellow-billed stork, marabou stork, Amacorp, and various species of sunbirds, among others.
In addition to birds, the park supports a thriving population of over one hundred black and white rhinoceroses, reinforcing its role in the preservation of endangered species.
Wildlife found in Lake Nakuru National Park includes lions, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, impalas, zebras, elands, Grant’s gazelles, Thomson’s gazelles, topis, and many more.
For accommodation, visitors can choose from a wide selection of game lodges and camps within the park, as well as classic hotels located just outside its borders.
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s three premier wildlife sanctuaries and serves as the gateway to the country’s southern wildlife circuit. Located approximately 204 km south of Nairobi, the park lies at an elevation ranging between 1,100 and 1,200 meters above sea level.
Amboseli is renowned for two main attractions. First, it offers stunning views of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s second-highest free-standing peak. Second, it is a prime location for viewing large herds of African bush elephants, including some of the last remaining “big tuskers” on the continent. The park spans 392 square kilometers, offering ample space for these majestic giants.
Wildlife sightings are abundant and diverse, with species such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, Cape buffalo, and a wide variety of gazelles. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 600 bird species that thrive in its marshy and savannah grasslands.
Amboseli’s landscapes range from open savanna and acacia woodlands to lush wetlands, making it a dynamic and ecologically rich habitat. Its global significance is recognized by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its value not just in Kenya but around the world.
Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, including several game lodges within the park and additional lodges and tented camps just outside its boundaries.
Maasai Mara National Reserve stands out as Kenya’s most iconic and wildlife-rich game reserve—and remains the country’s most visited destination by tourists.
It is globally renowned for exceptional game viewing and the world-famous Annual Great Migration, recognized as one of the new wonders of the natural world. During this spectacular event, thousands of wildebeest and other herbivores such as zebras make their dramatic journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.
Located approximately 224 km west of Nairobi, the reserve lies at an elevation ranging from 1,480 to 2,280 meters above sea level. It is part of the expansive Mara–Serengeti ecosystem and shares a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
For many travelers, the Maasai Mara is a must-visit destination. It arguably holds the largest concentration of wildlife among all of Kenya’s protected areas and among the top in Africa. The reserve is defined by sweeping savannahs, rolling hills, and the meandering Mara River—creating diverse landscapes that support a wide range of species.
The Maasai Mara is home to the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as abundant populations of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, topis, elands, ostriches, and countless bird species.
Spanning 1,510 square kilometers, the reserve also features stunning scenery, including the open plains and the dramatic Siria Escarpment. Key rivers such as the Talek and Sand Rivers feed into the Mara River, which is famous for the dramatic river crossings during the migration season.
Named after the indigenous Maasai people, the reserve reflects both cultural and ecological heritage.
Beyond exhilarating game drives, visitors can enjoy hot air balloon rides at sunrise—a truly unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Mara from above.
A wide range of accommodations is available both within and just outside the reserve, from luxury lodges to tented camps, suiting a variety of budgets and preferences.