10 Most Visited National Parks, Reserves In Kenya

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has revealed the 10 most visited national parks and reserves in 2024, derived from a report by the Tourism Research Institute.

According to the latest statistics from the Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report 2024, Nairobi Mini Orphanage recorded the highest number of tourist visits in Kenya, with a record 455,550 tourists paying a visit to the conservation site.

Kenya has successfully recovered from previous challenges that had impacted its tourism sector, now reporting significant growth in the industry.

Nairobi National Park — the only national park located within a major city globally — ranked second, drawing 431,165 visitors over the year. KWS credited the surge in numbers to strong collaborative conservation initiatives.

Lake Nakuru National Park came in third with 293,107 visitors. The park is famous for its rich biodiversity, especially the iconic flamingos that continue to attract both local and international tourists.

"With Nairobi Orphanage, Nairobi National Park, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary leading the charts, the numbers speak volumes about the growing love for our parks and the success of collaborative conservation efforts," KWS noted. 

Nairobi Safari Walk and Amboseli National Park claimed the fourth and fifth spots with 286,165 and 266,102 visitors respectively during the reporting period.

Trailing closely behind in sixth to tenth positions were Tsavo East National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, Kisite Marine Park, and Tsavo West National Park. These destinations all recorded rising visitor numbers, further reinforcing their reputation as top tourism hotspots.

Why Tourists Are Flocking In

The data shows that holiday and leisure travel was the primary driver of park visits, accounting for 44.2% of all entries. Business and conference-related visits followed at 26.9%, while 22% of visitors were in the country to see friends and family, highlighting the importance of regional and diaspora-linked travel.

Transit visitors made up 4.2%, while smaller segments included those visiting for education and religious purposes (1% each), as well as medical and work-related travel (0.4% each). Sports tourism also made an appearance at 0.3%, hinting at opportunities for niche market growth.

Kenya continues to attract tourists with its stunning diversity, from breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife to vibrant cultural experiences. One of its most iconic spectacles is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains, delivering one of the most dramatic wildlife shows on Earth.

Even within the hustle and bustle of the capital, Nairobi National Park offers an extraordinary experience, being home to the Big Five just minutes away from the city center.

In Summary: Most Visited National Parks & Reserves In Kenya

1. Nairobi Mini Orphanage – 455,550 visitors
2. Nairobi National Park – 431,165 visitors
3. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary – 309,728 visitors
4. Lake Nakuru National Park – 293,107 visitors
5. Nairobi Safari Walk – 286,165 visitors
6. Amboseli National Park – 266,102 visitors
7. Tsavo East National Park – 238,545 visitors
8. Hell's Gate National Park – 230,314 visitors
9. Kisite Marine Park – 96,634 visitors
10. Tsavo West National Park – 89,594 visitors