Kenya safaris are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty and many ways to experience the country’s incredible wildlife. However, with so many options available, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. Do you want to see lions and elephants up close? Go off the road to explore more? Or visit a nature conservancy? In this post, we’ll explore the differences between national parks, game reserves and conservancies to help you decide which kind of safari experience you would like to go for during your holiday in Kenya.
National Parks In Kenya
National parks tend to be much larger than game reserves and conservancies. This means that they can provide homes to a vast number of wildlife and offer more variety in landscapes. A visit to a national park is perfect for those who want to see a wide range of animals in their natural habitat. Kenya has several national parks, including the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. You can even witness The Great Migration here.
However, there are some limitations to national parks. One is that you can only drive on designated roads, which means you may not be able to get as close to the wildlife as you would like. Additionally, if you are interested in more unconventional safari experiences, such as night drives or walking safaris, you may not be able to do these in a national park.
Game Reserves In Kenya
Game reserves are usually smaller and the safaris have a different terrain when compared to national parks. They also allow you to get closer to the wildlife and there are often fewer cars on the roads, hence a more private experience. Game reserves also tend to be more flexible than national parks, so there are more options for safari experiences. That means you can go on night drives or a walking safari or customize your game drive programs according to your preference. It’s important to note that game reserves are usually privately owned, which means they may be more expensive to visit than national parks. However, your experience in a game reserve is often worth the extra cost, and it’s the best option if you’re looking for a tailor-made travel experience.
Conservancies In Kenya
A conservancy is a piece of land set aside for conservation. This means that the primary purpose of a conservancy is to protect wildlife and the environment. In Kenya, conservancies are usually located adjacent to national parks so that you can enjoy similar wildlife-viewing opportunities. However, the main difference is that conservancies only allow a limited number of vehicles, which means you are less likely to see other tourists on safari. This provides a more intimate and private experience. That also means when there’s an animal sighting, you get to enjoy the moment without having many other vehicles crowding around yours.
When deciding whether to visit a national park, game reserve or conservancy on your Kenyan holiday, think about the kind of experience you’re looking for. A national park might be the best choice to see many different animals. Visiting a game reserve is a must if you want to get up close and personal with some of Kenya’s iconic animals. And if you’re looking for a more sustainable tourism option that benefits wildlife and local communities, then a conservancy might be the right choice.
Deciding On Which Type Of Park For Your Holiday In Kenya
We understand it might be hard to decide which are the best parks to visit. At Beyond Footprints, we help our clients plan a combination of experiences in various parks, reserves and conservancies. We’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable experience during your vacation to Kenya.
