Wondering about where to go camping in Kenya? We’ve handpicked some of the best camping sites in Kenya to help make the selection a little easier for you.
Kenya is home to some of the enthralling camping sites in
Africa. Whether with friends, family or with colleagues, the East African
nation has endless options for connecting with flora and fauna. Welcoming
sounds, favorable temperatures, charming sceneries all elevate hiking, mountain
biking, fishing, picnics, and a lot more to a whole new level.
Before making your travel arrangements, and setting off to
any of the most exciting camping sites, your first starts with sufficient
research on some of the available camping sites. Listed below are some of the
most fascinating places to go camping in Kenya.
Fascinating places to go camping in Kenya
1. Amboseli National Park
If you are all about the views, then Amboseli national park
is among the numerous gems southern Kenya has to offer. The most recognizable
feature of this park is breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which takes
the honors for Africa’s tallest mountain. The 392 square kilometers park is
home to various wildlife and campsites spread across the plains and the vast
lake Amboseli.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers an area of 1,510
square kilometers and is located along the southwestern border with Tanzania.
It is home to the annual wildebeest migration, one of the most breathtaking
natural wonders. The park is host to eight official campsites; five of those
are open to the public with the remaining three operated by professional tour
operators.
3. Tsavo East National Park
The park is among the oldest and largest in the country, and
its multi-faceted geography makes it among the most diverse in the world. With
an impressive land area of 13,747 square kilometers, the Tsavo East National
Park is home to numerous camping sites catering for different tastes and
preferences. These facts make it ideal for family, couples, colleagues camping.
4. Tsavo West National Park
Bordering the Tsavo East National Park, the park is home to
scenic views and numerous species of flora and fauna the Tsavo has to offer.
Located in the Southeastern part of the country and with a land area of 9,065
square kilometers, the park is also home to over ten camping sites and lodges.
All these offer a variety depending on the number of campers, budget, and
intended duration of stay.
5. Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is located some 38 Kilometers or 23 miles north
of Nakuru town. It is known for the numerous hot springs and flamingos, some of
the most iconic birds. Besides the exhilarating camping sites along the lake’s
shores, the Lake Bogoria National Reserve is home to scenic views of the lake
and the surrounding hills.
6. Shaba National Reserve
The reserve is located in the northeastern part of the
country and is a perfect way to enjoy scenic views of wildlife and tons of fun
activities. It qualifies being labeled a gem, and enjoying it will be
incomplete without an excellent camping session. That is catered for by several
camping sites open to public as well as those by private tour operators.
7. Samburu National Reserve
When looking for something fun to do outdoors, the name
Samburu will trigger your curiosity. It is located in the southeast of Samburu
sub-county in the famous rift valley. The national reserve covers an area of
165 square kilometers and has fascinating camping sites in northern Kenya.
8. Narok
Narok is a county located 108 kilometers from Nairobi and is
home to the Maasai and Kalenjin people, two of the most recognizable
communities in Kenya. The county is home to the Maasai mara national reserve,
numerous camping sites, and lodges. These offer camping options depending on
tastes, preferences, budgeting, and duration of stay.
9. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya is the second largest mountain in Africa and
undisputedly the most iconic landscape in Kenya. Located in the central part of
the country the Mount Kenya National Park covers an area of 715 square
kilometers. With so much to do or see, certainly not within a day, the park has
several camping spots in the wild or lodges.
All these offer a lasting connection with the countless
experiences that Nature has to offer. It is imperative noting that all these
can be enjoyed from different angles or access points.
10. Meru National Park
Established in 1966, Meru National Park is located east of
Meru and covers an impressive 870 square kilometers. The park receives enough
rainfall, which makes it a thriving ecosystem; this makes the connection with
Nature interesting. The famous Elsa the lioness was raised in the park. This
was made possible by the help of two conservationists George and Joy Adamson.
Whether visiting the park for leisure or bonding purposes,
you don’t have to leave. The park offers ample and secure spaces for camping.
11. Mara North Conservancy
The conservancy is located in the North of Maasai Mara
National Reserve. It plays an imperative role in ensuring the continuity of
life of especially the threatened species of wildlife. Over 800 and some eleven
camps are tasked with the all-important duty of taking care of the conservancy.
The Mara North Conservancy offers a rare and exciting chance
of connecting with Nature as well as the communities living in the area.
12. Iten
Far from wildlife, Iten is a town located in the rift valley
and is the main town of the Elgeyo Marakwet county. Though smaller compared to
other big towns or cities in Kenya, Iten’s name is firmly placed in history
books for producing some of the best long-distance runners in the world. The
town’s elevation stands at an impressive 2,400 meters, making it an excellent
training ground for some of the best athletes.
Nicknamed the home of champions, the town has been
attracting sports tourists from across the globe. Besides the sports aspect of
it, the town has picturesque views as a result of its high elevation. If you
are not planning to leave within a day of your arrival, the home of champions
has several camping spots.
13. Chogoria
Chogoria is in the eastern of Kenya in Tharaka Nithi, and it
is located off the Meru Nairobi highway. Nothing beats a night chit chat over a
bonfire over a natural connection with Nature. Located close to the Mount Kenya
National Park, Chogoria offers ideal campsites offered by both established and
upcoming hosts.
14. Nanyuki
Just like any other majestic mountain, Mount Kenya has a lot
to offer, Nanyuki is located in Nyeri county. The town provides fascinating
sceneries of the mountain and wildlife all these under the windy but welcoming
weather. Besides the nearby Mount Kenya National Park, the town has
breathtaking views of the vast Laikipia Plateau.
Nanyuki has, in the last several years, witnessed a rise in
the growth of the hospitality industry. That has made various camping sites available,
depending on budget, among other factors.
15. Naro Moru
Relatively smaller than Nanyuki, Naro Moru is located
between Nyeri and Nanyuki towns. The town’s economy is heavily dependent on
tourism courtesy of its proximity to the Mount Kenya National Park. Despite its
relatively small size, the town, and its environs host various lodges and
camping sites.
16. Rusinga Island
When talking about great places to go camping in Kenya,
skipping Rusinga Island is an injustice to this gem. The island is located in
Western Kenya and the eastern part of the largest freshwater lake in Africa,
specifically the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria. It stretches 10 miles with 3
miles across at the broadest area.
Accessible through Mbita, the island is home to the best
views of the lake at any given time of day. The best among camping spots are
accessible through lodges and hotels spread across the island. It is imperative
contacting your preferred host when making the necessary arrangements.
17. The Aberdares
The Aberdares comprises of the Aberdares ranges and
the Aberdares National Park. The ranges are categorized by mountain ranges
complete with a fascinating rainforest hiking trail. On the other hand,
Aberdares National Park offers a wide range of charming views of flora/fauna
and a chance of connecting with them.
The Aberdares vastness makes it possible to host numerous
hotels and lodges, all located in either Nyeri and Nyandarua counties. The
variety makes it possible to settle on ideal products depending on the desired
goals.
18. Shimba Hills National Reserve
Compared to other parks or national reserves in the coastal
region, the Shimba Hills National Reserve covers a land area of 192.5 square
kilometers. But that does not mean it can’t match its competitors on the best
views and hospitality. The reserve’s vegetation consists of grassland,
woodland, and coastal rainforest.
Shimba Hills National Reserve makes camping possible for
different members of the public through the available hotels, lodges, or
private camping.
19. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
Another gem in the Lake region, the Kisumu
Impala Sanctuary, is home to some species of animals under special care.
The sanctuary is home to several lodges and hotels, making it among the best to
host corporate camping as well as private ones.
20. Sibiloi National Park
Established in 1973, the Siboloi national park is located in
the northeastern shorelines of Lake Turkana. The park was established to
protect the activities of the paleontologists working there as well as the
wildlife. Should you be planning to experience a relaxing blend with Nature,
the park has several ideal camping spots.
The country is home to inexhaustible camping options, and
several factors should inform your choice. They include whom you will be
traveling with, budget, location, and among others, time. Listed above are 20
great places to go camping in Kenya.
There you have it: 20 of the best camping sites in Kenya. Now the ball is on your court. Take time to compare your options to find out what works for you and what doesnt. After all, the sites are diverse enough to fit varying tastes and needs.