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Kenya's National Reserves

Discover 27 community-centered conservation areas where local communities and wildlife coexist harmoniously. Our national reserves represent Kenya's pioneering approach to collaborative conservation, balancing ecological protection with community livelihoods.

27
National Reserves
12,500
km² Protected
150+
Community Partners
85
Livelihood Programs
Bisanadi National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Bisanadi National Reserve

None
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Mixed
Official KWS conservation area: Bisanadi National Reserve
Boni National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Boni National Reserve

Lamu
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
National reserve in Lamu county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Diani-Chale Marine Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Diani-Chale Marine Reserve

Kwale
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Marine
Protecting coral reefs and seagrass beds along one of Kenya's most beautiful beaches, balancing conservation with sustainable tourism.
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Kakamega Forest National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

None
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Mixed
Official KWS conservation area: Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Kakamega National Reserve

Kakamega
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Forest
National reserve in Kakamega county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Kiunga Marine National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Kiunga Marine National Reserve

None
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Mixed
Official KWS conservation area: Kiunga Marine National Reserve
Kiunga Marine Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Kiunga Marine Reserve

Lamu
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Marine
Northern Kenya's marine reserve protecting pristine coral reefs and supporting traditional fishing communities through sustainable management practices.
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Lake Bogoria National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Baringo
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Wetland
National reserve in Baringo county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Maasai Mara National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Narok
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
World-famous for the Great Migration and exceptional wildlife viewing
Management Authority
Narok County Government
Malindi Marine National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Malindi Marine National Reserve

Kilifi
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Marine
Large marine reserve protecting extensive coral reef systems and supporting sustainable fishing activities in buffer zones.
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Marsabit National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Marsabit National Reserve

Marsabit
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Forest
National reserve in Marsabit county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Masai Mara National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Masai Mara National Reserve

Narok
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
World-famous migration spectacle
Management Authority
Narok County Government
Mpunguti Marine National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Mpunguti Marine National Reserve

Kwale
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Marine
Kenya's southernmost marine reserve, famous for its pristine coral reefs, resident dolphin pods, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Mt. Kenya National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Mt. Kenya National Reserve

Meru
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Forest
National reserve in Meru county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Mwea National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Mwea National Reserve

None
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Mixed
Official KWS conservation area: Mwea National Reserve
Mwingi Game Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Mwingi Game Reserve

None
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Mixed
Official KWS conservation area: Mwingi Game Reserve
Nasolot National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Nasolot National Reserve

None
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Mixed
Official KWS conservation area: Nasolot National Reserve
Rahole National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Rahole National Reserve

Garissa
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
National reserve in Garissa county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Samburu National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
Unique northern species and riverine ecosystem
Management Authority
Samburu County Government
Shimba Hills National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Kwale
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Forest
Official KWS conservation area: Shimba Hills National Reserve
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
South Kitui National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

South Kitui National Reserve

Kitui
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
National reserve in Kitui county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
South Turkana National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

South Turkana National Reserve

Turkana
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Savannah
National reserve in Turkana county providing habitat for diverse wildlife
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
Watamu Marine National Reserve
National Reserve
Good

Watamu Marine National Reserve

Kilifi
Area: Unknown
Type: Reserve
Ecosystem: Marine
Part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this marine reserve provides buffer zone protection for the adjacent marine national park.
Management Authority
Kenya Wildlife Service
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National Reserves Map

Discover the locations of Kenya's national reserves and their community conservation initiatives.

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Map Legend
Conservation Area Types
National Parks
National Reserves
Conservancies
Marine Protected Areas
Ecosystem Types
Savannah Grasslands
Montane Forests
Coastal & Marine
Arid & Semi-Arid
Map Controls
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Community Conservation Success

Community Ownership

Over 150 community partnerships ensure local ownership and sustainable management of conservation areas, creating lasting benefits for both wildlife and communities.

85% Community Satisfaction

Economic Impact

National reserves generate over KSh 12 billion annually through sustainable tourism, directly supporting over 50,000 community members through employment and revenue sharing.

KSh 12B Annual Revenue

Conservation Results

Community-led conservation has led to 40% increase in wildlife populations over the past decade, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative approaches.

+40% Wildlife Increase

Reserve Management Models

Community Partnerships
Joint management with local communities
65%
Government Managed
Direct KWS management
25%
Private Conservancies
Private sector initiatives
10%

Reserve Insights

78%
Community-Managed Areas
Majority of national reserves operate under community or joint management models.
650K
Annual Visitors
Supporting community livelihoods through sustainable eco-tourism revenue.
45
Active Programs
Community development and conservation programs across all reserves.

Support Community Conservation

Join us in supporting community-led conservation initiatives that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Your partnership helps strengthen the bond between conservation and community development.