What it is
A small, flat park below the Tanzanian border, built around swamps fed by meltwater from Kilimanjaro. Much of the rest is dry lakebed that throws up dust all afternoon.
Why go
These elephant families have been studied continuously since 1972 and are completely relaxed around vehicles, so sightings are long and close, including big bulls. In the dry months the swamps hold them in one place.
When to go
June to October and January to February. The mountain is behind cloud for most of the day year-round; your chances are the first hour of light and the last. Predator viewing is thin next to the Mara, so come for elephants and the view and take lions as a bonus. About four hours by road from Nairobi, or a short flight.
Most people stay 2 nights.