Nairobi National Park Kenya: Nairobi Park Safari

 

Nairobi National Park is one of the most charming national parks in the world. Globally, Nairobi National Park is the only wildlife park found close to the city, it’s just around 7km drive from Nairobi city center!

Kenya Nairobi National Park holds a varied wildlife population including the largest population of endangered Black Rhino species in the world. Other wild animals in Nairobi park include Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Leopards, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Gazelles, and Zebras,  which are spotted in stunning thick woods, scattered acacia trees, a riverine forest, and open grasslands against a beautiful backdrop of skyscrapers in Nairobi city & landing planes.

The wetland areas of National Park Nairobi sustain large bird species rising over 400 birds and this total is greater than that in the whole of the UK.

Travelers on Nairobi National Park safari tours can enjoy numerous tourist activities however, safari drives can’t be missed! Other activities include; bird watching, game walks, plus a tour to Nairobi Animal Orphanage Center.

Though it’s possible to self-drive while on a Kenya safari in Nairobi park, traveling with a tour operator offers the best game viewing experience as they know the best tracks to use during game viewing expeditions.

Contact us for a rewarding Kenya wildlife safari trip in Nairobi park.

Quick Facts About Nairobi National Park

1. Location: Kenya
2. Nearest capital city: Nairobi city
3. Coordinates: 1°22′24″S 36°51′32″E
4. Size: Park covers 117.21km2 with an electric fence on the west, east plus the northern boundaries
5. National Park Established: It was officially opened in 1946, and it became Kenya’s first national park in
6. Governing body: Kenya’s Wildlife Service
7. Climate: Dry climate
8. Altitude: Ranges around 1,533 to 1,760m above sea level

Nairobi National Park Location- Where is Nairobi National Park Located

Nairobi National Park is situated approximately 7km from Nairobi capital city of Kenya and around 10km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Top Tourist Attractions in Nairobi National Park Kenya

Things to see in Nairobi park are many but, wild animals, birds, Kifaru Ark, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and Ivory Burning Site Monument are hard to miss by tourists in this park.

The main attractions in Nairobi Park in Kenya;

1. Wild Animals in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi park is home to around 100 animal species with over 39 Lions, and 90 Black Rhinos, among others. This park- the only wildlife park in the city) holds 4 of the Big Five animals in Africa (Lions, Black Rhinoceros, Buffalos, and Leopards), except Elephants.

Other animal species in Nairobi park include Blue Wildebeests, Plain Zebras, spotted Hyenas, Thomson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Cheetahs, Hippos, Hartebeests, Common Eland, Impalas, Warthogs, and Olive Baboons, etc.

A game drive offers the best game viewing experience in Nairobi Game Park.

2. Colorful Birds in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi park is a bliss for birding safaris with about 520 bird species recorded, and seasonal European migrants. Bird lovers in this park will spot a high diversity of bird species during safari drives but in some parts, game walking safaris are possible.

The notable bird species in Nairobi park to search for are; grey-crowned cranes, Kori bustard, Lesser kestrel, Ostriches, Secretary birds, Vultures, and many others.

Seasonal European migrants are present from November-April and the beautiful Jackson’s widow bird displays from March-May.

3. Ivory Burning Site Monument

The Ivory burning monument marks the place where Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi burned ivory to send a message to poachers to stop killing and abducting wildlife and also stop the ivory trade.

4. Black Rhinoceros in Nairobi Park

Among Kenya’s national parks, Nairobi park is the best spot where visitors can be certain to spot the endangered Black Rhino during a game-viewing adventure in their natural habitat. This first park in Kenya is one of the most successful Rhinoceros sanctuaries in East Africa. It ranks among the greatest secure sanctuaries in the world!

Only a few parks in Kenya have Black Rhinos.

5. The Walking Trails at Hippo Pools

The walking trails to the Hippo pools start from the picnic area following River Athi banks. This scenic hiking trail is patrolled by Kenya Wildlife Service rangers and it’s one of the few areas where walking safaris are allowed in this park.

6. Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Nairobi Animal Orphanage is found within Nairobi park and it acts as a treatment and rehabilitation center for animals. This orphanage center for animals holds Leopards, Cheetahs, Lions, Giraffes, African Buffalos, Serval cats, warthogs, Jackals, Hyenas, Baboons, the rare Sokoke cats, and others hurt mostly by poachers.

This area also boasts amazing bird species such as Parrots, Ostriches, Crowned cranes, and even Guinea fowls.

It’s a great site to see a diverse wildlife population on a close up unlike during a game drive.

Unique Tourist Activities in Nairobi National Park, Best Things to Do in Nairobi National Park

Below are the best safari activities in Nairobi park;

1. Game Drives

Game driving is a half-day safari expedition in Nairobi Game Park and offers an incredible game-viewing experience. These drives are done usually in the company of an experienced guide with vast knowledge about the park wildlife. In stunning open savannah plains and woodland, you’ll drive looking out for the big five members in the park namely; the Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, and Rhinos.

Others include Hippos, Gazelles, Zebra, Giraffes, wildebeest, Baboons, Hartebeest, Elands, and Spotted Hyenas, among others.

Lions are easily spotted on morning drives sometimes lying near the road on the road or while hunting.

2. Bird Watching in Nairobi Park

Nairobi park is recorded to host over 520 species of birds. Among these are 8 species of known to be endemic in Kenya Mountains, 27 species in Somali- the Maasai biome as well as 67 species known to dwell in African Highlands. Migratory species have also been sighted in this first park in Kenya.

While birding in Nairobi park, be expectant to spot; the Lesser Kestrel, Malagasy pond heron, Jackson’s Widowbird, Red-throated Tit, the rare Corncrake as well as the Shoebill.

This park shouldn’t be missed by bird lovers on Kenya birding tours.

3. The Nairobi Safari Walk

The Nairobi safari walk is about 2.5km long within Nairobi NP. This scenic wooden walk takes you through various ecosystems (savannah plains, wetlands, as well as dry highland forest) while spotting game animals.

During this game-viewing adventure, be expectant to see rare animal species such as the Bongo, Albino zebra, White Rhinos, big cats, and Antelopes as well as amazing primates such as Baboons. The area also boasts over 150 local tree species.

It’s a great activity for children and even photo shooting. Travelers on family safaris in Kenya should never miss this adventure!

Other Safari Activities in Nairobi Park for Tourists

1. Exploring the Ivory Burning Site Monument
2. Visiting Nairobi animal orphanage
3. Exploring the walking trails at Hippo Pools
4. Exploring Mbagathi River- a beautiful permanent river within this park

Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park- Which Month is Best for Nairobi National Park Safari?

The dry season (June to September) offers the best game viewing experience in Nairobi par however, Kenya safari tours in this park remain possible all year round. Also, December, January and February are ideal months.

Game watching is wonderful during the dry months as most game animals tend to gather around water sources thus, easy to spot them.

During rainy months- March to May and October to November, rains can interfere with the safari drives and grass is usually high thus, affecting game viewing.

How to Get to Nairobi National Park?

Nairobi park has 7 gateways of which 2 are for KWS service use only. Among these gates include KWS headquarters (main gate), Langata Gate, Mbagathi Gate- (service gate), Langata Road, Maasai Gate, plus Banda Gate- service gate.

By road, Nairobi NP is roughly 7km drive from Nairobi city center & 10km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

By air, you can fly to Jomo Kenyatta Airport or Wilson Airport, then connect to the main gate

Note: 2WD vehicles can be used to travel to Nairobi Game Park during the dry season but, we suggest 4WD safari vehicles in the wet season.

Accommodation in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi park accommodation boasts various high-quality accommodation options including those located in the park and those outside all offering services that suit travelers’ budgets. Inside the park, there is the Nairobi Tented Camp.

Other hotels, lodges, and camps outside Nairobi park include; African Heritage House, Acacia Camp Swara Plains, Ole Sereni Hotel, Emakoko Lodge, Eka Hotel, and Panari Hotel.

FAQs About Nairobi National Park Safari Tour

1.     What is special about Nairobi National Park? :  Why is Nairobi National Park famous?

Nairobi park is famous for being the only protected area in the world located close to the city center. Among other game animals, Nairobi park holds 4 of the African Big Five except the Elephant. It’s easy to combine safari tours in this park area with other parks & national reserves in Kenya. The other parks include Lake Nakuru & Amboseli park.

2.     Is Nairobi National Park Worth It?

Nairobi park safari tour is worth undertaking due to a range of amazing activities in this park for instance, wildlife watching and searching for the big five- Lions, Buffalos, Leopards, and Rhinoceros. Others include large herds of Zebras, Masai Giraffe, Hippos, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Wildebeests plus diverse birdlife.

3.     What are the Big Five in Nairobi National Park?

This park holds the big five such as Buffalos, Rhinoceros, Leopards, and Leopards except for Elephants. Other mammal species in Kenya’s Nairobi park are; Common Elands, Zebras, Gazelles, Cheetahs, and Blue Wildebeests, etc.

Those interested in seeing the baby Elephant can visit David Sheldrick Trust Orphanage, situated close to the park’s main entrance gate.

4.     How Much Is the Entry Fee for Nairobi National Park?

The entrance fee to Nairobi park for foreign nonresidents is $43 for adults and $22 for children under age 12.

5.     Can I Walk Around Nairobi National Park?

Since Nairobi NP has various walking trails, walking safaris are possible. Among the common walking trails is the walking trails at Hippo Pools.

6.     What Is the Cheapest Way to Visit Nairobi National Park?

If you have your vehicle, self-drives can be the best way to explore this world’s only Wildlife Capital- Nairobi park on budget. Also, opt to come for group tours as it allows cost sharing and always book through local tour operators rather than international agents.

7.     Can I Self Drive in Nairobi Park?

Self-drives are possible in Nairobi park. You are cautioned to follow park rules and even park officials who are appointed to protect wildlife & the environment. The officials restrict game drives from 6 am to 6 pm.

Nairobi park is a great place for travelers interested in undertaking Kenya wildlife safaris but with a limited time! Within this world’s only wildlife capital, you’ll enjoy game watching and also explore wonderful tourist attractions such as the Ivory Burning Site Monument,

For travelers interested in combined safari tours in Kenya, Nairobi park tours can be easily supplemented to other parks in this country.

Contact our travel specialist with any inquiries about safaris in Kenya.