Nairobi National Park Facts: Your Urban Safari
Did you know that the Nairobi National Park is the only park in the world where you can spot a lion with the city skyline in the background? Or that it’s one of the few places where you can still see the critically endangered black rhino roaming free?
Hi, I am Ian Waruingi, a safari guide with AJ Kenya Safaris, and these are the kind of facts I love to point out when I’m out on game drives.
Over the years, I’ve collected so many fascinating tidbits about the park, and today I’d like to share some of my favorites with you.
But first, here’s where to reach us should you want to book a safari with us
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Call/ WhatsApp: +254-719-222-430 or +254-704-532-105
Nairobi National Park Facts
What are the Nairobi National Park facts you should know? Here are things that will make you understand Nairobi National Park better:
Prime Location: Only 9.4 kilometers (4 miles) from Nairobi’s city center, the park’s location makes it perfect for a day trip or a longer wildlife adventure.
Big Size: 117 square kilometers (45 square miles) of space for animals to roam free in their natural habitat.
Rhino Sanctuary: Internationally recognized as a black rhino sanctuary, the park plays a critical role in the protection of this endangered species. Keep an eye out for them during your game drive in Nairobi.
Home to the Big Four: While the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) are the classic safari experience, Nairobi National Park has four of these: lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino- the Big Four. To see the elephant, I recommend you combine your Nairobi National Park safari with a visit to David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage located inside the park.
Bird Paradise: For bird lovers, birdwatching in Nairobi is a must, with over 400 bird species recorded in the park. It’s a birding Kenya gem.
Diverse Landscapes: Beyond wildlife, the park has rich and varied landscapes: open grasslands and patches of acacia woodland.
Conservation History: Inside the park you’ll find the ivory burning site, a symbol of Kenya’s commitment to anti-poaching and conservation in Nairobi National Park. This site was first used by the late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi to burn 12 tons of ivory in 1989 and later by the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to burn 105 tons of ivory in 2016. Learn more about Kenya’s conservation efforts at the Kenya Wildlife Service website.
Experiencing Nairobi National Park: Engaging Activities
Beyond the traditional game drive, there are numerous engaging things to do in Nairobi National Park to enhance your visit and create lasting memories. I usually recommend that my guests explore the following activities and sites.
The Nairobi Safari Walk: Approximately 2.5kilometers long, this guided walking tour offers intimate encounters with animals like primates, big cats, reptiles, and so much more. It takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the group’s pace and how often we stop to observe animals.
The Animal Orphanage: Visit the park’s dedicated animal orphanage, which provides care and rehabilitation for rescued and orphaned wild animals, often offering heartwarming encounters.
Picnic Amidst Nature: Enjoy a relaxing meal surrounded by the park’s natural beauty at designated picnic spots, offering a unique dining experience. Some of my favorites picnic spots are the Mokoiyet Picnic Spot, Impala Observation Point, the Ivory Burning Site, and the Kingfisher Picnic Spot.
Photography Adventures: Capture the breathtaking scenery and the diverse array of Nairobi animals and vibrant birdlife, creating lasting visual memories.
Planning Your Adventure: Essential Visitor Information
When planning your Nairobi day trip or longer stay, keep these important facts about Nairobi National Park in mind:
The best time to visit Nairobi National Park for:
- Wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to September and January to February)
- Birdwatching is during the wet season (November to April). This period coincides with the arrival of migratory birds from North Africa and Europe.
- Photography is also during the dry season. The dry, clear weather with minimal dust provides excellent conditions for photography.
- A more private safari experience is during the wet season (low season). Accommodation is also more affordable during this time.
Entry Fees: Here are the most up-to-date park entry fees.
Kenyan Citizens | Adults | Children |
430 | 215 | |
East Africans (Residents of EAC member Countries) | Adults | Children |
430 | 215 | |
Non-Residents (International Visitors) | Adults | Children |
$43 | $22 | |
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Opening Hours: The park opens early in the morning (6 am) and closes in the late afternoon (6 pm). Always check the exact opening hours before you arrive.
Accommodation: Lodging is not common within the main park but there are many excellent lodges and hotels near Nairobi National Park to suit all budgets and preferences. You can check options and book through reputable platforms like Booking.com.
Connecting to the Wider Ecosystem: Kenya and African Safaris
Nairobi National Park is part of the bigger safari in Kenya experience and contributes to the rich wildlife parks in Kenya. Its urban setting offers an accessible and exciting introduction to African safaris. The park is connected to the larger Athi-Kapiti ecosystem and shows the importance of the seasonal Kitengela plains migration, the movement of wildlife across the region.
About the Author
Hi there? My name is Ian Waruingi, a KPSGA-certified guide and tour consultant for AJ Kenya Safaris. I’ve been to Nairobi National Park more times than I can count, planned countless tours here, and witnessed unforgettable moments (like did you know wildebeests can walk within minutes of birth? That one caught me by surprise!).
I’ve also watched baby elephants at the orphanage slurp down bottles of milk, chase each other around in the dust, and melt the hearts of everyone watching.
These moments, big and small, are why I absolutely adore this park, and I can’t wait to help you experience it for yourself.
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