Nairobi National Park, Kenya: A Kenyan Safari in the City
Hi there! I am Ian Waruingi, a certified KPSGA tour guide and consultant with AJ Kenya Safaris. For more than a decade, I’ve had the honour of calling Nairobi National Park my ‘office’. I’ve seen it at its best, when the plains are green and teeming with wildlife- and at its wildest (like the time a herd of elephants blocked our van for 30 minutes).
I’ve also met many of its wild residents and even made a few animal friends along the way.
All that to say, I know my way around this park and I’ve packed this guide with everything you need to enjoy it like a pro.
If you’d like me and the AJ Kenya Safaris team to plan your visit;
Call/ WhatsApp us at +254-704-532-105 or +254-719-222-430
Or send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected]
Why Nairobi National Park is a Must Visit
Here’s why I think you’ll love Nairobi National Park as much as I do.
The Park Just a Stone’s Throw from the City
The park is located only 9.4km away from Nairobi, which makes it easily accessible for international tourists and local residents who want to get into nature fast.
P.S: At AJ Kenya Safaris, we pick guests from the airport or Nairobi hotel when they book our Nairobi Park safari packages.
The park is surprisingly Diverse
Despite its size, the park has a good population of wildlife. It is home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras. The park also has a rhino sanctuary which plays a critical role in black rhino conservation.
A Birder’s Paradise
For those who love birds, the park is a destination, with over 400 recorded bird species, making birdwatching in Kenya a real treat within its boundaries. Common species to spot include the Ostrich, Kori Bustard, secretary bird, grey crowned crane and the martial eagle.
Committed to Conservation
The park is a key player in wildlife conservation especially for the critically endangered black rhinoceros, giving them a safe haven to thrive. The current population of black rhinos in the park is 101, while that of southern white rhinos is 11.
Planning Your Nairobi National Park Trip
To have a smooth and memorable visit to Nairobi National Park consider the following:
Entry Fees: Nairobi National Park entry fees vary depending on your residency and age. For example in 2025, the fee for non-resident adults is USD 43 and for children it is USD 22. Please check the official website of the Kenya National Parks Service for the latest and accurate pricing.
Getting There: Nairobi National Park is about 9.4km (6 miles) south of Nairobi’s city center, you can get there by private vehicle or through organized Nairobi National Park tours.
P.S: The main gate (Lang’ata Gate) is the best and most convenient way to access the park. It is more developed and provides easy access to areas like the animal orphanage and safari walk.
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons from June to October and January to February are the best for wildlife viewing. During these periods the vegetation is less and animals congregate around water sources. However the park offers great wildlife encounters throughout the year.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily including weekends and public holidays. Our guides recommend an early morning game drive when the animals are most active.
Nairobi National Park: Activities
The park has various activities to suit different interests and time frames. Here are some of the best I’d recommend you try:
Game Drives are the ultimate park experience, where you can drive through the different landscapes to see the park’s wildlife. You can opt for self-drive or a Nairobi National Park guided tour.
Nairobi Safari Walk: This elevated boardwalk offers great views of animals in semi-natural habitats. It’s an intimate and educational wildlife experience on foot.
Visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage: Located within the park, this facility takes care of injured, orphaned and rescued animals. A great experience for families and those interested in conservation.
Ivory Burning Site: A historic landmark that serves as a reminder of Kenya’s commitment to combating the ivory trade and protecting elephants.
Picnics: Designated picnic areas in the park offer beautiful spots to have a meal in the middle of the African bush.
Photography: The park’s scenery and wildlife is a photographer’s paradise.
Wildlife
During your visit, keep an eye out for:
Mammals: The park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species (eland, hartebeest and wildebeest) and baboons.
Rhinos: The park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
Birds: the park hosts over 400 bird species including ostriches, vultures, eagles and small colorful birds. Depending on the season you might also see migratory species like the European bee eater, Barn swallow, and the Yellow Wagtail.
Accommodation and Nearby Stays
Lodging within Nairobi National Park is limited but there are many great hotels that offer convenience and comfort. For a real safari experience stay at Nairobi Tented Camp or Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm.
The Bigger Picture
Nairobi National Park is part of the larger Athi-Kapiti ecosystem. The Kitengela plains to the south are a crucial dispersal area for wildlife, so you can see how the whole region is connected. Understanding this bigger picture makes you appreciate the park’s importance in conservation. For more on dispersal areas read resources from the Wildlife Foundation.
About the Author
Ian was born into the travel industry to parents owing a local travel company in coastal Kenya. His affair with the industry began at the tender age of six, and nothing has simmered it down since. He has a deep appreciation for nature and it is this passion that has seen him tour countries such as Mexico, Thailand, Italy and England.
He has an eye for beauty and a heart for breathtaking sceneries. You can feel the energy in the way he talks about his motherland Kenya. He enjoys relaxing and having a cold can of beer on hot evenings along the shore of the Indian Ocean, hiking Mt. Kenya with his dog Tommy and taking a bus to nowhere.