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Nairobi National Park Location: Where is the Wildlife Capital?

Have you been to Nairobi National Park? Do you know where Nairobi National Park is? If you have ever wondered where Nairobi National Park is, the answer is surprisingly in the heart of the city. This proximity has earned it the title of the wildlife capital Nairobi, for the best safari experiences. Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven that is situated on the southern side of Kenya’s capital city.

This image shows a herd of zebras grazing in Nairobi National Park
This image shows a herd of zebras grazing in Nairobi National Park

Geography: Where is it?

So where is Nairobi National Park exactly? Well, the answer lies in its super convenient location, one of the reasons it’s the wildlife capital of nairobi. Below we have the geographical coordinates that make this urban wildlife haven so special.

  • South of Nairobi: The park’s northern boundary is only 6km (4 miles) south of Nairobi’s city centre. This proximity means you can do a Nairobi national park safari without having to travel far.
  • Two Counties: The park spans across two administrative areas, Nairobi and Machakos counties.
  • Close to Airports: Its proximity to major airports, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport, makes it a great first or last stop for tourists looking to experience Kenyan wildlife.

Good Road Networks: Getting to the park is easy with good roads like Langata Road and Mombasa Road so whether you are a local or international visitor, getting to Nairobi national park is a breeze.

This image shows a lioness gently cradling her cub in the African savanna. The warm sunlight bathes the scene, highlighting their bond. The backdrop features the expansive plains with distant acacia trees
This image shows a lioness gently cradling her cub in the African savanna. The warm sunlight bathes the scene, highlighting their bond. The backdrop features the expansive plains with distant acacia trees

Why Its Urban Location Matters

Nairobi National Park Kenya is located in a very strategic position for:

  • Wildlife Conservation: Despite being so close to urban development, the park is a haven for a wide range of Nairobi national park animals. Here you can see lions, rhinos, giraffes and many bird species thriving within the city. This is Kenya’s commitment to wildlife protection.
  • Tourism: The ease of access makes visiting nairobi national park a popular activity for travelers looking for a quick yet immersive wildlife safaris kenya experience. Many Nairobi national park tours include a visit to this urban park.
  • Environmental Education: The park’s location provides great opportunities for educational trips, where students and individuals can learn about nairobi national park conservation projects and the balance of its ecosystems.

How to Get to Nairobi National Park: Directions and Entrances

If you are planning to visit and looking for nairobi national park directions here is our simple guide:

  • From the City Centre: Head south on Langata Road. Signs will direct you to the park. The drive takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
  • From JKIA: Take Mombasa Road to the city then follow the signs to Langata Road to the park. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes.
  • Main Entrance: The main Nairobi national park gate is off Langata Road. There are other entrances to the park like Cheetah Gate and East Gate which might be more suitable depending on where you are going in the park or the itinerary of your guided tour. It’s always good to confirm the best entrance based on your activities. You can find more information on the Kenya Wildlife Service website.

So we pick our clients from anywhere in Nairobi, take them for game drives in Nairobi National Park and drop them back to their hotel. We can pick you from a hotel in Nairobi or JKIA.

More to Explore: Nearby Attractions

The nairobi national park location is also close to other great places to visit, so you can combine your wildlife experience with other fun activities:

  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Just next to the park, this famous orphanage is open every day from 11 am to 12 pm where you can interact with orphaned elephants and rhinos.
  • Giraffe Centre Nairobi: A short drive will take you to the Giraffe Centre where you can feed these gentle giants by hand and learn about giraffe conservation. The centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day.
  • Nairobi Safari Walk: Right next to the national park, the Safari Walk is a great place to see Kenyan animals and plants on foot in a safe environment.
  • Karen Blixen Museum: Visit the former home of the author of “Out of Africa” and get a glimpse into colonial Kenya’s history, just a short drive from the park.
A wide-angle shot captures a gazelle in Nairobi National Park, showcasing the diverse ecosystem with grasses, shrubs, and acacia trees. The shallow depth of field keeps the antelope in sharp focus.
A wide-angle shot captures a gazelle in Nairobi National Park, showcasing the diverse ecosystem with grasses, shrubs, and acacia trees. The shallow depth of field keeps the antelope in sharp focus.

Plan Your Visit

When you visit this urban wildlife gem, please note:

  • Nairobi National Park Entry Fee: Check the current fees on the KWS park fees page.
  • Nairobi National Park Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
  • Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June to October and January to February) are best for wildlife viewing as the vegetation is less and animals congregate around water sources.

In short, the location of Nairobi National Park presents an amazing and convenient gateway to African wildlife, all in the heart of a city. It’s a must visit for anyone in Nairobi or visiting Nairobi, a mix of city life and wilderness adventure. Whether you want a Nairobi national park safari or just to experience the urban and nature coexistence, Nairobi National Park is waiting for you.

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