Nairobi National Park Opening Hours: Your Ultimate Guide (2025)
Planning to visit the amazing Nairobi National Park? Knowing the Nairobi National Park hours is crucial to a stress free and fun experience. This guide by our expert tour consultants has got you covered with all the information you need to know about the park’s opening and closing times and more to help you make the most of your visit to the wildlife in Nairobi.
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Nairobi National Park Opening Hours
To increase your chances of seeing amazing wildlife, understanding the daily schedule of the park is key. Here’s the breakdown of the usual Nairobi park opening times:
Usual Entry Time: Gates open at 6:00 AM daily. Get in early to see nocturnal animals as they become active and enjoy the cool morning air.
Standard Departure Time: Gates close at 6:00 PM daily. Make sure you plan your activities within these closing hours to avoid any inconvenience.
However, always check the official Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website for the latest information as there might be occasional changes to the time schedule due to special events or conservation activities.
Planning Your Visit: Best Time and Activities
The park is open daily but the best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons (June to October and January to February). During these periods the vegetation is less and you can see more of the park animals.
Pro tip: When planning your safari hours remember that early morning and late afternoon is the best time.
Besides game drives, Nairobi National Park has other activities to offer. Our experienced safari guides recommend the following:
Bird Watching: home to over 400 bird species, the park promises countless exciting encounters.
Picnics: From the Kingfisher and the Mokoiyet Picnic Sites to the Observation Point and Ivory Burning Site, these designated Nairobi National Park picnic sites promise breathtaking views.
Nairobi Safari Walk:This 24 kilometer walking tour showcases Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
P.S: Note that the Safari Walk has its own opening and closing times. It is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Animal Orphanage: Home to animals like the lion, cheetah, serval cat, buffalo, monkey, and the warthog, the animal orphanage offers you a chance to get up close to some of Kenya’s iconic wildlife.
P.S: The Orphanage is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Important Info for Your Nairobi National Park Visit
Remember to consider these extra details in addition to the Nairobi park opening hours:
Nairobi National Park Entrance Fee: Fees vary depending on your status (citizen, resident or non-resident). Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
|
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 |
|
|
||
Nairobi National Park Location: The park is just 7km south of Nairobi’s city centre so it’s a super easy safari near Nairobi.
Nairobi National Park Guided Tours: For a more in-depth experience and to learn more about the wildlife, opt for a guided tour. Many operators offer these tours and can help you spot the animals. You can find options for guided tours in Nairobi that include the National Park through AjKenyaSafaris.com
Nairobi National Park Self Drive: For a more independent experience, Nairobi National Park self drive is an option.
Pro Tip: A 4×4 is recommended especially during the rainy seasons.
Nairobi National Park Map: Get a map at the entrance or download one before you go to help you navigate the routes and points of interest.
Nairobi National Park Safety:When in the park: keep a safe distance from the wildlife, do NOT feed/ disturb the animals, and observe the 40km/h speed limit.
Nairobi National Park Dress Code: Comfortable and neutral colours. Layers are recommended as the temperature can fluctuate during the day. Also bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
Nairobi National Park Weather: Afternoon temperatures average at 23°C during the dry season (June to September) while early mornings and evenings are cooler, averaging about 12°C.
Make the most of your time in Nairobi National Park
Whether you’re visiting during the week or weekend, knowing the park’s schedule and other important info will make it a trip to remember. Here are a few insider tips that’ll definitely come in handy.
Firstly, take the route less travelled. The main gate (Lang’ata gate) is convenient but the east gate often has shorter cues and is closer to some of the park’s best game drive routes.
Secondly, head to the Observation Hill or the Picnic Site Viewpoint for the best photo ops especially during sunrise and sunset.
Thirdly, there are limited food options in the pack so make sure to pack some snacks and water,
And last but not least, arrive early, at around 6:00 am, for the best chances of viewing predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.















