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Nairobi National Park

Size

117 km² (45 mi²)

Founded

1946

Best time to visit

June to October

Where the savannahs meet the skyscrapers

Nairobi National Park, the oldest park in Kenya, offers an authentic safari experience. Its wide-open grasslands, set against the backdrop of the city skyline, are home to lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, zebras, giraffes, over 400 species of birds, and a large rhino population. Visit this park to experience the wilds of Africa on the city’s doorstep.

Three giraffes walking across the savanna in Nairobi National Park, skyscrapers of Kenya's capital city in the background.

Nairobi National Park: an excellent safari experience awaits

Nairobi National Park is perfect for a day trip, providing an exciting escape into nature away from the lively capital city.

The park is home to an array of East African wildlife, and you are sure to have an excellent safari.

You can see up to 400 bird species, including endangered grey-crowned cranes, ostriches, martial eagles, and secretary birds, among many others.

Which animals can you see in Nairobi National Park?

The extensive list of animals in the park includes:

zebra, Masai giraffe, wildebeest, hyenas, baboons, crocodiles, hippos, and four out of the Big Five, with only elephants missing.

However, elephant lovers can visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to watch orphaned elephants being bottle-fed.

No wonder there is so much wildlife. Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and the first official national park of Kenya.

Nowhere else will you find big cats, buffalos, and other wild animals living in such close proximity to a large capital city.

The wildlife is separated from the bustling metropolis by a fence on its northern, eastern, and western boundaries, which prevents escaped lions from bringing Nairobi’s traffic to a standstill – a not uncommon occurrence in the past.

The southern border is a crucial link to the Kitengela Game Reserve, allowing wildlife to migrate north and south as the seasons change from dry to wet.

Geography of Nairobi National Park

Surprisingly, the park is a vast ecosystem with diverse habitats spanning 28,911 acres.

In the northwest, evergreen acacia forests are home to bushbucks, buffalos, and stalking leopards. In the central savannah, zebras and small gazelle live among the Whistling Thorn acacia trees, which are regular hunting grounds for the park’s lions.

Multiple rivers that converge like capillaries into the Mbalaghati River on the southern boundary create aquatic ecosystems for hippos, a few crocodiles, and turtles.

Meanwhile, the riparian forests are home to numerous monkeys and birds.

Conservation efforts

To many, the park is fondly referred to as Kifaru Park (Rhino Park), as it serves as a crucial sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see these incredible animals.

The park has also been the symbolic stage for the fight against elephant poaching. On July 18, 1989, the then-president of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi, set fire to 12 tonnes of ivory seized from poachers to draw global attention to the severe poaching crisis in Kenya at that time.

This strong message has since been repeated with three additional ivory burns.

You can visit this historical site to reflect on the death of hundreds of thousands of elephants and the dedication by many to turn a crisis into a triumph by protecting these magical creatures.

As Kenya’s first park, it is the grandfather of all of Kenya’s parks and the beating heart behind the vast strides in pioneering conservation and tourism in the country.

Overcoming the poaching crisis and maintaining the park’s boundaries in a growing capital city is a testament to the dedication of Kenyans to act as guardians with the will to preserve this precious gem.

Visit this beautiful park for a fantastic experience and let tourism be the lifeblood of this sanctuary on the city’s doorstep for many years to come.

Elephant head

Mountains of burned ivory

In 1989, President Daniel Arap Moi burned 12 tonnes of seized ivory at the park to raise awareness about poaching.

Nairobi skyline giraffe

Wildlife & Skyscrapers

You can see the skyscrapers of Kenya’s capital Nairobi from the park. The main gate is located just 10km from the city centre.

Landscape

Kenya’s oldest park

Motivated by human expansion and declining wildlife, Mervyn Cowie campaigned to establish the park.

Two rhinos on a dirt road - Nairobi National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos.

Nairobi National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see Black and White rhinos.

A lion walks across the savanna, the Ngong Hills in the background.

You have a good chance of even spotting lions. With buffaloes and leopards present, you can see four of the Big Five here.

Zebras standing in the savanna with high-rises of the capital Nairobi in the background.

Depending on where in the park you are the capital city's skyline is visible. The park is separated by a fence from Nairobi city.

One of multiple dams in Nairobi National Park.

There are multiple dams inside Nairobi National Park, a great place to spot wildlife especially in the dry season.

WHEN TO GO

Best time to go to Nairobi National Park

Kenya has a tropical climate devoid of summer or winter seasons. Consequently, Nairobi National Park is open to visitors year-round.

However, the best time to observe a wide range of wildlife is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February.

During these months, the wildlife migrates from the Kitengela Plains in the south and congregates near the park’s rivers and dams.

Kenya experiences two rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December. During these seasons, some park roads may be inaccessible.

However, it’s an ideal time for landscape photography with the cityscape in the background.

Sun dry season

Dry Season

June to October

Ideal for seeing a wealth of animal and birdlife

Cloud rainy season

Rainy Season

March to May

The best for landscape photography in green grasslands

Experience Nairobi National Park

Why to go

Excellent for a day-trip safari

Nairobi National Park is a true gem that captures the heart. It’s not just a “city park” but a unique wilderness with the surreal sight of the city’s skyscrapers on the skyline.

The park is home to a diverse range of animals and birds, including white and black rhinos, a few crocodiles, hippos, leopards, cheetahs, zebra, baboons and majestic lions whose deep-throated calls echo through the plains and even into the city.

Seeing giraffes pruning acacia trees into topiary shapes with high-rise buildings in the distance is a true wonder.

You can experience all this on a day-trip visit. Together with your experienced guide, you drive in an authentic 4×4 safari vehicle and get a real sense of what a safari is all about.

As you explore the expansive grasslands and shallow valleys, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the natural world and humankind’s efforts to preserve ancient ecosystems.

A giraffe in a bushy area of Kenya's oldest national park.
Simon Kinyanjui | Safari Guide
‘As Kenyans, we take great pride in Nairobi National Park. Not only is it the oldest park in Kenya, but we also love taking our guests here, as it is one of the few capital cities globally that has such an abundance of wildlife at its doorstep.’
Simon | Kenya Safari Guide
Elephants of the Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage run after their keepers.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage

Visit one of the most famous and renowned elephant conservation organisations in the world.

A giraffe at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.
Giraffe Centre

A sanctuary for endangered Rothschild’s giraffe close to the national park.

Two men walking on a path in Nairobi National Park.
Short walks

You can go on a short walk along a river accompanied by a ranger.

Things to do

Exceptional game drives minutes from the city

Nairobi National Park offers a variety of activities, including exceptional game drives, birdwatching, hilltop picnics, and a visit to the Nairobi Elephant Orphanage from 11 am to 12 noon to see bottle-fed orphaned elephants (booking in advance is essential).

Other things to do include:

  • Visit the Ivory burning site
  • Visit Nagolomon Reservoir
  • Picnic at Impala Observation Point
  • Enjoy the Nairobi Safari Walk
  • Spot rare rhinos on classic game drives
  • Visit the nearby Giraffe Centre
Three lions sitting on a sign board inside Nairobi National Park.
Lions

It may be difficult to imagine, but lions live in close proximity to the city of Nairobi.

Two rhinos standing in front of each other on grassland.
Black & White Rhinos

Nairobi National Park is an excellent place to spot well-protected rhinos.

A zebra and its young on green grass.
Zebras

You can see iconic animals of classic safaris such as zebras.

Head and neck of a giraffe looking out from a bush.
Giraffes

Giraffes are also a common site in the woodlands of Nairobi National Park.

WILDLIFE IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK

Grassland with Whistling Thorn acacia trees and snaking rivers

Nairobi National Park is a grassland ecosystem with acacia trees, dams, reservoirs, and multiple vein-like rivers that twist through the park.

To the south, a vital migration route connects to the Kitengela Game Conservancy, allowing herbivores to travel great distances in search of fresh grass.

Wildlife highlights include:

  • Black and White Rhinos
  • Lion and leopard
  • Buffalo, zebra and Masai giraffe
  • Hippo and a small number of crocodiles
  • Numerous antelopes
  • 400 bird species

Where to stay in Nairobi National Park

Double room at Tamarind Tree Hotel

Tamarind Tree Hotel

Guest tents at Wildebeest Eco Camp in Nairobi

Wildebeest Eco Camp

Swimming pool at Hemingways Nairobi Hotel in Karen

Hemingways Nairobi

Honeymoon suite at Kaen Blixen Coffee Gardens

Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens & Cottages

Double room at Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel in Nairobi

Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel

Pool deck at Ololo Lodge overlooking Nairobi National Park

Ololo Lodge

Outside view of Hermosa Garden Inn

Hermosa Garden Inn

Breakfast setup at Nairobi Serena Hotel

Nairobi Serena Hotel

Location

Nairobi National Park is located 9km (6 miles) south of Nairobi City Centre and 15km (9 miles) from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

It’s an excellent destination for anyone who wants to see a variety of wildlife quickly, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day trip.

The main gate (northwest) to enter the park is situated on Langata Road. But there are six additional gates to choose from to exit the park.

The park has three campsites, plus Nairobi Tented Camp. While along the park’s border, you can find great places to stay, including guest houses and luxury hotels.

The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located off Magadi Road.

A male lion with a large beautiful mane lying on the ground
Kenya Specialist Taher Nassrulla
A safari vehicle is driving in the Masai Mara at sunset.

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