Now imagine that you are looking through a camera lens at a black rhino minding its own business on the African savannah, then you see the gleaming skyscrapers of a modern city loom in the distance in the same frame.
This doesn’t include a clever photo edit. It’s an everyday sight in Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park located within a capital city.
This unique park is only 7km from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and is the perfect day trip from Nairobi. Booking a nairobi safari is an out-of-the-ordinary safari adventure that shouldn’t be missed, especially for those travelling to Kenya for a business meeting that has a free morning at its disposal,or embarking on a wider safari guide tour of Kenya or an East Africa safari guide tour.
Why Nairobi National Park is Completely Unique
Nairobi National Park was the first of the nation’s protected wildlife areas and was set up in 1946. It spans an area of around 117 square kilometres and is cordoned off on three sides to keep wild animals away from the growing urban sprawl. Its southern boundary though, along the Mbagathi River is still open though, and migration game animals are able to roam freely between the park and the nearby Kitengela plains.
As you check off an Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide you could include visiting a grand, expansive area such as the Serengeti or a comprehensive Tsavo National Park guide. However, Nairobi National Park has a completely distinctive charm. You can’t find a place on earth where you can walk out of an international airport terminal and in five minutes start a classic safari near Nairobi to see a pride of lions chasing a herd of zebras.
Wildlife You Can See at Nairobi National Park
Don’t be deceived by its close proximity to suburban shopping centres – it’s a fully functioning and diverse ecosystem, home to more than 100 mammal species and over 500 bird varieties.
The Stronghold of the Black Rhino.
Seeing the prehistoric silhouette of the rhino is one absolute reason for opting for a Nairobi safari. The Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful conservation parks for black rhino conservation in Kenya. Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya’s most important sanctuaries for the endangered black rhino, making it one of the best places in Africa to spot this remarkable animal.
The Three Roosters
The park has an outstanding predator to prey ratio. You can be sure to find:
The park supports a healthy population of lions, which are most active during early morning and late afternoon game drives
Leopards are well camouflaged in the thick forest of the river, while cheetahs rely on the open plains to chase down fast-moving prey. Both of these are available, but you’ll need a bit of luck and a sharp eye to catch them.
Cape Buffaloes: They are commonly seen in large herds, and are frequently seen grazing peacefully around wetlands or wallowing in mud.
Note on Elephants: Elephants are not found in Nairobi National Park. They need huge space to move about in and close proximity to the big city is not a safe place for elephants, or people. However, if you’re keen to see elephants up close and personal, head to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage, which is just on the edge of the park.
Plains Herbivores and Primates
The vast savannah grasslands are full of life, with constant movement. On your safari near Nairobi you will be able to easily spot:
Maasai Giraffes eating the leaves of thorny acacia trees.
Zebras and blue wildebeests roaming the plains.
A wealth of antelope species, including the huge eland, Coke’s hartebeest, impala, Thomson’s gazelle and Kirk’s secretive dik-dik.
Highly social troops of olive baboons and vervet monkeys on the picnic areas and river crossings.
Essential Visitor Information
Successful planning of a day trip involves being up-to-date with the latest regulations on entries and seasonal changes. For the latest visitor information, seasonal updates and travel advice, you can also check Kenya’s official tourism website before your trip.
Current Entry Fees
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has a fixed entry fee which applies throughout the year. All payments must be done electronically on the government’s eCitizen platform BEFORE arrival, cash is not accepted at the gates.
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child / Student Fee |
| East African Citizen | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| African Citizen | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident (International) | USD 80 | USD 40 |
Note: Vehicle entry fees also apply, starting at KES 600 per day for a standard safari vehicle or private car with fewer than 6 seats.
Best Time to Visit
The park is a great year-round addition, but the experience changes throughout the year:
Dry Seasons (January-March & July-October): This is the best period to view. Animals concentrate around predictable permanent waterholes and vegetation becomes sparse, making it much easier to see.
Wet Seasons (April-June and November-December): Stunning and vibrant green landscape; ideal photo backdrop. The longer grass and the longer period are great for birdwatching because European migratory birds arrive but the higher grass provides more hiding spots for the animals.
Special instructions on how to experience the park step by step
For the best urban safari experience without getting without worrying about logistics follow this straightforward layout of an itinerary.
1.Book Your Vehicle and Guide: Day before arrival.
It is possible to rent a car and drive yourself through the country; however, it is strongly recommended to hire someone who is familiar with the area and has a pop-roof 4×4 safari vehicle. Guides will keep each other up to date with real-time radio reports and increase your chances of seeing lions or a fleeting leopard.
2.Pre-Register on eCitizen: Evening, prior to arrival.
Pre-register your account and pay park entry fee via the Kenyan eCitizen portal. It is advisable to download or print your mobile payment confirmation QR code, as mobile network signals are not always reliable at the main gate.
3. Arrive at Sunrise :6:00 AM.
Arrive at the Lang’ata Gate as early as the park opens, which is at 6.00 AM. Big cats are most active around dawn and dusk when they are cooler and before the hot equatorial sun beats down on them in the deep shade. Wild animals are also bathed in the morning light which falls on the city skyline in the background.
4.Explore the Loop Roads:6:30 AM – 10:30 AM.
Travel along open plains of the historic migratory routes. Visit the Hippo Pools trail for a short, guarded walk along the Athi River, You may spot hippos, Nile crocodiles and a variety of birdlife.
5. Stop at Ivory Burning Site Monument:10:30 AM.
Make a brief stop at this historic site on the way back to the concrete of the city. It is here that the former presidents of Kenya set fire to tons of ivory to make an unambiguous and historic statement to the world of the trade in poached ivory. A place to stretch your legs without risk of getting in or out of your car.
Park Rules and Safety Regulations
Due to the park’s proximity to urban areas, it is highly regulated and visitors are strictly monitored to ensure the preservation of the park’s delicate environment and to keep guests safe:
Stay in Your Vehicle: Do not leave your vehicle for any reason except for designated and marked picnic areas or the Hippo Pools walking trail.
Keep Away: Avoid any close contact with wildlife (a minimum distance of 25 metres is to be maintained). Too close will cause the animals stress or interfere with a predator’s hunt.
Do NOT Use Drones: This means no drones operating or unmanned aerial vehicles within the national park boundaries.
Pack Out Your Trash: Plastics and litter can be a deadly choking hazard to the grazing herds. If you have any trash in your car, dispose of it responsibly after leaving the park until you get back to your hotel.
Finding Wild Harmony Next to the Highway
Whether you have a few spare hours between flights or are beginning an unforgettable journey across Kenya, Nairobi National Park proves that extraordinary wildlife experiences don’t always require travelling far into the wilderness. Watching a lion roam the golden plains with Nairobi’s skyline in the background is a memory that stays with you long after your safari ends. If you’re planning a wider African adventure, explore our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide, discover more destinations in our East Africa Safari Guide, or continue your journey with our Kenya Safari Guide for even more unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Continue exploring Africa’s incredible safari destinations:
FAQ
There are no elephants in the park, but you can see four – lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes – because they require massive roaming spaces.
The standard game drive lasts for 4 to 5 hours. If you arrive at 6:00 AM you will be able to see the animals when they are most active and end up at lunchtime.
No. Cash will NOT be accepted at the gates. Entry fees must be paid electronically, via the official Kenyan eCitizen portal, before entry.
Yes, it is safe provided that you remain in your car at all times, unless at established picnic areas and protected walking trails.
Source
E- book:
Youtube
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YavMmHK0XUI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X72kPJ4XTU&list=PLNUm9YypsEQCLTnmAoQijeNXfxSgKZFaB
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F9NWbShnrU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-67Ujy_ga4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzkT8hf0EC8
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZE2ipDg7LQ
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