The Nairobi National Park is the only park in the world situated within a country’s capital city. Popularly known for an outdoor family, couple, and organized groups experience, the Nairobi National Park is home to Africa’s game species. This includes the Giraffe, Leopard, Zebra, Buffalo, Antelope, Lion, Black and White Rhino, Hippo, and Crocodile. In addition, the park hosts over 400 bird species whose number increases during the March and May visits when foreign bird species make the haven their new home.
Nairobi National Park Safaris
Your Ultimate Guide to Kenya's Capital City Safari Destination
Nairobi National Park Safari Packages
About The Nairobi National Park
World's Most Iconic Safari Destination
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park, lies just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of the city center. Covering 45 square miles (117 square kilometers) and rising between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500-1,800 meters) above sea level, the park boasts a diverse landscape. Its topography features thick woods, rolling plains, and valleys, where numerous rivers converge. The vegetation is characterized by dry transitional savanna, with prominent species like acacias, thorny trees, muhuhu, Cape chestnut, and Kenya olive.
The park is a haven for wildlife, including lions, gazelles, black rhinoceroses, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, reptiles, and a remarkable variety of bird species. However, the stable wildlife populations are largely attributed to migration channels connecting the park to the nearby Ngong Reserve.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, founded in 1963, is also situated within the park
Park Location
Nairobi National Park is located just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of the city center of Nairobi, Kenya.
Getting There by Road:
To reach Nairobi National Park from Nairobi CBD, drive south on Uhuru Highway, then turn right onto Lang’ata Road. Follow Lang’ata Road until you reach the park’s main gate. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available. Public transport options include matatus heading towards Lang’ata.
Getting There by Air:
There is no flight route leading to the Nairobi National Park. However, if you are arriving by air from a different/country, you can take a cab from your airport directly to the park’s gate entrance.
Nairobi National Park Fees
What's the cost of a Nairobi National Park Safari?
Nairobi National Park Entry Fee
Adults: Non-residents pay $43 per day, while Kenyans pay KSH 430
Children: Non-residents pay $22 per day, while Kenyans pay KSH 215
*NB: Fees vary due to season of the year. Extra fees for vehicle entry, aircraft landing, ranger escort and camping may apply where applicable.
Entrance Fee payment is made to E-citizen via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS, EFT.
Nairobi National Park Accommodation Costs
Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife sanctuary located just 7 kilometers from the city center, can be easily accessed from any accommodation within Nairobi, making it one of the world’s only national parks situated on the doorstep of a major capital city.
Nairobi has a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget options for as little as $50 a day to luxury options that cost a few thousand dollars a day.
Nairobi National Park Activities Costs
Game Drives: Experience thrilling game drives to spot lions, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. The park is a successful black rhino sanctuary. While on your game drive you can also capture unique wildlife photos with Nairobi’s skyline as backdrop. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best viewing opportunities.
Burning Site Monument: Visit the historic Ivory Burning Site and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage to watch baby elephant feedings.
Picnics: Enjoy meals at scenic picnic sites and explore walking trails with armed rangers in designated areas.
Animal Orphanage: Meet rescued wildlife including big cats, monkeys, and birds while learning about conservation at this rehabilitation center.
Nairobi Safari Walk: Observe wildlife from an elevated wooden boardwalk while learning about Kenya’s ecosystems through educational displays.
Nairobi National Park Is Perfect for Business and Layover Visits
Coming to Nairobi for business? Nairobi National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience African wildlife without venturing far from the city. Just 7 kilometers from the central business district, you can squeeze in a thrilling game drive between meetings or during a free morning. Within minutes, you’ll transition from urban landscapes to open savanna where lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam freely.
For travelers with a long layover at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the park’s proximity is unbeatable – it’s only about 10 minutes away. Instead of spending hours at the airport, you can embark on a memorable safari adventure. Even a half-day visit allows enough time to spot the Big Four (lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo), photograph graceful giraffes against the city skyline, and perhaps witness a pride of lions on the hunt. It’s a chance to turn dead time into an unforgettable African wildlife experience.
Nairobi National Park Activities
Some Popular Nairobi National Park Safari Activities
The Nairobi National Park is perfect for day trips
Nairobi National Park is an ideal destination for day trips and picnics, offering a perfect blend of urban convenience and untamed wilderness. It’s a great choice for business travelers, tourists on a layover at the airport, or those with limited time. Just a short drive from both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the CBD, the park provides breathtaking city views while immersing visitors in Kenya’s rich wildlife.
The best time to visit the Nairobi National Park
The best time to visit Nairobi National Park depends on your interests. For the best wildlife viewing, visit during the dry seasons from June to October and January to February, when animals gather around water sources and visibility is excellent. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, the wet season from November to April is ideal, as migratory birds arrive, and the park is lush and green, though thick vegetation can make spotting wildlife harder. The long rains from March to May bring heavy downpours, making some roads difficult to navigate and wildlife sightings less predictable.
What to carry
When visiting Nairobi National Park, carry binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing in neutral colors. Bring water, snacks, and insect repellent, especially during the wet season. Avoid plastic bags (they are banned in Kenya) and loud clothing that may disturb wildlife. Drones are not allowed without special permits, and pets should be left at home.
What you can see
The Nairobi National Park is home to the a wide range of wildlife and countless other species of flora and fauna
Lions & Leopards – Spot the park’s resident big cats, often seen lounging or hunting in the open plains.
Black & White Rhinos – A sanctuary for the endangered black rhino, alongside the more common white rhino.
Giraffes & Zebras – Watch these graceful animals roam freely against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Buffaloes & Antelopes – Large herds of Cape buffalo and various antelope species like elands, hartebeests, and impalas.
Warthogs – These comical creatures are often seen trotting through the park or grazing near picnic areas.
Hyenas & Jackals – Scavengers that roam the park, especially active in the early morning and late evening.
Over 500 Bird Species – From ostriches and secretary birds to vultures and crowned cranes, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Nairobi Safari Walk – A raised boardwalk experience offering close-up views of wildlife and educational exhibits.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage – Home to rescued and rehabilitated wildlife like cheetahs, leopards, and rare birds.
Hippos & Crocodiles – Found in the park’s dams and seasonal rivers, offering great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Scenic Picnic & Camping Sites – Designated areas where you can enjoy a meal or spend the night under the stars.
Breathtaking Sunrises & Sunsets – Iconic golden-hour moments, perfect for photography.
Nairobi Skyline Views – A unique blend of wildlife and urban scenery, where you can capture incredible photos of animals with the city in the background.
"In Nairobi National Park, where the city's pulse meets the wild heart of Africa, dawn paints the canvas with unexpected hues. Here, amidst the roar of distant traffic, the rhythms of the savanna unfold – lions stalk their prey, giraffes graze with elegant grace, and the black rhinoceros, a silent guardian, watches over this unique sanctuary."
Accommodation around the Nairobi National Park
Nairobi has multiple accommodation options suiting every budget and taste
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Nairobi National Park FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is located just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Nairobi city center.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October. This period offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities due to concentrated animals around water sources, clear weather, and generally less rainfall.
However, the park can be enjoyed year-round.
Most foreign nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya. Check the Kenyan government’s official website for the latest visa requirements and application procedures.
Yes, Nairobi National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always advisable to take standard travel safety precautions, such as not walking alone at night and being mindful of your belongings.
Nairobi National Park is unique as it’s one of the few national parks in the world that borders a major city. It plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and provides a valuable opportunity to experience wildlife close to an urban environment.
Entry fees to Nairobi National Park vary depending on the season and park entry point. These are the recent rates:
- Adults: Non-residents pay $43 per day, while Kenyans pay KSH 430
- Children: Non-residents pay $22 per day, while Kenyans pay KSH 215
Absolutely! Safaris in Nairobi National Park are suitable for all ages, including children.
Mobile network coverage within the park can vary. Some areas may have good reception, while others may have limited or no signal.
A half-day or a full-day visit is usually sufficient to explore Nairobi National Park.
- Game Drives: Explore the park on guided game drives in comfortable vehicles.
- Nature Walks: Enjoy guided nature walks along designated trails, observing diverse flora and fauna.
- Bird Watching: Take guided bird-watching tours to spot a wide array of avian species.
- Visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage: Encounter rescued animals at the sanctuary.
There are a few accommodation options around the park, such as Nairobi Tented Camp, as well as many options available in and around the city of Nairobi.
Some of the top lodges and camps include Nairobi Tented Camp, and Ololo Safari Lodge. These offer excellent service, luxury accommodations, and prime wildlife viewing locations.
The park is located just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Nairobi city center.
- Self-Drive: Take Uhuru Highway south, then turn right onto Lang’ata Road.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are readily available.
- Public Transport: Take a matatu (minibus) heading towards Lang’ata.
Nairobi National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:
- Large Mammals: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, black rhinoceroses, buffaloes, hippos, and various antelope species.
- Birds: A wide variety of bird species, including vultures, eagles, ostriches, and many more.
Absolutely! Nairobi National Park is a great option for first-time safari goers due to its proximity to the city and its unique urban wildlife experience.
- Essentials: Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a good pair of binoculars.
- Camera: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture wildlife sightings.
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Yes, you can drive your own vehicle within the park. Alternatively, you can hire a car from Bamm Tours, our sister car hire company.
Nairobi National Park experiences a savanna climate with two distinct seasons:
- Dry Season (June-October): Best for wildlife viewing, with warm days and cool nights.
- Wet Season (November-May): Can experience rainfall
Yes, there are budget-friendly options available, such as Nairobi Tented Camp and some guesthouses near the park.
Wear neutral colors like khaki, beige, or brown. Avoid bright colors that can scare wildlife. Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton.
While not directly within the park, you can explore the rich cultural heritage of Kenya by visiting museums and cultural centers in Nairobi.
Night game drives can offer sightings of nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Hot air balloon safaris are not typically offered within Nairobi National Park.
Yes, you have a chance of spotting some of the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes) in Nairobi National Park.
Guided game drives with experienced drivers are the most effective way to spot wildlife.