Nairobi National Park is not only an incredible safari destination in Kenya, but also the only national park in the world situated in a capital city. The park is situated just 7 miles from the centre of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, there is no other place in the world where you can view the towering giraffes against a backdrop of downtown skyscraper or from the window seat of your plane as you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Nairobi National Park covers approximately 117 square kilometers, boasting a variety of habitats, including open grass plains, acacia bush and wetlands.

Nairobi National Park covering an area of 117 sq.km is home to the endangered black rhinos, lions, hyenas and giraffes and has been a great destination for safari in Kenya since it was established as a national park in 1946, making it the first national park in Kenya.

Location of Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is located in Nairobi City, south of the city in the Langata area, which is 15 minutes from the city centre, 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and 10 minutes from Wilson Airport.

Wildlife in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife including four of the Big Five with no elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos can be seen within the boundaries of the park. Beyond the Big Five, Nairobi National Park is home to over 100 mammal species including cheetahs, Rothschild giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and jackals among others.

Nairobi National Park is the best place in Kenya to see the endangered rhinos and Rothschild Giraffes.

Birdlife in Nairobi National Park

With over 500 bird species, Nairobi National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park is home to resident and migratory bird species, 7 endangered, 5 critically endangered and 11 vulnerable species.

Birds in Nairobi National Park include Abyssinian thrush, Blacksmith lapwing, Brown-backed woodpecker, Common moorhen, Corncrake, Fischer’s lovebird, Grey crowned crane, Hamerkop, Hartlaub’s bustard, Jackson’s widowbird, Kori bustard, Lappet-faced vulture, Lesser kestrel, Long-tailed fiscal, Marabou stork, Martial eagle, Northern pied babbler, Pallid harrier, Purple grenadier, Saddle-billed stork, Secretary bird, Sharpe’s longclaw, Shelley’s francolin, Sooty falcon, Tawny eagle, White-bellied bustard, White-browed coucal, White-headed vulture, White-tailed lark and Yellow-necked spurfowl among others.

Safari Activities at Nairobi National Park

Game Drives

Game viewing drives are the highlight of any Kenya Safari visit to Nairobi National Park. Guided by experienced driver-guides, visitor get the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and observe a wide range of wildlife.

The morning and afternoon game drives are particularly more rewarding, as animals are most active during these times of the day. Some of the animals to lookout for include the endangered rhinos, lions, Rothschild giraffes, zebras, warthogs among others.

Guided Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris in Nairobi National Park offer more intimate experience and offer unique way to explore the park on foot and get a closer encounter with wildlife. Accompanied by armed rangers, visitors can walk through designated areas of the park, observing wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.

Guided walks also provide a closer look at the flora and fauna, as well as the chance to see smaller creatures that are often missed during game drives.

Bird watching

Nairobi National Park is one of the great birding destinations in Kenya, the park is home to over 500 bird species. The park’s varied habitats attract a wide range of birds including Hartlaub’s bustard, Jackson’s widowbird, Kori bustard, Lappet-faced vulture, Lesser kestrel, Long-tailed fiscal, Marabou stork, Martial eagle, Northern pied babbler, Pallid harrier, Purple grenadier and Saddle-billed stork among others.

Visit Nairobi Animal Orphanage

The Nairobi Animal Orphanage situated within the park is a rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured animals. Visitors can see a variety of animals up-close including cheetahs, leopards and several primate species.

The Nairobi Animal Orphanage plays a crucial role in conservation and education, offering insights into the efforts to protect Kenya’s wildlife.

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Situated adjacent to Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a rescue rehabilitation centre for elephants. The centre is famous for sightings of the orphaned elephants which you get a chance to feed.

The trust rescues and rehabilitate orphaned elephant with a goal of reintroducing them into the wild. Visitors can observe the baby elephant during their daily mud baths and feeding sessions, learning about the conservation efforts to save these magnificent creatures.

Picnic Experience

If you are seeking relaxation amidst nature, Nairobi National Park offers several picnic sites. These designated areas provide facilities such as tables, benches, and restrooms. Enjoy your meals while taking in the park’s scenic views and observing the nearby wildlife.

Getting There and Around

Nairobi National Park is within Nairobi City’s limits and just 6 miles from the city center. From downtown Nairobi, it is a drive of 20 minutes to Nairobi National Park. It is possible to use a private vehicle or public transportation to get to the park, just hop on the bus – Matatu from Railway Station which will drop you off at the main station. The journey takes around 35 minutes.

You can also use the Kenya Wildlife Service Shuttle Safari which is the cheapest way to experience Nairobi National Park, this passenger coach runs on weekends and public holidays and departs from Development House in the city centre or the main gate of the park.

Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park can be visited all year-round, however the dry seasons – May to September and January to February offer the best game viewing since wildlife congregates around the waterholes and creeks. Also, the air offers particularly specular views of the capital city.

Where to stay in Nairobi National Park

There several accommodation options situated conveniently close to Nairobi National Park found in the suburbs of Langata and Karen, these range from comfortable guesthouses to five-star hotels.

• Giraffe Manor
• Palacina Residential Hotel
• Emakoko Lodge
• Nairobi Tented Camp
• Ololo Safari Lodge
• Hemingways Nairobi
• Karen Gables