Nairobi National Park is the only park in the World within a city center. It was the first park to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1949. The park is also unique as nowhere else in the whole world exists a wildlife park with such a variety of animals and bird species so close to a capital center.
Nairobi National Park is a significant rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks. It has the famous Nairobi Animal Orphanage and Nairobi Safari park.
There is also an ivory-burning monument. This is where tones of ivory were burnt as a symbol of the country’s conservation efforts for endangered rhinos and elephants.
The park is located only about 8 Km from Nairobi City center. It is a Savannah ecosystem comprising different types of vegetation which include grass plains and acacia bushes.
On the park’s western side is a dry forest and a river surrounded by a forest. The south side has the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela migration corridor.
Dams within the park have added a further habitat, favorable to certain species of birds and other aquatic animals. The dispersed flora of the park makes it possible for different types of wildlife to co-exist. Among the animals that can be seen in the park are the black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, Baboon, Numerous antelopes, gazelle, and over 400 species of birds.
Nairobi National Park Fun Facts
Accessibility
The Park can be accessed from the Nairobi City Center, JKIA, Wilson airport, or from the Karen area of Nairobi.
Mode of payment
You can pay using Visa Card, Master card, or Mpesa (Cash payment is not allowed).
Area coverage
The Park sits on 117 square Kilometers of land.
Climate and when to visit
Between January and March, it is hot and dry. April to June is normally hot and wet, while July to October is warm and wet.
Main Activities within Nairobi National Park
- Watching the Black rhinoceros.
- Diverse birdlife: Has over 400 bird species.
- Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, and Rhino).
- Wildlife: Eland, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah, and wildebeest.
- See the Ivory Burning Site Monument.
- Experience the Nairobi Safari Walk.
- Visit the Nairobi Orphanage.
- Game Drive inside with your vehicle or KWS Bus.
Requirements, what to pack and carry
Nairobi National park is easily accessible. You can drive there, call a shared taxi (Uber, Little Cab, or Modo ride) or Pick a Matatu from Nairobi City Center. The entry requirements are:
- A national identification card or travel passport.
- Park entrance fee (Check the latest fees here).
- Drinking water, Snacks, and energy bars.
- A camera.
Nearby Attractions
- Uhuru Gardens
- Bomas of Kenya
- Giraffe center
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Oloolua nature trail
Useful Information pages
