Nairobi National Park

Wild Africa on the City’s Doorstep

Nairobi National Park is a rare phenomenon: a fully-fledged wildlife reserve located minutes from a capital city’s skyline. Just a short drive from central Nairobi, the park offers an unexpected combination of skyscrapers and savannah wilderness within the same frame.

Despite its compact size, the park supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, giraffes and one of Kenya’s most successful black and white rhino sanctuaries. Its open grasslands and riverine forest make for excellent game drives, particularly at dawn when the animals are most active against the backdrop of the city skyline.

Nairobi National Park is an ideal introduction to Kenya’s wildlife for travellers with limited time, or a memorable final stop before departure. Nearby attractions such as the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage make it easy to combine with a broader day of wildlife encounters in the capital.

Quick Facts About Nairobi National Park

Information	Details
Location	Just south of Nairobi city centre, within Nairobi County, Kenya.
Size	Approximately 117 square kilometres of open grassland and riverine forest.
Famous For	Being the only national park bordering a capital city, with a skyline backdrop to its wildlife.
Best Time to Visit	June to October during the dry season, when grass is shorter and animals easier to spot.
Recommended Stay	Half a day to a full day is sufficient given its compact size and proximity to Nairobi.
Main Wildlife	Lions, black and white rhino, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 recorded bird species.
Nearest Gateway	Nairobi city centre, roughly 30 minutes by road from the park’s main gate.
Safari Experience	Morning game drives, rhino tracking, and combined visits to the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Why Visit Nairobi National Park

A Safari Without Leaving the City

Nairobi National Park offers a genuine safari experience just minutes from downtown Nairobi, making it ideal for travelers with limited time or a memorable bookend to a longer Kenya itinerary.

See Black and White Rhino

The park is one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries, offering some of the best chances in the country to see both black and white rhino in the wild.

Photograph Wildlife Against a City Skyline

Few places in the world let you frame a lion or giraffe against a backdrop of skyscrapers, a striking and unusual photographic opportunity unique to this park.

Combine With Nairobi's Wildlife Attractions

The park pairs naturally with the nearby Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage for a full day of wildlife encounters in the capital.

Enjoy Excellent Birdwatching

With over 400 recorded species across its grassland, forest and dam habitats, the park is one of Nairobi's best birdwatching destinations.

Explore on a Short Timeframe

Its compact size and easy access make it possible to enjoy a rewarding game drive in just a few hours, without the long travel times of Kenya's more remote parks.

Best Time

Nairobi National Park can be visited throughout the year, thanks to its accessibility and reliable resident wildlife.

June to October, the dry season, offers the best game viewing as shorter grass makes animals easier to spot and they concentrate near remaining water sources.

November to May brings greener scenery and excellent birdwatching, with occasional rain showers that rarely disrupt game drives for long.

Things to Do

Morning game drives offer the best wildlife activity, with good chances of spotting lions, rhino and large herds of grazing animals against the Nairobi skyline.

Many visitors combine their park visit with a stop at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage or the Giraffe Centre, both located nearby, for a fuller day of wildlife encounters.

Wildlife

Despite its small size, the park supports an impressive range of wildlife, including lions, black and white rhino, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species.

Its riverine forest and permanent dam attract exceptional birdlife, with over 400 species recorded, making it a rewarding stop for both casual visitors and dedicated birders.

Getting There

The park’s main gate is roughly 30 minutes from downtown Nairobi, making it easily accessible by road without the need for internal flights.

Most visitors combine the park with other stops around Nairobi, given its convenient location near the city and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Travel Tips

Visit early in the morning for the best light and wildlife activity, before the park can get busier with day visitors later on.

A private vehicle or guided tour is recommended, as some park roads require a higher-clearance vehicle, especially after rain.

Combine your visit with the nearby Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which has specific visiting hours, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

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Nairobi National Park

Wild Africa on the City’s Doorstep

Quick Facts About Nairobi National Park

Why Visit Nairobi National Park

Explore Tours & Safaris

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