Nairobi National Park
Kenya’s Wildlife Sanctuary in the Capital City
Overview
Nairobi National Park is one of the most unique safari destinations in the world — a wildlife park located just 7 kilometers from the bustling center of Kenya’s capital city. Often referred to as “the only park in a capital,” Nairobi National Park offers a surreal juxtaposition of wild animals roaming freely with a backdrop of city skyscrapers. Despite its proximity to urban life, the park delivers an authentic safari experience, making it an ideal option for travelers with limited time or those starting or ending a longer Kenyan adventure.
Spanning 117 square kilometers, Nairobi National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. Whether you’re on a short layover or seeking a convenient day trip, Stawi Adventures offers expertly guided tours that bring the park’s extraordinary contrasts to life.
Why Visit Nairobi National Park?
For travelers landing in Nairobi, few experiences are as exhilarating as seeing a lion hunt, a rhino grazing, or a giraffe stretching for acacia leaves — all without ever leaving the city limits. Here’s what makes Nairobi National Park so special:
Accessibility: Located only 15 minutes from Nairobi’s city center and 30 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the park is ideal for day trips and layovers.
Big Game Sightings: Home to over 80 mammal species including lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and hyenas.
Thriving Rhino Sanctuary: One of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhinos in a secure environment.
Iconic Skyline Views: The contrast of wildlife against high-rise buildings is a photographer’s dream.
Family-Friendly: Easy logistics, safe viewing, and optional add-ons like the Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage make this perfect for families.
Explore our Nairobi National Park day tours and half-day safaris to make the most of your time in the capital.
Wildlife in Nairobi National Park
Despite its compact size, the park offers incredible biodiversity, making it one of Kenya’s richest conservation zones per square kilometer.
Mammals You Can Spot Include:
Black and White Rhinos: Nairobi is a crucial stronghold for these endangered species.
Lions: Often seen on early morning or late afternoon drives, sometimes with cubs in tow.
Giraffes: Towering over the bush, often seen in the acacia woodlands.
Buffaloes: Frequently gathered near the wetland zones.
Zebras, Gazelles, Elands, and Warthogs: Common throughout the plains and open savannah.
Leopards and Cheetahs: Rare but occasionally spotted with patience and luck.
Birdlife
With over 500 species recorded, Nairobi National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. Common and notable species include:
Secretary birds
Kori bustards
Martial eagles
Ostriches
Egyptian geese, herons, and ibises in the wetland zones
Ask us about birding-focused half-day safaris with our experienced guides.
Top Things to Do in Nairobi National Park
1. Game Drives
Enjoy morning or afternoon game drives in a custom safari vehicle with open sides or pop-up roofs for optimal viewing. Morning drives often offer the best chances to see predators in action. Stawi Adventures arranges private and shared game drives with professional guides who know the park intimately.
2. Nairobi Safari Walk
Located just outside the main gate, this raised wooden boardwalk allows visitors to explore Kenya’s ecosystems on foot. See lions, leopards, pygmy hippos, and more in naturalistic enclosures. Ideal for children and educational groups.
3. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
This small wildlife rescue center adjacent to the park hosts rehabilitated animals such as lions, cheetahs, baboons, and birds of prey. It offers an up-close experience but is separate from the wild safari experience inside the park itself.
4. Photography Safaris
The skyline-meets-savannah scenery makes for unique photographic opportunities. Capture rhinos or giraffes grazing with downtown Nairobi rising in the background. Sunset drives are especially popular for photography enthusiasts.
5. Walking Trails & Picnic Sites
While walking in the park is restricted, there are designated picnic areas like Kingfisher and Impala Point with views over the plains. It’s a great way to enjoy lunch surrounded by wildlife.
Where to Stay Nearby
While there are no accommodations inside Nairobi National Park, the surrounding area offers a wide range of excellent options:
Luxury: The Emakoko (within a private concession bordering the park), Ole Sereni Hotel, Hemingways Nairobi
Mid-Range: Tamarind Tree Hotel, Eka Hotel Nairobi
Budget-Friendly: Many options near Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or city center
Let us recommend a hotel that matches your safari schedule.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park
The park is open year-round, but seasonal changes affect wildlife viewing and scenery.
June to October (Dry Season): Best for game viewing, especially around waterholes. Roads are in good condition, and visibility is high.
November to May (Green Season): Lush landscapes, migratory bird species, and calving season for many animals. Afternoon showers are possible, but wildlife is still abundant.
Morning drives offer better chances to see big cats and rhinos active before the heat sets in. We’ll help you time your visit for the best experience.
Accessibility and Getting There
By Road: From Nairobi CBD, it’s just 7–10 kilometers to the park gate. From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), about 25–30 minutes.
By Air: Wilson Airport, Kenya’s hub for domestic safari flights, is nearby. This makes Nairobi National Park a perfect pre- or post-safari activity.
We offer hotel pickup and drop-off for all day and half-day safari tours. View our Nairobi safari packages here.
Ideal Safari Pairings with Nairobi National Park
Thanks to its central location, Nairobi National Park can easily be combined with other top destinations:
Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate: Day trip or overnight excursions to these Rift Valley gems
Amboseli National Park: 4–5 hours by road or 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport
Masai Mara: Combine a Nairobi day safari with a 3–5 day Mara tour for a complete Kenya experience
Let us build your custom safari itinerary from Nairobi.
Sample Itinerary: Half-Day or Full-Day Safari in Nairobi National Park
Option 1: Half-Day Morning Safari
06:00 AM – Hotel pick-up in Nairobi
06:30 AM – Enter Nairobi National Park for morning game drive
09:30 AM – Visit Nairobi Safari Walk (optional)
11:00 AM – Drop-off at hotel or continue to city attractions like Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum
Option 2: Full-Day Safari Experience
06:00 AM – Depart for morning game drive
10:00 AM – Mid-morning break at Impala Viewpoint
11:30 AM – Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage
01:00 PM – Lunch at a nearby restaurant or picnic site
02:30 PM – Afternoon game drive
05:00 PM – Return to hotel
Customize this itinerary to fit your schedule and interests.
Travel Tips for Nairobi National Park Visitors
Arrive early for the best wildlife activity and lighting
Wear neutral-colored clothing and comfortable walking shoes
Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
Bring a good camera and binoculars for wildlife and birding
Respect park rules: no feeding animals, no littering, and always stay in your vehicle
Why Choose Stawi Adventures for Your Nairobi National Park Safari?
Experienced Guides: Our Nairobi-based team knows every corner of the park and offers real-time insights
Flexible Scheduling: Morning, afternoon, or custom tours for airport layovers, conferences, and families
Comfortable Vehicles: All safaris include 4×4 safari cruisers or vans with pop-up roofs
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees — park entry, transportation, and guiding are included
Easy Booking: We handle last-minute and early-morning safaris with ease
Reach out today to book your Nairobi National Park tour with a trusted local operator.
Conclusion: An Urban Safari You’ll Never Forget
Few places in the world offer a chance to see wild lions, rhinos, and giraffes just minutes from a city’s downtown. Nairobi National Park is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to conservation and a bucket-list destination in its own right. Whether you’re in Nairobi for a few hours or a few days, this park gives you a taste of the wild without going far.
Explore our Nairobi safari packages or talk to us now to reserve your spot in Kenya’s most accessible national park.
