Nairobi National Park is a rare and remarkable destination. Just seven kilometers from Kenya’s capital city, it is the only national park in the world located so close to a major urban center. Despite its proximity to Nairobi, the park offers a full safari experience, complete with lions, rhinos, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species.
Whether you’re on a short layover or beginning a longer Kenya safari, a Nairobi National Park safari is a perfect way to experience authentic wildlife without leaving the city.
Wildlife in Nairobi National Park is diverse and thrilling. The park is home to most of the Big Five, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, and black and white rhinos. While elephants are not found here, the rest of the cast offers a strong safari experience.
Visitors often see giraffes, zebras, elands, hartebeests, warthogs, baboons, and hyenas during a single-game drive. Nairobi Park animals roam freely against the surreal backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline. This contrast makes for extraordinary photography and storytelling.
The scenery inside the Nairobi Park, Kenya, ranges from open grass plains and scattered acacia bush to riverine forests along the Mbagathi River. Seasonal wetlands and rocky gorges complete the landscape.
Birding in Nairobi is exceptional. The park has recorded over 400 species, including ostriches, eagles, kingfishers, and migratory species between October and April. Birdwatchers will find Nairobi one of Kenya’s top year-round birding spots.
The park also features the Ivory Burning Site Monument, where elephant tusks were burned in a global call against poaching. It adds a historical and conservation-focused aspect to your visit.
A Kenya safari typically conjures images of vast savannahs and distant lodges, but Nairobi National Park brings the wild right to the city’s edge. It’s often the first or last stop on an extended safari and gives travelers a powerful taste of what Kenya has to offer. It is also one of the best places in Kenya to spot both Black Rhino and Southern White Rhino, making it a vital destination for rhino conservation and photography.
For those short on time, it provides an instant safari experience just minutes from hotels or the airport. The chance to photograph a lion with skyscrapers behind it is truly unique. It also gives Nairobi residents, families, and school groups easy access to wildlife and conservation education.
The best time to visit Nairobi National Park is during the dry seasons—June to September and January to February. These months offer the best visibility, as animals gather around water sources and the grass is shorter.
However, the park is open year-round, and each season brings something different. The green season (March to May and November) attracts more birds and provides lush scenery, although the roads may become muddy.
For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, morning safaris in Nairobi National Park offer the best light and activity.
Nairobi National Park is only a 15–20 minute drive from JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), making it one of the most accessible parks in Africa. It’s perfect for a Nairobi layover safari or as a morning activity for those staying in the city.
The park is accessed via the main gate on Langata Road, with other entrances like East Gate offering access from the bypass. Whether you’re staying in Nairobi, on transit, or heading to another destination, Nairobi National Park from JKIA is a seamless experience.
While there are no lodges inside the park, many excellent hotels and safari camps lie just outside its borders or within Nairobi city itself.
Luxury Options near the Park:
Mid-Range & Budget-Friendly Hotels:
A typical safari in Nairobi National Park includes a 3–6 hour game drive in a 4×4 Jeep with a professional guide. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and early morning is the best time for predator sightings.
You can book private safaris to the Park, which allow full flexibility and a more personal experience. Shared group safaris are also available and are more budget-friendly.
Jeep tours in the Park ensure you reach remote areas and enjoy excellent comfort and visibility during your game drive.
There is more to the park than game drives. Here are the top things to do in Nairobi Park:
For families, couples, and solo travelers, the park offers easy access and big rewards.
All visitors must pay entrance fees, as set by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). These vary by residency and age:
| Category | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident (High Season) | $50 | $20 |
| Non-Resident (Low Season) | $40 | $20 |
| East African Resident | KES 500 | KES 215 |
| Kenyan Citizen | KES 400 | KES 215 |
High Season: July to March
Low Season: April to June
Carry ID or passport for verification at the gate.
Nairobi Safari tours can be arranged through operators, hotels, or online platforms. Most packages include pickup, drop-off, guide, park fees, and game drive.
Tips for your Nairobi Safari:
Whether you want a private safari, shared tour, or a layover safari in Nairobi National Park, it’s easy to plan and book.
Nairobi Park offers an unbeatable combination of accessibility and authentic wildlife. In just a few hours, you can see lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more—all with the Nairobi skyline in the background.
From 4×4 jeep tours to guided safaris and birding expeditions, this park proves that you don’t need to travel far to experience the wild.
Book your safari today and discover how close adventure really is.
