Nairobi National Park

Nestled on the southern outskirts of the capital, Nairobi National Park is the only park in the world that sits within a capital city. At just 117 km², it is one of the country's smallest parks, but there is still an abundance of wildlife.

It is often referred to as Kifaru Ark for its successful role in rhino conservation (Kifaru means Rhino in Swahili). There are approximately 50 rhinos in the park, the densest concentration of black rhinos in Africa, a testament to their anti-poaching measures.

Alongside rhinos, four of the Big Five are present in the park. Lions are frequently spotted, as well as the more elusive leopard and cheetah. 

Other regularly spotted species include gazelles, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and buffaloes.

Nairobi National Park is a great option if you have a day or two in Nairobi at the start or end of a wider tour of the country, or in transit to larger safari destinations like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli National Park. 

Visitors often combined a trip to Nairobi National Park with a stop-off at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - located on the edge of the park - or the Giraffe Centre. 

Head out on a game drive early in the morning, and you can spot some of 100 different mammal species that call this park home, including rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, zebra, gazelle and giraffe.

If you are a keen birder, Nairobi National Park has over 400 recorded migratory and endemic bird species.

The park has a number of designated picnic spots, and the savannah and wildlife juxtaposed by the city skyline in the background is a surreal sight. 

The Nairobi Safari Walk - a 2.5 km circuit - follows a raised wooden platform taking you over a simulated forest, wetland and savannah habitats. You'll pass plenty of wildlife en-route, and it's a great opportunity to stretch your legs and learn more about Kenya's ecosystems from the local guides. 

Along the trail, you may spot therare forest-dwelling bongo, albino zebra, primates and big cats.

This is an excellent half-day excursion, which you can do after a game drive or visit to the animal orphanage.

Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a treatment centre for abandoned and injured animals and helps rehabilitate them for future release back into the wild. The orphanage is located within the park itself. 

There are many animals here including cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and monkeys, giving you a close-up look at wildlife usually only spotted from a distance. It is also an education and training centre for those looking to learn more about the wildlife.

The animals in the orphanage only live there temporarily before being released back into the wild, so you can never be sure exactly which species you'll see when you visit. 

June to October is the long dry season in Kenya and is the best time to visit Nairobi National Park.

As a general rule, the further into the dry season you go, the better the game viewing gets.

In November and December, there is a short rainy season, and the park is especially beautiful at this time of year as the vegetation is lush and there are many migratory birds present.

From January to March, the dry conditions return, and it is a good window to visit as you can enjoy the stunning post-rain scenery, whilst keeping mostly dry!

Nairobi Tented Camp is one of the best accommodation options in the park, striking a balance between wilderness and luxury lodging. The camp consists of 8 tents, each equipped with comfortable beds, furniture, and thatched roofing. 

Ololo Safari Lodge and the Maasai Lodge are other great options in this area, for both proximity to the park and service levels. Staying in either of these options, allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, without being cut off completely. 

Aside from the main gate, which is situated 7 km from the city centre, there are two other gates on Magadi Road and the Athi River gate; the latter is great if you plan to continue to Mombasa, Amboseli, or south to Tanzania.

Unless you have a car, the most affordable way to see the park is on the shuttle, a large Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) bus that leaves the main gate at 2 pm on Sunday for a 3-hour tour. 

If you have booked your adventure with us, all transfers will be arranged for you.