Just a short drive from downtown Nairobi lies one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations Nairobi National Park. This is the only national park located within a capital city, offering a rare opportunity to experience a real African safari with Nairobi’s skyline in the background. What can you expect while on a tour of Nairobi National Park?
Game Drives: Big Game Just Minutes from the City
The main attraction in Nairobi National Park is its game drives, which offer incredible opportunities to see a variety of African wildlife. Despite its small size, the park is home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, elands, and hartebeests. One of the highlights is the chance to spot black rhinos in their natural habitat. Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries. Our guided morning or evening game drives offer the best chance to see predators and grazers when they’re most active, and all within a few kilometers of the city.
Visit the Ivory Burning Site Monument
A visit to the Ivory Burning Site Monument offers a powerful reminder of Kenya’s fight against poaching. This historic location marks where former President Daniel ArapMoi set fire to a stockpile of ivory in 1989 to demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to elephant conservation. It’s an educational and emotional stop that highlights the country’s leadership in wildlife protection.
Nairobi Safari Walk: A Family-Friendly Wildlife Encounter
For families or travelers looking for a more relaxed experience, the Nairobi Safari Walk, located just outside the main park entrance, is a great option. This elevated wooden boardwalk allows visitors to view a variety of animals up close, including rare species like the bongo antelope and albino zebra, in a naturalistic setting. It’s an ideal introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and conservation efforts, especially for children and first-time visitors.
Animal Orphanage: A Glimpse into Wildlife Rehabilitation
Also located near the park entrance is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which cares for rescued and orphaned animals. Visitors can learn about the rehabilitation process and see animals such as lions,cheetahs, jackals, and various bird species being nurtured back to health. Though not a substitute for seeing wildlife in the wild, the orphanage plays a key role in public education and conservation awareness.
Bird Watching and Nature Trails
Nairobi National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 500 recorded species including crowned cranes, kori bustards, secretary birds, herons, and migratory birds during certain seasons. The park’s open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and wetlands create diverse habitats perfect for birding. For those who enjoy walking, there are designated nature trails near the Nairobi Safari Walk and picnic sites that offer a quieter way to enjoy the park’s flora and fauna.
Photography: Wildlife and Skyline in One Frame
Photographers love Nairobi National Park for its unique contrast of urban and wild landscapes. Where else can you photograph a lion or rhino with skyscrapers in the background? Whether you’re capturing sunrise over the savannah or dramatic close-ups of big game, the park offers endless visual opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is a year-round destination, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to March, when grass is shorter and animals gather near water sources. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for game drives, as wildlife is most active during the cooler hours.
Whether you’re stopping in Nairobi on a layover or looking to kick off a longer Kenyan safari, Nairobi National Park offers an unmatched wildlife experience right at the doorstep of the city. At Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts, we provide customized tours that include private game drives, guided safari walks, and combined packages with the Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for a complete Nairobi wildlife day.