Created in 1946, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s oldest Park and also one of the compact Protected Areas with only 117 sq. km. Unlike some Game Parks, Nairobi National Park is only 7km away from the heart of Nairobi city. It is the only Park lying within the city, also referred to as a wildlife capital. It features a range of forest, savanna, & riverine habitats, each inhabiting diversity of wildlife that makes this park an exceptional game viewing tour destination.
Wildlife in Nairobi National Park
The different animals present in Nairobi National Park include zebras, giraffes, buffalo, lions, wildebeest, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. The antelopes that survive in Nairobi National Park include sitatunga, Grant’s gazelles, hartebeests, topis, elands, dik-dik, waterbucks, Beisa oryx, and reedbucks.
Bird species
An estimate of about 400 species of birds survive in Nairobi National Park. The diverse birds that have been recorded in this park alone include long-tailed fiscal, grey-crowned crane, martial eagle, secretary bird, lappet-faced vulture, Fischer’s lovebird, brown-backed woodpeckers, pallid harriers, and Jackson’s widow birds. Corncrake, hammerkop, lesser kestrel, saddle-billed storks, tawny eagle, yellow-necked spurfowl, sooty falcon, Shelley’s francolin, sharpe’s long claws, white-tailed lark, common moorhen, Kori bustard, and marabou stork.
Other unique attractions to explore in Nairobi National Park include the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which lies in the park. The Ivory burning site, a historical site where over 12 tonnes of ivory were burnt around 1989, by H.E. Daniel Arap Moi. The move was to signify the country’s commitment to conservation. The Nairobi animal orphanage, which is a rehabilitation site for wildlife. The recreation site- the iconic site where you can find a walk path to a hippo pool, and also introduces you to the Mokoyiet & Kingfisher sites.
Safari Activities to do in Nairobi National Park
A visit to Nairobi National Park allows nature lovers to indulge in the diverse safari experiences the park has to offer. Top safari experiences to enjoy on a Kenya tour in Nairobi include guided game drives, walking safaris, birding, a tour to the Nairobi orphanage, and more.
Game drives
Nairobi is famous for its rewarding game drive experiences. Visitors get a chance to explore the Big cats –leopards, cheetahs, and lions. Expect to also find zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, and black rhinos. There are also lots of birds to be spotted during the guided game drive tour. Nairobi National Park provides an early morning game drive session starting from 6:00 am to 10:00am while the afternoon session begins from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Visitors can also engage in a full-day game tour, a great opportunity for you to have complete immersion into the park wilderness.
During the guided game drive, a 4×4 safari car is ideal for your easier access. A pair of binoculars & camera are also essential for your game drive excursions. Visitors are accompanied by a professional safari guide for an in-depth exploration of Nairobi National Park abundant wildlife and other species.
Guided walking tours
Tourists have the option of embarking on the nature walk. With Kenya guide, nature walking allows you to explore the park on foot. Nature walks come with panoramic landscapes and exceptional bird sightings. The enriching nature walk is an excellent option for nature enthusiasts, and ensure that you have comfortable & waterproof walking shoes. Your packing list should also have a bottle of drinking water and a rain jacket.
Explore the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visit the David Elephant Orphanage also popularly referred to as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. At the elephant trust, expect to observe the baby elephants when being fed or mud bathing. With an expert from Rivo Safaris, a visit to the orphanage presents a unique opportunity for tourists to appreciate elephant conservation & anti-poaching practices. You can also opt for the adoption initiative as a way to provide essential support to the rescued elephants. Public visits are available daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Birding
Nairobi is also a treasured birding destination where you can find a diversity of birds in varied habitats. The likely birds for you to sight include the Kori bustards, African fish eagle, secretary bird, ostriches, superb starlings, Northern pied babblers, grey-crowned cranes, yellow-billed stork, martial eagle, black kite, African sacred ibis, white-backed vultures, African black ducks, and African pygmy goose.
Best time to travel to Nairobi National Park in Kenya
Safaris to Nairobi can be organized and enjoyed at any time of the year. However, the dry season comes with favorable weather & climatic conditions for you to embark on wildlife tours. July to October or January to February offer amazing conditions suitable for game drives. Navigation through the plains of Nairobi National Park during the dry season reduces the risks of getting stuck on a game drive. The game tracks in Nairobi remain drier for a longer period of the year, making it an essential period for tourists interested in game viewing tours.
Accommodation options
Accommodation choices present for overnight stay include Olsupat Lodge, Kenya, Emakoko, Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm, plus hotel accommodation around Nairobi city.
Getting to Nairobi National Park
By road, expect to drive for about 20 minutes from Nairobi to the park. Visitors reach the park through the Langata gate, Langata, Bankda, Maasai gate, Mbagathi, and Maasai Gate. Visit Nairobi National Park to expect to appreciate its natural wonders, game tracks, and birding.