Nairobi National Park is a unique destination as it is the only protected area in the world located so close to a capital city, with a wide variety of animals and bird species. It is a key attraction for visitors, residents, and citizens living in Nairobi.
The park’s ecosystem is characterized by open grass plains with scattered acacia bushes. The western side has a highland dry forest, while the southern side features a permanent river with a riverine forest. There are also stretches of broken bush country, deep rocky valleys, and gorges with scrub and long grass. To the south, the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela Migration Corridor provide important dispersal areas for herbivores during the rainy seasons. Several artificial dams attract water-dependent animals, bird species, and other aquatic life.
Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries, already generating a breeding stock for reintroduction into former ranges and other sanctuaries. The park also has rich birdlife with over 400 species recorded, including seasonal European migrants.
Major Attractions in Nairobi National Park
- Large predators: lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah
- Black rhinoceros and herds of large herbivores such as eland, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest
- Walking trails at the hippo pools
- Ivory Burning Site Monument
- Nairobi Safari Walk and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage
- Scenic picnic sites
Wildlife: Major attractions include black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, crocodile, and hippo (note: there are no elephants).
Birdlife: More than 400 bird species, with at least 20 seasonal migrants from Europe.
What to Do
- Game viewing
- Walking trails and guided tours
- Special events such as weddings
- Corporate events, including team building, bush dinners, and film production
- Picnics at designated sites
How to Get to Nairobi National Park
- By Road: Approximately 7 km from Nairobi city center, accessible via Lang’ata Road.
- By Air: The park is easily accessible from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport.
Other Park Details
- Park Size: 117 sq. km
- Park Gates: Seven gates, with the main gate at KWS headquarters on Lang’ata Road
- Climate:
- Jan–Mar: hot and dry
- Apr–Jun: hot and wet
- Jul–Oct: warm and cool
- Park Entry Fees: Rates vary for citizens, residents, and non-residents. Always check the official Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website for the latest prices.
