Nairobi National Park

Wildlife adventures just minutes from Nairobi’s vibrant city center.

Nairobi National Park offers a unique safari experience against a city skyline. Just 10 km from the bustling Central Business District, it’s home to diverse wildlife, rich birdlife, and scenic views, making it a remarkable escape for families, couples, and groups.

Area

117 sq km

Established

1946

Location

City center

Altitude

1,550 – 1,760 m

Climate

Mild Tropical

Terrain

Open Grassland

Fauna

Black Rhinos

Flora

Acacia Bushland

A Rare Wilderness Beside a Modern City

Nairobi National Park Tour

Wildlife sightings include four of the Big Five, alongside cheetah, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, and more than 500 recorded bird species, making it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts.

Unique attractions such as the Ivory Burning Site Monument, hippo pool walking trails, and the Nairobi Safari Walk add depth to every visit. Whether for a quick half-day trip or a whole safari, the park offers a truly unmatched experience in the heart of Kenya.

Nairobi National Park is a remarkable fusion of urban life and untamed wilderness. Just minutes from Nairobi’s bustling streets, visitors can step into a world where iconic African wildlife roams freely.

Spanning 117 square kilometers, the park’s landscapes range from thick woodlands and rolling plains to river valleys shaded by acacias and olive trees. It serves as a vital rhino sanctuary, supporting breeding and restocking efforts across Kenya.

Best Time To Visit Nairobi

Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park offers year-round exploration, but June to October provides the best wildlife sightings. Rainy months bring lush scenery but can make certain tracks muddy and wildlife spotting more challenging.

Best Time

June to October

High Season

July to October

Low Season

April to June

Best Weather

June and December

Best Time

June to October

High Season

July to October

Low Season

April to June

Best Weather

June and December

Discover East Africa's Best Safari Packages

8 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari

19 Days Tanzanian Kenyan Cultural & Wildlife Safari

Why Nairobi National Park Deserves a Spot on Your Safari

Nairobi National Park safari

Beyond rhinos, bird enthusiasts are spoiled with over 400 species, including migratory arrivals from Europe during March to May. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated birder, the variety ensures rewarding sightings year-round.

For those looking to slow down, the park provides well-maintained picnic and event spots, such as Kingfisher and Mokoyiet. These scenic areas turn a safari outing into a full day of relaxation, celebration, and connection with nature.

For travellers seeking something extraordinary, Nairobi National Park offers more than just wildlife, it delivers experiences you won’t easily find elsewhere.

The park is renowned for its thriving rhino sanctuary, one of Kenya’s most successful conservation initiatives. Watching these endangered giants graze safely against a city backdrop highlights the park’s unique role in safeguarding Africa’s heritage.

Nairobi National Park Wildlife
Nairobi National Park Attractions

Photographers and filmmakers find endless inspiration here. The contrast of wildlife roaming freely beneath airplanes and office towers creates moments that feel both unexpected and symbolic of coexistence.

Evening drives are especially magical as golden light bathes the plains, offering one last glimpse of the city beyond the wild horizon before night settles quietly over Nairobi’s untamed side.

Nairobi National Park’s greatest wonder lies in its setting. It is the only place in the world where you can spot lions, giraffes, and rhinos with a skyline of skyscrapers in the distance. The blend of wilderness and city life is simply surreal.

The park’s accessibility makes it an easy escape for locals and visitors alike. In less than half an hour from downtown Nairobi, you can trade city noise for birdsong and fresh air. It’s a reminder that nature can thrive even beside modern life.

Nairobi National Park Safari

Nairobi National Park FAQs

Where is Nairobi National Park located?

Nairobi National Park is barely 7 km from the heart of Nairobi, which makes it one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in the world that is next to a city skyline. You can simply go there for a day vacation or a brief visit.

The park is special since it has both city views and an untamed environment. You can see lions, rhinos, and giraffes walking about freely with skyscrapers in the backdrop. It’s a unique blend of urban life and African wilderness that draws visitors to Kenya Safaris.

Lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos are four of the Big Five that live in Nairobi National Park. Other animals that live there include giraffes, zebras, impalas, ostriches, and more than 400 bird species.

The park is accessible all year, but the migration of the zebras and wildebeests from July to October is very noteworthy. The weather is moderate, and there are a lot of animals, so this is also an excellent time for game drives and birding.

Yes, one of the best things about the park is how close it is to the city. You can easily see it on a half-day or full-day Kenya safari, which makes it great for anyone who doesn’t have much time or is just in Nairobi for a short period.

You can do more than go on game drives in Nairobi National Park. Other Kenya attractions you can visit include the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the historic Ivory Burning Site Monument, and enjoy walking trails, picnic sites, and birding areas.

Explore East Africa’s Timeless Safari Destinations

Journey across Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where landscapes shift from endless savannahs to misty mountains. Witness lions roaming the Serengeti, gorillas in Rwanda’s volcanoes, and elephants crossing Kenya’s plains. Each destination offers its own beauty, culture, and rhythm, creating a safari experience that defines East Africa’s untamed soul.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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