Kenya

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

A Rare Wilderness Beside a Modern City

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 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

Discover East Africa's Best Safari Packages

Why Nairobi National Park Deserves a Spot on Your 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.

Top 10 FAQs to help you plan your unforgettable safari in Kenya.

Kenya is a captivating destination, famous for thrilling safaris, diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. These FAQs answer the most common traveler questions to help you plan with confidence.

When is the best time for a safari in Kenya?

The Best time for a Safari in Kenya is from June to October, when the weather is dry and animals concentrate around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to see. 

January and February are also great months to visit because the weather is mild and the parks aren’t as busy. 

The months of March to May and November are the rainy months. The scenery is lush and gorgeous, but severe rains can make some trails muddy and make it tougher to see animals. 

But birdwatchers might like the rainy months better because that’s when migratory species show up.

Kenya offers safaris for every budget. A budget safari may start at around $150 per person per day, covering basic accommodations and game drives.

Mid-range options average $300–$500 per day, offering comfortable lodges or tented camps and more personalized service. 

Luxury safaris can cost anywhere from $1,000–$2,000+ per day, featuring exclusive camps, gourmet dining, and private guides. Costs also depend on park fees, transport (road vs. flight), and the season of travel.

Yes, without question. The Masai Mara is Kenya’s crown jewel and one of the world’s most famous safari destinations. It is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), where over a million animals cross from the Serengeti into Kenya. 

Even outside migration season, the Mara offers year-round predator action with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, alongside elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Its vast open plains make game viewing exceptional.

A safari can be enjoyed in 3–4 days if you’re short on time, focusing on one park like the Masai Mara. 

However, for a deeper experience, 7–10 days allows you to combine several destinations, like Amboseli for elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro views, Lake Naivasha for birdlife, and Tsavo or Samburu for unique landscapes.

This way, you experience Kenya’s diverse ecosystems rather than just one.

Both are outstanding safari destinations. Kenya is more compact, making it easier to see multiple parks in a shorter time. It’s often considered more budget-friendly and is famous for the Masai Mara. 

Tanzania, on the other hand, offers vast, less crowded wildernesses, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

Many travelers choose to visit both countries, as the Serengeti and Masai Mara are part of the same ecosystem, providing a seamless safari adventure.

Yes, malaria is present in many regions of Kenya. It is strongly recommended that travelers take antimalarial medication, which a healthcare professional should prescribe before departure. 

In addition, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by lodges or camps. With the proper precautions, the risk is manageable.

Bring clothes that are light, breathable, and in neutral colours like khaki, beige, or olive green. These colours help you blend in with your surroundings and don’t draw bugs. 

Avoid bright colours, as well as dark colours (black and blue attract tsetse flies). Bring a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses, and a thick layer for early morning or evening journeys because the temperature might drop quickly. For game drives, you should wear comfortable, closed shoes. For walking safaris, you must wear the appropriate attire.

Safari costs include more than just accommodation. Park entry fees and conservation charges go directly into protecting wildlife and their habitats. Lodges and camps are often located in remote areas, meaning food, supplies, and staff must be brought in, raising operational costs. 

Additionally, highly trained guides, trackers, and conservation staff ensure your experience is safe, ethical, and educational. In short, the price supports both your adventure and the preservation of Africa’s wildlife.

For popular destinations like the Masai Mara during migration season, it’s best to book 6–12 months in advance. This ensures access to the best lodges, guides, and vehicles. 

For shoulder or low seasons, you may find availability closer to your dates, but planning gives you more flexibility with itineraries, flight options, and package pricing.

Yes, Kenya is considered safe for safari tourists. National parks and reserves are secure, and lodges prioritize guest safety with professional guides and staff. 

Nairobi and other cities have areas where extra caution is advisable, but once on safari, most visitors feel entirely safe. Following basic travel guidelines, such as avoiding displaying valuables and listening to your guide’s instructions, ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Safari Adventures Beside a Bustling City

Nairobi National Park combines natural savannah with city skyline, providing spectacular wildlife encounters, abundant birds, and unique experiences just minutes from downtown.

Kenya Travel Treasures

Discover the Many Sides of Wild Kenya

From lush highlands to arid northern plains, Kenya offers adventures as diverse as its landscapes. Kingse Safaris Africa connects you to unique wildlife encounters, cultural journeys, and breathtaking scenery across this incredible safari nation.

Creating Your Dream Safari, The Way You Want it

Kingse Safaris Africa offers customized tours tailored to your needs. Everything about your trip can be altered to suit your travel style, from the activities to the schedule. Join us and design your dream journey with us!

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgable and a skilled driver."
Jon H
Incredible Trip
The cottage was cozy, spotless, and thoughtfully designed — from the warm fireplace to the stunning forest views right outside our window.
John Doe
Guest
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at ease. The attention to detail — fresh flowers, local coffee — made our stay feel so personal.
Mike Lewis
Artist
The cottage was cozy, spotless, and thoughtfully designed — from the warm fireplace to the stunning forest views right outside our window.
Adam Sand
Businessman
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at ease. The attention to detail — fresh flowers, local coffee — made our stay feel so personal.
Mike Lewis
Writer
The cottage was cozy, spotless, and thoughtfully designed — from the warm fireplace to the stunning forest views right outside our window.
Adam S.
Worker
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at ease. The attention to detail — fresh flowers, local coffee — made our stay feel so personal.
John Doe
Teacher