Where to Go, What to See

A safari drive through Nairobi Park promises sightings of various animals such as zebra, impala, warthog, ostrich, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, lion, and cheetah. The park’s grasslands are home to majestic predators, while woodlands are grazed by Masai giraffes. Black rhinos occasionally make appearances around the forest area. Birdwatchers can revel in over 400 species of permanent and migratory birds, turning the park into a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Apart from the wildlife, Nairobi National Park offers recreational activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy picnics in charming picnic sites or stroll along the boardwalk leading to the hippo pool, where colossal creatures can be observed in their natural habitat. The park also hosts the famous ivory-burning site monument, paying homage to Kenya’s rich conservation history.

For a more interactive experience, the Kenya Wildlife Service’s Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage are conveniently located near the main gate. These attractions provide an opportunity to walk around for about an hour and get up close to many of Kenya’s most iconic safari animals in spacious natural enclosures.

For those seeking baby elephants, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage, near the park’s main entrance, is a must-visit. For a touch of luxury and a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial past, Giraffe Manor and the Karen Blixen Museum are less than a 20-minute drive east of the park’s main entrance, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

Getting There and Exploring the Park

A mere 20-minute drive from downtown Nairobi (7 km/4 miles), the park’s network of paved and all-weather dirt roads is navigable by regular cars. Junctions are signposted and marked on the official park map, available at the gate. Most local safari outfitters can arrange a half-day trip, or visitors can hire a taxi for a few hours. Rangers at the gate keep track of larger animals’ movements, providing valuable insights on where to spot lions or rhinos.