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Kenya · National Parks & Wildlife
Nairobi National Park
Lions, rhinos and giraffes grazing against a city skyline, just 7 km from central Nairobi.
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Park size
117 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Half or full day
The park
A safari on the city’s doorstep
Opened in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park, Nairobi National Park protects 117 km² of open grassland, acacia bush and forest on the southern edge of the capital. It is fenced on the city side and open to the south, so wildlife can move in and out across the Kitengela plains.
The park is one of Kenya’s best places to see black rhinos, and lions, buffalo, giraffes and cheetahs are all resident. It is perfect for a first game drive on arrival, or a morning out before an evening flight. Combine it with the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, the Giraffe Centre or the Karen Blixen Museum for a full day.
From Nairobi, most guests continue to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli or Lake Naivasha.
Places your guide will show you
Ivory Burning SiteNairobi Safari WalkHippo PoolsImpala PointAthi BasinKitengela plains
Only in Nairobi
Wildlife with a city skyline
Wildlife
Who you will meet
Four of the Big Five live here, within sight of the city’s towers.
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01
Black rhino
One of Kenya’s most important rhino sanctuaries, with good chances of a sighting.
02
Lion
Several prides roam the grasslands and forest edges.
03
Masai giraffe
Browse the acacias, often with skyscrapers behind them.
04
Zebra
Graze the open plains in large herds.
05
Cheetah
Seen on the open southern plains, especially in the early morning.
Experiences
A full day in Nairobi
Pair your game drive with Nairobi’s best-loved wildlife and heritage stops.
Morning game drive
Set off at dawn, when predators are most active and the light is soft.
Elephant orphanage
Watch rescued baby elephants feed and play at the late-morning visit.
Giraffe Centre
Feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform.
Karen Blixen Museum
Tour the farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa.
Nairobi Safari Walk
A raised boardwalk with close views of animals at the park entrance.
City and park in one day
Combine the park with a Nairobi city tour before your flight.
When to visit
The best time for Nairobi National Park
The park is open all year, and a morning game drive works in any season.
Jan – Feb
Short dry season
Warm and clear, with animals easy to find on short grass.
Mar – May
Long rains
Green and quiet. Some tracks can close after heavy rain.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Cool, dry days. Wildlife gathers near the dams and rivers.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers and fresh grass, with good birding.
Getting there
Reaching the park
By road
About 20 to 40 minutes from central Nairobi, depending on traffic, to the main gate on Langata Road.
From the airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is close to the park, ideal before or after a flight.
Combined routes
Most Kenya safaris start in Nairobi, so the park fits easily on day one or the last day.
Where to stay
Where to stay
01
Inside the park
A small number of tented camps let you wake up among the wildlife.
02
Karen and Langata
Leafy suburbs beside the park with boutique hotels and guesthouses.
03
Central Nairobi
City hotels for travellers combining the park with business or a city tour.
Park entry fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Nairobi day trips
Half-day and full-day trips in and around Nairobi, including game drives in the national park.
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park
- 1 Day
Good to know
Nairobi National Park FAQs
How far is Nairobi National Park from the city centre?
Only about 7 km. The main gate on Langata Road is 20 to 40 minutes from the centre, depending on traffic.
Can you see the Big Five in Nairobi National Park?
Four of them: lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard live here, though leopards are rarely seen. There are no elephants in the park.
How long do you need?
A half-day game drive is enough to see a lot. A full day lets you add the elephant orphanage or Giraffe Centre.
Is it a good place to see rhinos?
Yes. It is one of Kenya’s key black rhino sanctuaries, and sightings are common.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning, when the park opens at 6 am and animals are most active.
Can I visit before a flight?
Yes. The park is close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, so a morning drive before an evening flight works well.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Nairobi National Park and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan your Nairobi safari day
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Nairobi National Park itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
