Safari Guide to Nairobi National Park

Safari Guide to Nairobi National Park.

Nairobi National Park is unique in being the “World’s Only Wildlife Capital,” a fabulous hike where large open savannah meets the skyline of a major city. Travelling just seven kilometers (four miles) from Central Nairobi, the busy city’s Central Business District, you can experience a true African safari without hours of travel. Founded in 1946, the park is Kenya’s first national park and preserves an important ecosystem of rolling grass plains, riverine forest, and rocky gorges along the Mbagathi River.

The park is great for those in a hurry, whether for a quick half-day trip or a better full-day trip, all while proving that a genuine engagement with wild Africa is a short drive away from the urban environment. Getting to the park is as easy as a 20- to 40 minute drive on Lang’ata Road from downtown Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and your incredible wildlife experience begins at the main gate. The combination of accessibility and nature’s drama against an urban backdrop makes it a must-see for any visitor to Kenya; it has no equal in any other protected area in the world.

The Amazing Wildlife and Key Attractions.

Even though Nairobi National Park is a compact 117 square kilometers, it has an incredible diversity of wildlife and is a real testament to conservation in Kenya. The park represents a major conservation success story for the endangered Black Rhinoceros, with one of the greatest densities of any location in the world to spot rhinos, which means you are virtually guaranteed to see one.

The park also contains three of the ‘Big Five‘ (Lion, Leopard, and Cape Buffalo); however, it is important to note that elephants have been relocated from the park to prevent human-wildlife conflict. There are many other species to see, including the graceful Maasai giraffe; various antelope species, including the eland and impala; plains zebra; and many predatory animals, including cheetahs and hyenas. Birders rejoice; with over 100 associated species, the park is home to more than 500 bird species, and the beautiful secretary bird and grey-crowned crane bring attention.

In addition to the game drives, the park features important historical and conservation sites. Visitors might want to stop at the Ivory Burning Site Monument, where Kenya’s leaders have burned tons of ivory confiscated from illegal poaching and trafficking, which shows the nation’s dedication to stopping the illegal ivory trade. The Hippo Pools Nature Trail is a good place to see crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.

Planning Your best Safari Visit

To maximize your wildlife spotting experience, plan your trip to Nairobi National Park. There is agreement that the Dry Season from June to October is the “best” time to visit. During these dry months, vegetation is not as dense and animals are often found closer to the limited water sources in the park, which also provides better opportunities for spotting and taking pictures. However, as previously mentioned, you can enjoy game viewing in the park throughout the year.

The Dry Season offers dry conditions, but the short rains from November to December and long rains from March to May will offer lush, green scenery and often the best time for birding as migratory birds arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Early mornings are usually the most advantageous time for game viewing, as this is when big cats, such as lions and cheetahs, are at their most active hunting prior to the heat of the day. You can consider either hiring a private safari vehicle and driver-guide or joining a Kenya group tour; a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended for traveling the park’s tracks. In addition to the park itself, there are other sites within or adjacent to the park that add to your Kenya safari experience, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (the Elephant Orphanage) to see rescued baby elephants being fed, and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage rescue and rehabilitation center, where you can meet injured wildlife.

As always, check opening hours wherever you plan to go and be mindful of the park rules: drive slowly and remain in your vehicle at all times outside of designated areas when considering the wildlife with Focus East Africa Tours.