Nairobi National Park Location Attractions and Best Time
Nairobi National Park, located just 8 miles (13 km) south of Nairobi, is a vast sanctuary covering 45 square miles (117 sq. km) with a diverse wildlife population. With several species of antelope, hippopotamus, black rhinoceros, and even occasional sightings of lions and cheetahs, Nairobi National Park is a must-visit destination for Kenya safaris. This park is home to over 100 black rhinos, one of Africa’s highest concentrations of these animals.
Moreover, Nairobi National Park is a connecting corridor to the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela, allowing wildlife to migrate to Amboseli National Park. The park mainly consists of open plains with scattered acacia bushes, while the permanent Athi River is fringed with yellow-barked fever trees. There is also a small patch of highland forest dominated by crotons. Although Nairobi National Park has an impressive bird population, the occurrence of many species is seasonal.
If you’re considering taking a Nairobi National Park Day tour, expect to see characteristic varieties such as ostriches, secretary birds, black-headed herons, augur buzzards, little bee-eaters, and Jackson’s widowbirds. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of Nairobi National Park’s wildlife and landscapes!
It’s a unique experience to be surrounded by wild animals while still having the city skyline in view. The altitude in the area ranges from 4,950 to 5,850 feet (1,500 to 1,785 m) above sea level. The David Sheldrick Trust manages a small animal orphanage near the main park entrance, caring for injured, sick or lost animals. The park’s side, which faces Nairobi, is fenced. There’s an extensive network of gravel roads, and having a 4WD vehicle during the rainy season is strongly recommended for your Nairobi National Park safari.
The national park’s open grassy plains, dotted with acacia trees and man-made dams, offer excellent game viewing opportunities just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. A map with numbered points corresponding to road junctions in the park can be purchased at the Main Gate. However, booking through a Kenya safari operator is highly recommended for a better experience. The staff at this gate can provide information on where to locate the park’s wildlife, especially lions and cheetahs, which are closely monitored. However, finding the animals on your own can be challenging without an expert guide. A rewarding game drive will take 3–4 hours, during which you can see most of the park, its picnic sites, and the nature trail at the Hippo Pool on the Athi River.
