Everything to Know About the Magic of Nairobi National Park
Everything to Know About the Magic of Nairobi National Park. The park is located just 7 kilometers away from the city center, Nairobi National Park is a unique gem that should not be missed for your adventure safari. The park was established as a national park in 1946 making it Kenya’s first National park and the only National Park in the world that is close to the city.
Kenya National Park covers an area of 117 square kilometers where you can do an authentic safari and play games while having a view of Nairobi city skyline in the background. It’s a spectacular view of a mixture of urban and wildlife settings.
Nairobi National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a clear indication of Kenya’s dedication to the preservation and conservation of wildlife. The park’s proximity to the city makes it easily accessible by both locals and international visitors and in turn offers an ideal safari experience without traveling long distances. Whether you have time or not this is one park that you can visit for a day excursion, the park has rich wildlife including four of the BIG FIVE (excluding elephants), Nairobi National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kenya be it for work or leisure.
Wildlife in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife with 4 of the Big Five found here and in high populations that is lions, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards among other wildlife with elephants not present in the park. The black rhinos have thrived in Nairobi National Park and the numbers of these endangered species have been greatly boosted over the years. Visitors often see the majestic creatures while on game drives in the park.
The park is also home to more than 400 bird species which makes it a birding haven for the bird watchers, they have the chance to clear off more or close to half of Kenya’s birding list in one park. Spending days here with our expert guide will give you great chances of spotting these. With at least 20 of which are seasonal European migrants from November to April, The park bird list includes Martial Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Bateleur, Secretary Bird, Tawny Eagle, Nairobi Pipit, Spotted Thick-knee, African Quail-Finch, Rüppell’s Long-tailed Starling, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Lilac-breasted Roller, White-browed Coucal, African Grey Hornbill, Northern Pied Babbler, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu among others.
Nairobi National Park has diverse habitats within, including open grass plains, riverine forests, rocky valleys, and acacia woodlands which makes for a beautiful view. From the elusive leopards that travel through the forests to large herds of herbivores that graze on the plains, Nairobi National Park offers a full safari experience just minutes away from Kenya’s capital. Contact us for more information.
The Ivory Burning Site and Historical Significance
One of the most significant landmarks within Nairobi National Park is the Ivory Burning Site. This site is of historical importance as the location is where in 1989 the Kenyan President then Daniel Arap Moi set fire to 12 tons of ivory, this was a symbol of Kenya’s dedication to eradicating poaching in the park and the country at large. This was a statement action to all those involved in the illegal activity that Kenyan authorities were out to stop them and the illegal trade. This showed the country’s commitment towards the conservation of wildlife.
The Ivory Burning Site is a reminder of the parks and Kenya as a whole their dedication towards world conservation and protection of wildlife and that Africa is not sitting back and letting the activities of poaching affect us.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Elephant Orphanage
Just next to Nairobi National Park is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to the renowned Elephant Orphanage. This sanctuary is dedicated to research, rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos. The trust plays a critical part in the conservation landscape in Kenya and when doing a safari we often make it a point for you to visit the trust and see the work done towards conservation.
The orphanage provides a home for young elephants that have lost their parents to poaching or other human and wildlife conflicts. You have the chance to watch the elephants while they are feeding and even you can take part in the adoption program which helps raise funds for care when they are later fully sufficient on their own they can be released back into the wild. Contact us to arrange your safari and our consultants will tailor a package for you that includes this and more.
Activities in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park offers a range of activities that cover different interests, from game drives to guided walks. Here are some of the most popular activities;
- Game Drives:
- Guided Walking Safaris:
- Bird Watching:
- Picnics and Bush Meals.
- Photography Safaris:
- Visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage:
Popular Safari Adventures in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is perfect for both short day trips and extended safaris that combine with other national parks and reserves. Here are some of the popular safari options we offer;
- Half-Day Nairobi National Park Safari
- Full-Day Nairobi National Park Safari
- Nairobi National Park and Karen Blixen Museum Combo
- Night Safari in Nairobi National Park
- 8-Day Northern Kenya Luxury Safari
- 3-Day Nairobi – Masai Mara
- 4-Day Nairobi City and Masai Mara Luxury Safari Package
- 7-Day Nairobi/Aberdare/Bogoria/Naivasha and Masai Mara
- 11-Day Nairobi, Amboseli, Samburu and Mara Safari
Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is an all year-round destination and can be visited any time when you have availability. But also it should be noted that dry seasons are from July to October and January to February which are the most ideal for game viewing, as the grass is shorter and animals tend to gather around water sources which makes them easier to spot through the burnt brown grass.
During the wet seasons which are from March to June and November to December, the park transforms into a green lush landscape. The wildlife is more dispersed during this time but the scenery is breathtaking and birdwatching is at its peak with the arrival of migratory species from Europe and Asia.
So depending on when you can make the trip Encounter Africa Safaris is always ready to take you on this wonderful adventure trip so contact us and we will book it for you.
Obtaining a Visa for Kenya
Kenya has now moved to the new visa online application system which requires all visitors to fill in an online application form and pay the required fees where applicable. The process is simple and less time consuming compared to the old system. Click here for the online application portal to complete your visa.
How to get to Nairobi National Park
This is a unique trip to make it locked not more than 30 minutes away from the city center, you can set off at any time and still be there in time for an evening game drive. The park is easily accessible by a well maintained tarmac road from the city and has a direct route to the airport with minor traffic experience.
Our Transportations services.
We have Land cruisers each driven by professionally trained driver guides and fuel. They have pop-up roofs for proper game viewing and photography. They come with a small fridge for cooling your drinking water while on safari (which is always included while IN THE VEHICLE). They have inverters for charging small gadgets such as smartphones and cameras. They can seat five to a maximum of seven people and each client is guaranteed a window seat. 4×4 Vehicle: If traveling by road is highly recommended due to the rough terrain in some areas.
Accommodation Options Near Nairobi National Park
While there are no accommodations within Nairobi National Park itself, the surrounding area offers a wide range of lodging options from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Here are some recommendations that we think are good options.
- Luxury Lodges and Hotels
- Ole-Sereni Hotel
- The Emakoko
- Mid-Range Lodges and Hotels
- Nairobi Tented Camp
- Hemingways Nairobi
- Budget Hotels and Guesthouses
- Park Place Hotel
- 67 Airport Hotel
Is it safe to visit Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park is a very safe place to visit Kenya as a country that has prevailing peace and the people also are friendly. Finding crime towards travelers as uncommon as the reserve security does a lot of monitoring work to ensure that this prevails. But like anywhere around the world, you are encouraged to be cautious of your belongings as theft is common especially in the city and urban areas.
Why use Encounter Africa Safaris as your trusted operator.
Encounter Africa Safaris is one of the leading tour operators for the East African region, we have been organizing amazing experiences to Nairobi National Park for the last 15 years and are in a position to give you the best advice in terms of getting the best out of any penny spent. We have a team of competent safari designers and guides who will make sure that planning and executing your safari is done with ease. Encounter Africa Safaris is owned and run by locals and part of the money paid by you is channeled to benefiting projects that support community development as well as conserving the environment. Follow this easy guide to Nairobi National Park when choosing to book a safari and I assure you that the package will work out. Encounter Africa safaris is highly recommended on TripAdvisor as well as safari bookings. Feel free to visit these platforms and get to see what other clients say about our service.
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