Nairobi National Park : Nairobi National Park Kenya or as sometimes referred as Nairobi Kenya National Park by some travelers, is the very first park to be gazetted in Kenya, on 16th December 1946. Where is the park located? Nairobi National Park is located about 7km south of Nairobi city, and is the only wildlife safari park in the world that is close to the city!
Nairobi National Park covers about 117 square kilometers, with an elevation of about 1,800 meters above seas level. The park inhabits thick woods, as well as rolling plains and valleys, with vegetation that is dry and inhabits a variety of wildlife and attractions that can be enjoyed with a park safari, any time of the year.
Attractions in Nairobi National Park
Animals
Nairobi National Park is home to over 100 mamma species, including 4 of the big 5 animals most sought after by travelers on Kenya wildlife safari tours. Lions, buffalos, leopards and rhinos can be found in the park, as well as many other animals like zebras, giraffes, various species of antelopes, and much more. In particular, there are about 39 lions, 90 rhinos, and 40 different amphibians and reptiles that travelers can spot while on a wildlife safari in the park.
Black Rhinos
Another of the attractions in Nairobi National Park are the black rhinos, and the highest population of black rhinos can be found here, as well as the white rhinos, all in the wild. There are about 50 black rhinos in this park, and thus a haven for the protection and conservation of this critically endangered species.
Birds
Nairobi National Park boosts of over 500 bird species recorded in the park, that it is indeed a good starting point for bird watching for those travelers on birding safaris in Kenya. Some of the birds in the park include Martial Eagle, Pallid harrier, Sooty Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Secretary Bird, Grey Crowned Crane, among so many other bird species!
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Another attraction inside the park that travelers can enjoy spending time at is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, founded in 1963. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a place that serves as a treatment and rehabilitation centre for wild animals and birds that are rescued from poachers, trappings, and more. Some of the animals in the Nairobi Animal Orphanage include lions, cheetahs, birds like parrots, ostriches, and so much more.
The Ivory Birding Monument
The Ivory burning monument is a landmark that symbolises the conservation of the wildlife in Kenya, which is the exact place where the then Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi burnt ivory in a bid to send a message to poachers to stop poaching the rhinos, and consequently stop ivory trade in Kenya.
Hippo Pool Walking Trail
Guided walking safaris are conducted in the park, and the walking trail of the hippo pool is one of the highlights to many travelers who visit Kenya on a Nairobi walking safari.
With the above attractions in Nairobi, some of the activities in Nairobi National Park to enjoy include game drives say full day game drives, morning game drives, or afternoon game drives, walking safaris, visit the animal orphanage, among others.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park
The park is open all throughout the year and so irrespective of when you visit Kenya, you can embark on a kenya safari. Regardless however, the best time to visit the park is during the dry season, in the months of July through October, as well as January and February. Wildlife viewing in the park is at its finest in the dry season because the vegetation is short, and the animals do converge in the few water points available.
Accommodation in Nairobi National Park / Where to Stay in Nairobi National Park
Apart from self-camping which is possible ion the 3 public campsites in the park all having electricity, hot water showers and communal kitchens and an available tent hire service at the main gate of entrance to the park, travelers looking for more sophistication can opt for the Nairobi Tented Camp which is a luxurious tented camp with 9 permanent tents having en-suite bathrooms, solar lighting, with gourmet meals that can also be served in the bush, especially under the stars, an experience that thrills many.
Getting to Nairobi National Park
Only about 7km south of Nairobi City and easily accessed using the different park gates of Maasai gate, Mbagathi gate, Banda gate, Langata gate and the main gate at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters, getting to the park by road is the best and most recommended. The park is also about 10km only from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is the point of entry into Kenya for any traveler looking to enjoy a Kenya safari tour, with possibilities of extending to explore Tanzania, another amazing Africa safari destination.
Get in touch with your reputable tour operator to help pitch an amazing Nairobi Park day safari, or even a larger Kenya wildlife safari with chances of extending to explore Tanzania tours open to you should you have enough time to spare!
