Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park offers one of the world’s most unusual wildlife experiences: a genuine national park immediately beside a major capital city. Open grassland, acacia woodland, seasonal wetlands and the Nairobi skyline create a distinctive setting.

The park is an important rhino sanctuary and supports lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, hippo, crocodile and many other species. Elephant are not resident in the park.

A Nairobi wildlife day can combine the park with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery and Giraffe Centre. It is also a useful first or final safari experience before a longer journey.

See the Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi National Park page for current visitor guidance.

Rhino, lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, hippo and other species can be seen, while elephants are not resident.

The park is highly productive for birding because open plains, woodland, dams and seasonal wetlands sit within a relatively compact area.

The park can be visited year round. Drier months often offer easier road conditions and shorter grass, while greener months are rewarding for birding and landscape photography.

Nairobi’s elevation keeps conditions milder than many lower safari regions, with cool mornings and evenings common.

The park is reached directly from Nairobi and is ideal for half day or full day game drives depending on the wider itinerary.