The first thing that hits you isn’t the scent of wild grass or the distant call of a crowned crane. It’s the skyline. Nairobi’s glass towers rise like a backdrop to the oldest safari you didn’t know you needed. Nairobi National Park is the only place on earth where you can sip a cold drink while watching a lion yawn under the shadow of a city billboard.
If you’ve never been to Africa, and the word “safari” makes you think of dusty hats and binoculars, forget all that. This isn’t a postcard. It’s a place where giraffes stretch their necks against a city horizon and zebras cross roads with more confidence than rush-hour drivers.
Because nowhere else lets you wake up in a hotel downtown and be among rhinos before your breakfast settles. It’s wild, yes—but in a way that feels reachable. The park holds more than 100 species of mammals: lions, leopards, buffalos, hyenas, and over 400 species of birds. But it’s not just about ticking animals off a list—it’s about those moments you can’t script.
Like when a baby giraffe stumbles near your game vehicle, and your camera dies—but your heart doesn’t forget. Or when a lioness stops, looks straight at you through the grass, and for a second you forget your own name.
This is Africa in high-definition, without needing to fly into the bush.
Nairobi National Park has a reputation as the black rhino capital of East Africa. But there’s more:
| Animal | Where You’ll Likely See It |
| Black Rhino | Near Mokoyeti River & forested edges |
| Lions | Southern plains and early morning tracks |
| Giraffes & Buffalo | Common near the savannah woodlands |
| Cheetahs | Often found stalking the open grasslands |
| Zebras, Wildebeests, Hartebeests | Everywhere—especially near waterholes |
Over 400 bird species including crowned cranes, ostriches, eagles
This park offers a real-life reminder that you don’t have to fly deep into the wild to experience it.
You’re not just driving around with a camera—you’re building memories:
Game Drives (Morning/Afternoon): Most animals are out before the heat sets in. Catch big cats before they melt into the grass.
Walking Safari at Nairobi Safari Walk: Raised boardwalks and close-range wildlife experiences—great for families.
Picnic at Ivory Burning Site Monument: A historic conservation landmark with sweeping views.
Bird Watching: Bring a guidebook—you’ll thank yourself. Sunbirds, bee-eaters, and eagles put on a show daily.
Photography Safaris: Dramatic backdrops of animals in the wild with the city skyline—it’s a dream for photographers.
Nairobi National Park is open all year. But if you like your game viewing drama-free (read: dry roads, animals congregating near waterholes), go between July and October or January to February. These are the dry seasons—when grass is low, and predators aren’t shy.
Want to visit when the landscape is greener, with fewer tourists around? Try March to June. The park still delivers.
Just 7 kilometers (about 15 minutes) from Nairobi’s Central Business District. Yes, you read that right. You could land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and be on safari before your phone catches the local signal.
By car: A 15-minute drive from downtown Nairobi. Uber works. So do taxis and private guides.
By air: Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (for domestic flights). From there, it’s a short drive.
By tour operator: Most Nairobi hotels can arrange half-day or full-day game drives with professional guides.
You don’t need to sleep in a tent (unless you want to). Nairobi offers both comfort and views. Here’s a range:
| Type | Where | What to Expect |
| Budget | Kenya Comfort Hotel, Nairobi Backpackers | Basic rooms, near city |
| Mid-range | Tamarind Tree Hotel, Ole Sereni | Good food, city-park views |
| Luxury | Emakoko Lodge, Nairobi Tented Camp | Bush vibes, high comfort inside the park |
Want the full “roar and relax” experience? Stay at Nairobi Tented Camp—the only accommodation inside the park. Wake up to impalas grazing by your tent. Yes, that’s a thing.
Get there early: Wildlife is most active before the sun starts baking the savanna.
Dress in layers: Mornings are cool, afternoons can cook.
Bring binoculars: Sometimes the cheetahs like to keep their distance.
Park entrance fee (2025):
Non-residents: $50 (adults), $25 (children)
Residents: KES 400 (adults), KES 200 (children)
Cameras are welcome: But drones? Not so much—leave them at home.
Local lunch idea: Try Nyama Choma after the game drive. It’s grilled meat, and it’s serious business.
Nairobi National Park isn’t a warm-up to your African safari. It is the safari—served with city lights in the distance and raw wildness at your feet. If you’ve been putting off that dream trip, maybe it’s time you stopped dreaming and started packing.
So—are you coming?
Give Us a call or arrange a meeting with one of our Travel Consultants to discuss more your Kenya Safari Adventure
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