A Nairobi National Park day trip is the best use of a spare day in Kenya's capital. It is the only national park in the world inside a capital city, and on a good morning you can photograph a rhino with the skyline behind it.
It is also a real safari park. Here is what to expect and how to plan the day.
Why it is worth a day
Nairobi National Park was gazetted in 1946, which makes it Kenya's first national park. It covers about 117 square kilometres of grassland, forest and river valley on the southern edge of the city.
It is fenced on three sides. The southern side is open, so animals can move to and from the wider plains beyond it. That is why the wildlife here is wild, not kept.
What you can see
- Black and white rhino. The park is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhino, and a key breeding sanctuary.
- Lion. Several prides live here and are often found in the early morning.
- Giraffe, zebra, buffalo, eland and many antelope.
- Hippo and crocodile along the river at the southern edge.
- More than 500 bird species have been recorded, including ostrich and secretary birds.
There are no wild elephants in the park. For elephants, see the orphanage below, or plan a trip to Amboseli.
When to go
The park is open every day of the year. The best time of day is early morning, from the gate opening at 6 am. Animals are most active then, and the light is soft.
The best months are the dry seasons: January and February, and June to October. In the rains, some tracks become muddy, but the park stays open and is lovely and green.
How to plan the day
A half day or a full day?
A half day of about four hours covers the main areas and suits a morning before a flight.
A full day lets you explore the quieter southern plains, stop for a picnic, and add a visit nearby. Our full-day trip includes park fees, a pop-top vehicle, a guide and hotel or airport transfers, from $119 per person, or KES 9,500 for residents.
Add the elephant orphanage
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery, on the edge of the park, raises orphaned elephants and returns them to the wild. Visitors can watch the young elephants being fed during a set late-morning hour. Places are limited and must be booked in advance through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Add the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre in Lang'ata, a short drive away, breeds the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. You can feed them from a raised platform, face to face. It is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.
A sample full day
- 6:00 Pick up from your hotel and enter the park at the main gate
- 6:15 to 10:30 Morning game drive, looking for rhino and lion
- 11:00 Visit to the elephant orphanage
- 12:30 Lunch in Karen or a picnic in the park
- 14:00 The Giraffe Centre
- 16:00 Back to your hotel or the airport
Practical tips
- Book a vehicle with a pop-up roof. Standing up gives far better views and photographs.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom lens. Animals are sometimes far from the road.
- Carry a warm layer. Nairobi mornings can be cool.
- Payment at the gate is cashless. Fees are paid electronically. Current fees are listed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. On our trips they are included.
- Stay in the vehicle except at marked picnic and walking sites.
Where to go next
Most guests leave the park wanting more. The good news is that the next step is easy, and a longer safari from Nairobi does not need much more planning than this day did. Lake Nakuru is three hours away and also known for rhino. For big cats and the migration, the Masai Mara is the classic choice. Our guide to Amboseli vs the Masai Mara helps you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Nairobi National Park day trip worth it?
Yes. It is close, affordable and one of the best places in Kenya to see rhino. It is ideal on the first or last day of a trip.
How long do you need in Nairobi National Park?
A half day of four hours covers the highlights. A full day lets you explore further and add the elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.
Can you see the Big Five in Nairobi National Park?
You can see rhino, lion, buffalo and occasionally leopard. There are no wild elephants in the park.
How far is Nairobi National Park from the city centre?
The main gate is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic.
