About Nairobi National Park
Nairobi national park is located in Kenya and was established in 1946. It prides itself as being the only park in the world that is within a capital city. Backdrop of Nairobi’s skyscrapers is clearly visible from the park providing a perfect photo opportunity with wildlife. Its size is 117sq km which makes it one of Africa’s smallest game park but with abundant wildlife. Its ecosystem consist of open savannah plains with scattered acacia bushes. Other features are marshy wetlands, lush forests, rugged valleys and green grasslands. It also has a permanent river with riverine forest. On the southern side is the Athi Kapiti plains and Kitengela migration corridor which are important for wildlife dispersal during the rainy season. Man made dams have enhanced the habitat attracting many species of aquatic birds and other wildlife.
Nairobi National park is generally not very hot and it is warm and temperate. It has average high temperature of 26.8°C (80.2°F) and an average low-temperature of 12.1°C (53.8°F). There are two rainy periods which long rains in the month March, April, May and short rains in November and December.
Getting to Nairobi National Park
From Jomo Kenyatta International airport, it is 23 km away and can take up to 50 minutes depending on traffic if using the main gate. East gate is 11km from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and it can take about 20 minutes. The east gate is also very important if you are coming from the park and you have a flight to catch. It will take about ½ an hour from the city Centre which is 13KM. It is 5KM from the Wilson airport which is mainly for local flights. Roads in the reserve are fairly good and can be traversed by 2 wheel drive vehicles although they can be a challenge in the wet season and use of 4 wheel drive is encouraged.
What to see in Nairobi National Park/Attractions
Nairobi National Parks has abundant wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and reptiles, and over 400 species of birds. It is possible to see the big 4 of the big five here and they are the Lion, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo. Elephant is the only member of big five that is absent in the park. Other mammals and reptiles found in the ecosystem include baboon, gazelle, Grant’s zebra, cheetah, Coke’s hartebeest, hippopotamus, common eland, impala, Masai giraffe, ostrich, vultures, waterbuck, crocodiles, Python etc. Bird species include Maasai Ostrich, African Darter, African, Finfoot, Dwarf Bittern, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Spur-winged Goose, African Crowned Eagle among many others.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Another notable attraction is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage which is located in the Nairobi National Park. It serves as treatments and rehabilitation center for wild animals. The The Nairobi animal orphanage hosts lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, serval cats, rare Sokoke cats, warthogs, leopards, various monkeys, baboons and buffalo. Various birds can also be found in the orphanage including parrots, guinea fowls, crowned cranes and ostriches.
Safari walk
Safari walk is another attraction in Nairobi National Park. It is made up of raised wooded boardwalk that allows viewing of wildlife housed in the area. Visitors can view wildlife which they expect to see in Kenya’s game parks. It has a rich species of local trees.
Nairobi National Park Entry fee
They are currently at
NON RESIDENTS USD
Adults – US$ 43
Non Resident child – US$ 22
EAST AFRICAN CITIZEN (Ksh)
Citizen Adults – Ksh. 430
Citizen Children – Ksh. 215
EAST AFRICAN RESIDENTS (Ksh)
Adult – Ksh 430
Children – Ksh 215
The park is open every day as from 6AM in the morning to 6PM in the evening.
Accommodation in Nairobi National Park
There are one lodge inside the park called Nairobi Tented Camp. There is plenty of accommodation facility nearby and within the city.
Nairobi National park rules/code of conduct
- Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
- Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.
- Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
- Don’t feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
- Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.
- Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
- Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).
- Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat.
- When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters. Pull to the side of the road, so as to allow others to pass.
- Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.
- Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya. Never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission. Respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
- Visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. – 6.00 a.m., unless they are camping overnight or staying inside the park. Night game driving is not allowed.