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Kenya safari destination
Nairobi National Park, wildlife by the skyline
Lions, rhinos and giraffes, just a short drive from the city centre.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Nairobi County, Kenya
Park size
About 117 sq km
Ideal visit
Half or full day
Best time
June to October
Park overview
A safari on the edge of the city
Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first national park, opened in 1946, and lies just south of the city centre. Open grasslands, rocky valleys and patches of forest support lions, buffalo, giraffes and an important population of black rhinos, all with the city skyline in the background.
Because it is so close, the park is perfect for a half or full day out, a long layover, or the first or last day of a longer safari. The Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the Nairobi Safari Walk are right next door, so it is easy to make a full day of it.
- About 7 km from Nairobi city centre
- Kenya’s first national park, opened in 1946
- Ideal before or after a longer safari
Why go
Six reasons to visit Nairobi National Park
A real safari experience, without leaving the city behind.
Wildlife by the city
Giraffes and zebras grazing with skyscrapers on the horizon make for unique photos.
Rhino stronghold
One of the best places in Kenya to see black rhinos.
Big cats
Lions are seen regularly, and cheetahs and leopards occasionally.
Perfect for layovers
The park sits close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Elephant orphanage
Combine your drive with a visit to the Sheldrick orphanage nearby.
Ivory Burning Site
A powerful monument to Kenya’s stand against poaching.
Wildlife
Who you will meet on a game drive
Despite its size, the park is home to an impressive range of animals.
Lions
Prides roam the open plains and are often seen early in the morning.
Black rhinos
The park protects one of Kenya’s most important rhino populations.
Giraffes
Maasai giraffe browse the acacias, often framed by the city skyline.
Zebras
Herds graze the grasslands throughout the year.
Buffalo
Found across the plains and near the dams and rivers.
Cheetahs
Occasionally seen hunting on the open grassland.
When to visit
Nairobi National Park through the year
The park is open all year. Each season has its own rewards.
Peak season
June to October
Long dry season
Animals gather near the dams and rivers, making for excellent game viewing.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Warm, settled weather and good sightings between the rains.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Lush green scenery and quieter roads, though some tracks can be muddy.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh grass, newborn animals and migrant birds.
Things to do
More than a game drive
Pair your drive with some of Nairobi’s best wildlife and heritage stops.
Morning game drive
Head out early, when the animals are most active.
Elephant orphanage
Watch orphaned baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Nairobi Safari Walk
Walk on raised boardwalks among Kenyan wildlife and habitats.
Ivory Burning Site
Visit the monument where Kenya burned seized ivory in 1989.
Skyline photography
Capture wildlife with the city towering in the background.
Karen Blixen Museum
Add a visit to the nearby farmhouse made famous by Out of Africa.
Plan your visit
Getting there and making a day of it
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
Just minutes from the city, with the main gate on Lang’ata Road. We collect you from your hotel.
Layover friendly
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is close by, so a game drive fits well into a long layover.
Where to stay
Stay at a tented camp inside the park or at any hotel in Nairobi.
Nairobi park trips
Trips that include Nairobi National Park
Half and full day trips, perfect on their own or added to a longer safari.
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park
- 1 Day
Good to know
Nairobi National Park questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
A half day covers the highlights, while a full day gives you more time to search for rhinos and big cats.
Yes. The park is close to the airport, so a game drive works well with a long layover, depending on your flight times.
The park is one of the best places in Kenya to see black rhinos, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Early morning, when the animals are most active and the light is soft.
Yes. The Sheldrick orphanage has a late-morning visiting slot that fits neatly after an early game drive.
Very. Short drives and easy access make it a great first safari for families.
Ready for a safari in the city?
Tell us your date and where you are staying, and we will plan the perfect Nairobi National Park day out.
