Nairobi, Kenya · Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park Safari Guide

A real safari on the edge of Kenya's capital. See black rhinos, lions and giraffes against the Nairobi skyline, just 7 km from the city centre.

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Wildlife in Nairobi National Park with the city skyline — Safari with a skyline

Kenya's first national park

A real safari on the edge of the city

Nairobi National Park was gazetted in 1946, making it Kenya's first national park. It covers 117 km² of open grassland, acacia bush and river forest on the southern edge of the capital.

Here you can watch lions hunt and rhinos graze with skyscrapers on the horizon, then be back in town for lunch. It is one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries and one of the best places in the country to see black rhinos.

The southern side is unfenced, so wildebeest and zebra still move in and out of the park along the Kitengela corridor, following the rains.

Signature itinerary

A perfect day in Nairobi's wild side

Our most popular full-day tour combines a sunrise game drive with Nairobi's best wildlife experiences. You can also stop after the game drive for a half-day trip.

6:00
Gate opens
Enter at sunrise for the best chance of lions, rhinos and cheetahs.
6:30
Plains and dams
Drive the open grassland with Nairobi's skyline behind the giraffes and zebras.
8:30
Ivory Burning Site
Stop at the monument where Kenya burned its ivory stockpiles.
9:30
Hippo pools
Walk with a ranger along the Mbagathi River to see hippos and crocodiles.
11:00
Sheldrick orphans
Watch the baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (booking needed).
12:30
Giraffe Centre
Feed Rothschild's giraffes at eye level in Langata.

Half day: game drive only, about 4 hours. Full day: game drive, Sheldrick and Giraffe Centre, back by mid-afternoon.

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Wildlife

Animals you can see in Nairobi National Park

Four of the Big Five live here: lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. Elephants are the only one missing, though you can meet orphaned elephants next door.

Black rhino

The park's star. Sightings are more likely here than almost anywhere in Kenya.

Giraffe

Maasai giraffes browse the acacias, often with the skyline behind.

Zebra & wildebeest

Big herds on the plains, especially in the dry months.

Lion & cheetah

Lions hunt across the grassland; cheetahs use the open south.

Also look for: buffalo, eland, hartebeest, impala, ostrich, hippo, crocodile and leopard, plus around 500 bird species including secretary birds and crowned cranes.

A landmark for conservation

The Ivory Burning Site

In 1989, President Daniel arap Moi set fire to 12 tonnes of seized elephant ivory inside the park, a moment that helped build support for the global ban on the ivory trade agreed later that year. In 2016 Kenya went further, burning about 105 tonnes of ivory at the same site.

Today a simple monument marks the spot. It is a quiet, powerful stop on any game drive, and a reminder of why the parks you visit matter.

198912 tonnes burned

2016about 105 tonnes burned

Combine your visit

Nairobi wildlife experiences nearby

These three sit on or near the park's Langata Road side, so they are easy to combine with a game drive.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Watch orphaned baby elephants being fed and cared for by their keepers. Book in advance.

Giraffe Centre

Feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform in Langata.

Nairobi Safari Walk

A raised boardwalk at the main gate showing Kenya's habitats and animals up close.

Practical information

Plan your visit and park fees

Getting there

The main gate is on Langata Road, about 7 km from the city centre. We collect you from your hotel or home in Nairobi.

From the airport

The park borders Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, so a game drive works well on arrival day or during a long layover.

Hours and best time

Gates open 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Go early for active animals. June to October and January to February are driest.

KWS park fees

Per person, per 24 hours, since 1 October 2025.

Visitor	Adult	Child
Non-resident	US$80	US$40
Kenya resident	KSh 1,350	KSh 675
EA citizen	KSh 1,000	KSh 500

Children are aged 5 to 17. Fees can change; we confirm them in your quote.

Half dayNairobi National Park game driveAbout 4 hours · hotel or airport pick-upGet a quote Full dayGame drive, Sheldrick & Giraffe CentreNairobi's top wildlife highlights in one dayGet a quote Multi-dayStart your Kenya safari in NairobiAdd a game drive before heading to the Mara or AmboseliSee safaris

Good to know

Nairobi National Park FAQs

How far is Nairobi National Park from the city centre?

The park's main gate on Langata Road is only about 7 km from Nairobi's city centre, usually 20 to 40 minutes by road depending on traffic. It is also close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport.

What animals can I see in Nairobi National Park?

Black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and many antelope live in the park. Elephants are not resident, but you can see orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nearby. Around 500 bird species have been recorded.

Can I visit Nairobi National Park on a layover?

Yes. A half-day game drive of 3 to 4 hours fits well into a long layover or a free morning, and we can pick you up from your hotel or the airport.

What is the best time for a game drive?

Early morning, when the gate opens at 6 am, is best. Animals are most active and the light is soft for photos. The dry months, June to October and January to February, offer the easiest viewing.

How much are Nairobi National Park fees?

Under the Kenya Wildlife Service fees in force since 1 October 2025, non-resident adults pay US$80 and children US$40 per 24 hours. Kenya residents pay KSh 1,350 and East African citizens KSh 1,000 per adult.

Can I combine the park with the Sheldrick Trust and Giraffe Centre?

Yes. A popular full-day tour combines a morning game drive with the elephant orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre in Langata. The orphanage needs to be booked in advance.

Is Nairobi National Park fenced?

It is fenced on the city sides, but the southern boundary along the Mbagathi River is open, so animals can move to and from the Athi-Kapiti plains through the Kitengela corridor.