Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park Safari Guide

Kenya’s remarkable safari destination, uniquely located just south of Nairobi’s central business district, offering visitors the rare experience of wildlife against a city skyline.

Quick Facts

Peak Season

June – October

Best Time to Visit

June – October and January – February

Famous For

Kenya’s first national park, located just outside the capital city

Safari Cost

~$200 – $250 per adult per day

Known For

Diverse birdlife and black rhinos

Wildlife on the Edge of the City

Nairobi National Park is a remarkable safari destination, uniquely located just south of Nairobi’s central business district, offering visitors the rare experience of wildlife against a city skyline.

The park’s open savannahs, wooded areas, and river valleys are home to black rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, and diverse bird species, making it a perfect destination for quick wildlife safaris, photography, and educational trips.

Visitors with Phronesis Tours can enjoy a full safari experience, including game drives, walking safaris, and visits to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.

Location

Nairobi National Park is located just 7 km (4.5 miles) south of Nairobi’s CBD, along the A104 road.

• Situated approximately 1,680 meters (5,500 ft) above sea level
• Easily accessible for day trips from Nairobi or as part of a multi-destination Kenyan safari
• Adjacent to Nairobi’s urban environment yet maintains a protected savannah ecosystem

This close proximity allows travelers to enjoy a full safari experience without leaving the city.

History of Nairobi National Park

Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first national park

In 1963, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage was opened as a rehabilitation center for rescued wildlife

The park is home to the Ivory Burning Monument, commemorating the destruction of 12 tonnes of ivory in 1989 by then-President Daniel Arap Moi

The park has played a vital role in urban conservation and wildlife education

Park Size

Nairobi National Park covers approximately 117 square kilometers (45 square miles), making it small but ecologically diverse.

Despite its compact size, the park supports a variety of wildlife and bird species and provides excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Wildlife and Landscape

Nairobi National Park offers a unique combination of wildlife and urban-adjacent landscapes:

Wildlife highlights:

Black rhinos and white rhinos

Lions, cheetahs, leopards

Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest

Over 400 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans

Landscapes:

Open savannah and grassy plains

Wooded areas and river valleys

Rolling hills with views of Nairobi city skyline

Safari Experiences at Nairobi National Park

Visitors with Phronesis Tours can enjoy:

				
					Nairobi National Park is perfect for travelers who want a quick safari experience without traveling far from the city.

Lodges and Camps – Accommodation

While Nairobi National Park itself has limited in-park accommodations, nearby options include:

Luxury lodges and boutique hotels in Nairobi with safari packages

Mid-range accommodations offering guided day trips to the park

Budget-friendly lodges suitable for school groups or short safaris

Phronesis Tours ensures accommodations are carefully chosen to provide comfort and easy access to the park

Park Entrance Fees

Entrance fees at Nairobi National Park vary by season:

Adults:

$80 per person per day

Children <12:

$40 per child per day

Fees support wildlife conservation, orphanage management, and park operations.

Park Opening Hours

Nairobi National Park gates operate daily:

6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Animal Orphanage and walking safari visits:

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife viewing and photography

Full Day Nairobi Tour

There is no better ay to start your exploration of kenya’s magical destination than an eearly morning game drive at the iconic Naiorbi National Park. This itenary offers a blend of wildlife encounters, conservation insights, and cultural experinces, providing a well rounded Nairobi National Park Safari adventure.

There is no finer way to begin discovering Kenya’s extraordinary destinations than with an early morning game drive through the iconic Nairobi National Park. This experience brings together remarkable wildlife sightings, rich conservation heritage, and authentic cultural moments, creating a well-rounded safari adventure in the heart of Nairobi.

Why Visit Nairobi National Park with Phronesis Tours?

With Phronesis Tours, visitors experience a unique urban-adjacent safari

Explore Our Nairobi National Park Safari Packages