The Nairobi National Park – Tourist Guide

Located only 7 kilometres from the core of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi National Park is among Kenya’s most famous national parks and a very rewarding wildlife destination.

This park is a unique phenomenon as one can see animals such as the critically endangered rhino’s in front of the city’s skyscrapers or giraffes from your window seat as you land at the Jomo Kenyatta international airport.

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Nairobi national park covers an area of 117 square kilometres. Although the park is relatively smaller compared to other major national parks in Kenya, it includes wide open grasslands, scattered acacia bushes, abundant wildlife and birdlife and a backdrop of the city scrapers.

The park is only faced on three sides. On the fourth side, the Southern boundary is open, allowing animals to migrate between Nairobi national park and the adjacent Kitengela plains.

Nairobi national park is alos the oldest national park in Kenya. It was established in 1946.

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Amenities at Nairobi National Park

There are six public entrance gates and various excellent picnic areas such as Mokoiyet, Impala, Kingfisher and hippo pool. People can use the picnic sites for weddings, corporate gatherings, and photo shoots.

Wildlife to see At Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is blessed with various animals and plants, making it one of Kenya’s most visited national parks.

The park is home to 4 of the big five; they include lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo. Unfortunately, there are no elephants in the park, but visitors can visit the nearby Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

Other animals on a safari here include zebras, hartebeests, common eland, impala, Maasai giraffes, ostriches, and about 500 bird species.

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David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located inside the park, is among the top Highlights of the Nairobi National Park. Founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in 1977, the area is home to rescued elephants and rhinos.

The charity is open to the public for one hour in the morning every day to watch babies being bathed and fed.

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Within the Nairobi National Park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. It serves as a training and educational center while offering care and rehabilitation for wild animals that are discovered, injured, or neglected. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, serval cats, rare Sokoke cats, warthogs, leopards, monkeys, baboons, and buffalo are among the animals kept at the orphanage.

Birds that one can see there include ostriches, crowned cranes, parrots, and guinea fowls.

Activities To Do T Nairobi National Park

Game drives in Nairobi National Park are the main attraction. Whether on self-drive or an organized tour, game viewing offers exciting experiences of watching wildlife in their natural habitat.

Nature walks are one of the exciting safari activities in Nairobi national park, allowing you to explore and get close to nature.

Nairobi national park is an excellent birding destination, with over 500 different bird species; a birding safari in this park is one to remember. Some birds to sport include Fischer’s lovebird, Grey Crowned crane, and Kori bustard.

The ivory burning site is another highlight of the Nairobi National park and an essential landmark in animal conservation.

As a representation of Kenya’s zero-tolerance approach to ivory trafficking, former President Daniel Arap Moi ordered the burning of 12 tons of confiscated elephant ivory inside the park in 1989.

Despite the city’s proximity, there are still some beautiful sights to view! It makes it a fantastic choice for a day excursion from Nairobi, whether you have a long layover or are in Nairobi for work and want to squeeze in a day of sightseeing.