Nairobi National Park

Safari in the City

The world's only national park bordering a capital city. Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya's most extraordinary surprises — just 7 km from Nairobi's CBD, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo roam freely against the dramatic backdrop of the city skyline. It's one of Africa's most unique wildlife experiences.

Quick Facts

• Location: Southern Nairobi (7 km from the city centre)
• Size: 117 km²
• Established: 1946 (Kenya's first national park)
• Best time to visit: Year-round; early morning for best wildlife activity
• Special feature: Open border to the south allowing wildlife to migrate freely

Wildlife You'll See

• Black Rhino: One of the most important sanctuaries for critically endangered black rhinos in Kenya
• Lions: Resident prides roam the park's grasslands
• Giraffes: Maasai giraffes wander across the plains
• Buffalo: Large herds in the southern grasslands
• Cheetahs and Leopards: Occasional sightings in open areas
• Birds: Over 400 species including the ostrich and crowned crane

Top Things to Do

• 🚗 Game Drive: Morning game drives through the park's open plains and riverine forest
• 🦒 Giraffe Centre: Adjacent to the park, feed endangered Rothschild giraffes
• 🐆 David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Visit the orphaned elephant nursery (morning visits)
• 📸 City Skyline Photography: Unique shots of wildlife with Nairobi's skyline in the background

Visitor Tips

• Best combined with the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum as part of a full-day Nairobi experience
• Early morning (6am–8am) offers the best wildlife sightings
• The park is fenced on three sides — the open southern boundary allows seasonal wildlife migration