Nairobi National Park

Nairobi NP

Overview

Wildlife

Birds

Best Time To Visit

Weather & Climate

Getting There

Malaria & Safety

Nairobi National Park offers a unique safari adventure. Witness a breathtaking spectacle – wild animals roaming free with the city skyline as a distant backdrop. This park boasts some of the best rhino sightings in Kenya, alongside lions, and a diverse array of other safari favorites. Whether it’s your first encounter with Kenyan wildlife or a final farewell, Nairobi National Park merits a place on your itinerary. Dedicate as much time as possible to explore this gem.

Best Time To Go

June to October (Little to no rainfall)

High Season

December to January and July to October (Busy)

Size

117km² / 45mi²

Altitude

1,511-1,754m / 4,957-5,755ft

Abundant Wildlife: Experience a bustling safari with a diverse range of animals roaming free.

Convenient Location: Enjoy an easy day trip or half-day escape from Nairobi.

City Skyline Backdrop: Capture unique photo opportunities with animals juxtaposed against the urban landscape.

Rare Sightings: Explore the boardwalk and spot unusual animals like the bongo antelope.

Wildlife Conservation: Visit the animal orphanage and witness conservation efforts firsthand.

Rhino Haven: See some of the highest black rhino populations and some of the best white rhino sightings in Kenya.

Urban Proximity: While convenient, the park lacks the complete wilderness feel of more remote locations.

Limited Species: Elephant sightings are not common within the park.

Accommodation Options: Only one lodge is located inside the park itself.

Spot the Big Four (Almost!): Nairobi National Park boasts a healthy population of lions, buffalo, rhinos (both black and white – some of the best sightings in Kenya!), and a variety of antelope species. While elusive cheetahs and leopards are less commonly spotted, the park still offers a vibrant safari experience. This is a fantastic place to witness a diverse range of antelope all in one location.

Unveiling Kenya’s diverse landscapes, Nairobi National Park offers a thrilling safari experience just a stone’s throw from the city. Embark on a guided game drive with knowledgeable experts who will steer you towards hidden wildlife and unveil the secrets of Kenya’s ecosystem. Alternatively, take the wheel of your own vehicle and explore the park at your own pace, keeping your eyes peeled for unforgettable wildlife encounters amidst breathtaking scenery. Relax and refuel at designated picnic sites, soaking in the sights and sounds of nature. While venturing outside your vehicle is restricted for safety reasons, your comfortable ride becomes your vantage point for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-guided exploration, Nairobi National Park offers a unique blend of urban convenience and captivating wildlife encounters.

Nairobi National Park offers a taste of Kenya’s diverse safari landscapes, all within easy reach of the city. As you enter, a track winds through dry woodland before revealing a breathtaking panorama of sprawling savannah grasslands. Explore further and discover hidden waterholes, lush riverine woodlands, and rolling grasslands teeming with life. In the park’s south, follow the Athi River Track, tracing the path of this vital waterway.

Nairobi National Park’s climate is safari-friendly year-round. Sunny days dominate the dry season (June-Oct), while rain sprinkles Nairobi in two bursts (Nov-Dec & Mar-May). Recent years see less predictable rain. High altitude brings cool nights, a welcome contrast to warm days. Perfect for any safari adventure!

Spot wildlife with ease in Nairobi National Park’s dry season (June-Oct) – clear skies & sparse vegetation. Wet season (Mar-May & Nov-Dec) offers lush landscapes, baby animals & migratory birds, but trickier game drives due to foliage & mud. Choose your adventure: clear skies & prime sightings or vibrant greens & new life?

Kenya Safaris

Nairobi National Park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, missing only elephants from the Big Five. Lion sightings are frequent, with the park supporting around 40 lions. Rhino enthusiasts will be thrilled – the park is a haven for both black and white rhinos. White rhinos graze openly on the plains, while the more numerous black rhinos prefer the cover of thickets, making them a special spotting challenge.

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffalo

Zebra

wildebeest

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Lion

Leopard

Hyena

Cheetah

Spot a kaleidoscope of creatures on your Nairobi National Park adventure! Lions, Masai giraffes, zebra, and buffalo are just the beginning. This park is a haven for antelope lovers, boasting oribi, Coke’s hartebeest, impala, gazelles (Grant’s, Thomson’s), waterbuck, bohor reedbuck, and even bushbuck. With a stroke of luck, you might encounter shy Eland or the tiny Kirk’s dik-dik!

Nairobi National Park welcomes visitors year-round, but wildlife viewing shines during the dry season (June-October). With less rain, animals concentrate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. The wet seasons (March-May and November-December) bring lush landscapes, but the thicker vegetation can make wildlife viewing more challenging.

Kenya Safaris

Calling all birders! Nairobi National Park boasts one of the longest bird lists of any city in the world, with nearly 500 feathered friends to spot. This birding paradise offers vast swathes of undisturbed grassland, making it a haven for unique species like the Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here after good rains. Spot ostriches, secretary birds, and bustards strutting through the grasslands. Waterbirds flock to Hyena Dam and Nagolomon Dam, creating a vibrant spectacle. The park’s accessibility makes it a breeze to book a last-minute guided birding trip, for a half-day or full-day adventure!

Notable Birds in Nairobi NP

Long-tailed fiscal

common

Ostrich

common

Black-headed heron

common

Blacksmith lapwing

common

Common moorhen

common

White-bellied bustard

Sooty falcon

Sharpe’s longclaw (NE)

Nairobi National Park thrills birdwatchers year-round, but the magic truly unfolds from November to April. This coincides with breeding season, so expect to see many resident species nesting and a vibrant influx of migratory birds from Europe and North Africa. Witness the dazzling displays of Jackson’s widowbird from March to May. While April offers birding opportunities, heavy rains may make navigating the park challenging.

Kenya Safaris

Bird Species

450+

Migratory Birds

Nov to Apr

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Nairobi National Park welcomes visitors year-round, but prime wildlife viewing falls within the dry season (June-October). During this time, sparse vegetation and clear skies make spotting animals a breeze. The wet seasons (March-May and November-December) boast lush landscapes, but wildlife viewing can be trickier due to taller grasses and occasional muddy roads – especially after heavy downpours. Rainfall patterns have also become less predictable in recent years. Ultimately, choose your adventure: clear skies and optimal wildlife viewing during the dry season, or lush greenery with the possibility of unpredictable rains during the wet season.

Best Time

June-Oct: Best wildlife viewing, dry season (little rain). Busy.

High Season

Dec-Jan & Jul-Oct: Can get crowded.

Low Season

April-June: Less crowded.

Best Weather

June-Sept/Oct: Driest months (little rain).

Worst Weather

April, May, Nov: Wettest months.

Sunny & dry (occasional rain early June)

Short grass = easy wildlife viewing (gather at water)

Dusty later in season (might affect scenery)

Lush Landscape: Skies are clear of dust, the park is vibrant with green foliage and wildflowers.

Newborn Bonanza: Witness the wonder of baby animals taking their first steps.

Birding Paradise: Excellent bird watching with migratory birds present.

Wildlife Challenge: Animals may be harder to spot due to taller, thicker grass.

Hot & Crowded: Expect hotter and more humid weather, particularly in January and February. The park can be crowded, especially over Easter weekend.

Limited Game Drives: Heavy rains in April, May, and November might impact game drives.

Kenya Safaris

Nairobi National Park welcomes visitors with comfortable year-round weather. The dry season, stretching from June to October, is a haven for sun-seekers with minimal rain and sunshine dominating the days. Nights offer a delightful contrast, cooling down considerably thanks to the park’s high altitude. The wet season, encompassing November to May, is divided into two parts. November experiences the heaviest short rains, while April sees the peak of the long rains. While these rainy months bring lush greenery and cooler evenings, rainfall patterns have become less predictable in recent years. Overall, Nairobi National Park boasts a pleasant climate suitable for year-round safaris, offering visitors the choice between sunny skies or a vibrant green landscape.

Sunshine Reigns Supreme: Nairobi National Park’s Dry Season (June-October) offers a haven for sun-seekers. While the exact timing of the first rains can vary, expect minimal precipitation throughout this period. June, July, and August are the coolest months, with comfortable daytime temperatures averaging around 23°C (73°F). However, prepare for a significant temperature drop in the evenings and early mornings, with lows around 12°C (54°F). September sees a slight rise in temperatures, reaching highs of about 25°C (77°F), before the potential arrival of short rains in October. This final month can be a bit unpredictable, with rain starting either towards the end or delaying its arrival until November. Regardless of the rain’s timing, expect temperatures to drop after any downpours.

Embrace the Green: Nairobi National Park’s Wet Season transforms the landscape (November-May).

Short Rains (Nov & Dec): Expect a burst of rain, typically starting in October or November and peaking in November. Temperatures rise before the rains and cool down afterward. Daytime highs average around 25°C (77°F).

Dry Interlude (Jan & Feb): A welcome break between the rains arrives in January and February. Daytime temperatures remain comfortable at about 26°C (79°F).

Long Rains (Mar-May): April takes the crown as the wettest month, with the potential for rain to disrupt game drives due to muddy roads. Remember, rainfall patterns can be unpredictable! Ideally, the rains taper off in May, but roads might remain muddy for a while. Daytime temperatures stay consistent at around 26°C (79°F).

Kenya Safaris

Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven conveniently located just 9km/6 mi south of Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city. This proximity makes the park ideal for a thrilling day trip or even a half-day escape from the city. Nairobi itself is a major transportation hub in Africa, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the world. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15km/9 mi southeast of Nairobi, receives international flights from all over the globe.

To discover airlines that fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and explore potential ticket costs, consider visiting a travel website like Skyscanner or contacting a travel agent. They can provide you with up-to-date information on carriers, prices, and flight options based on your specific origin and travel dates.

For details on passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements for Kenya, visit our dedicated Kenya FAQ page.

Kenya Safaris

Nairobi National Park, like most Kenyan parks, boasts a safe environment for visitors. You can explore with peace of mind knowing your safari experience will prioritize your well-being.

Nairobi city, however, has a different reputation for safety. While organized tours offer a secure way to explore the city, and most areas are generally fine during daylight hours, venturing out independently isn’t recommended. For more information on urban safety precautions, visit our ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ page.

To ensure a smooth and informed trip, be sure to check out the Kenyan government’s travel advisories listed on our ‘Safety & Security – Kenya’ page. This resource provides comprehensive information to help you plan your Kenyan adventure with confidence.

A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entering Kenya, so get it well in advance. Several other vaccinations are recommended – consult your doctor for a personalized plan. If you’re venturing beyond Nairobi’s high altitude (where malaria isn’t a concern), take antimalarials, use DEET-based mosquito repellent, and cover up at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. These simple precautions will keep you healthy for your Kenyan adventure!

Your Nairobi National Park adventure prioritizes your safety. Experienced guides and clear park regulations ensure a thrilling wildlife experience. For extra details, explore our ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.

Kenya Safaris

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