• By: Riyanka
• Apr 24, 2019
• (4) Comments

Exploring Nairobi National Park in Just 3 Hours

To quote the words of John Hemingway, “If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”

From the day we started planning our Kenya trip, we were thrilled about the prospect of going on game drives. Like everyone else, even we were looking forward to Maasai Mara – ‘The Safari Mecca Of The World’. But to be honest, Nairobi National Park surprised us big time!

The normal ‘game drive rule’ states that one can always spot the animals during the early morning safari, as that’s the time when they head out in search of food and water. In NNP, there’s also a 6 o’clock game drive, which is quite popular, and most people target that. Unfortunately (or fortunately enough!), we didn’t manage to get a slot in the 6 o’clock safari on the day we had planned for NNP.

We managed to book a slot for the 11 AM game drive with Haroun as our guide. (We met him at the KWS office, and he has been working as a guide for about 8 years!) While most of the people we had met earlier said that there was a thin chance of spotting the carnivores at that time of the day, Haroun was quite confident that he wouldn’t disappoint us. He promised that he would try his best so that we could see lions (if not anything else) within those three hours.

Not kidding, but it was just about 10 minutes or so that we had entered the park, and we saw one of the mightiest packs living in NNP – The Kingfisher Pride! And not just that, but we also saw some of the rarest species, such as the Black Rhinos and Secretary Bird.

Here are some of the best photographs from Nairobi National Park

Rightly said by the author of Out of Africa, Karen Blixen, “If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again.”

Some Interesting Facts About Nairobi National Park

• It’s the only Wildlife Park in the world that’s located within the boundaries of a capital city!
• The park is home to black rhinos, which are considered an endangered species.
• It serves as a major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks across Kenya.
• It was the first national park to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1946.
• There are more than 400 different bird species, of which nearly 20 are seasonal European migrants.
• It’s home to over 100 mammalian species, including the Big 4 (Lions, Wild Buffalo, Leopards, and Rhinos).
• A huge zebra and wildebeest population is thriving in this park.
• Predators like hyenas and cheetahs are also found in NNP.
• There’s a huge hippo pool, and one can opt for a walking safari around that place.

“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.” – Karen Blixen (Danish author who is best known for “Out of Africa”, her account of living in Kenya).

Frequently Asked Questions About Nairobi National Park

1. Where is Nairobi National Park located?

   Nairobi National Park is located approximately 7 kilometres (4 miles) south of Nairobi’s city centre, making it one of the only national parks in the world within a capital city.

2. What makes Nairobi National Park unique?

   The park’s proximity to an urban area is its most distinctive feature. Travellers can see wildlife like lions, giraffes, and rhinos with the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop. It is also home to diverse ecosystems, including open grasslands, forests, and wetlands. It’s a paradise for wildlife photographers as well as bird watchers.

3. What are the park’s operating hours?

   Nairobi National Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including public holidays. The last entry is typically at 5:00 PM (Kenyan time).

4. How much is the entrance fee?

   As of 2024:

   • Non-residents (foreign travellers): $43 for adults, $22 for children
   • Residents and citizens: Ksh 430 for adults, Ksh 215 for children
     Fees may vary, so it’s advisable to confirm with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) before visiting.

5. Can I do a half-day tour of the park?

   Yes, many visitors opt for a half-day tour, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.

6. Are guided tours available?

   Yes, guided tours are available and can be booked through local tour operators or at the park gate. Guides provide insights into the park’s wildlife and ecosystem, and they will always keep an eye on the animals, helping travellers spot them easily.

7. Is Nairobi National Park safe for visitors?

   Yes, the park is generally safe for visitors. However, you should follow safety guidelines provided by park rangers, such as staying inside your vehicle during game drives and keeping a safe distance from wildlife.

8. What is the best time to visit the park?

   The park can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry season (July to October and January to February) when animals are easier to spot near water sources.

9. Can I visit the park on a layover in Nairobi?

   Yes, Nairobi National Park is an excellent option for a layover, as it’s conveniently located near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You can fit in a half-day tour if you have at least 5-6 hours of free time between flights.

10. How do I book tickets to Nairobi National Park?

    Tickets can be purchased at the park gate or online through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.

If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, I would definitely recommend visiting Nairobi National Park. Additionally, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your 48 hours in Nairobi.

Disclaimer: This post contains a few affiliate links. If you happen to click on any of them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Just know that I truly appreciate your support if you choose to do so.