Nairobi National Park Kenya, Activities & Attractions
Located in the world’s only wildlife capital, Nairobi National Park is about 7km South of Nairobi city and it’s the most visited park due to its proximity to Nairobi city. The park was the first to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1946, covering an area of 117.2 square kilometers and inhabiting over 100 mammal species and 400 migratory and endemic bird species. The park is famous for the conservation of the endangered black rhinoceros making it the world’s densest concentration of these magnificent creatures (more than 50). It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, buffalos, giraffes among others. Notable bird species include ostriches, blacksmith lapwing, black-headed heron, and common moorhen among other varieties.
Main activities in Nairobi National Park include
Game drive
Get up-close with nature during the game drive with encounters of spectacular varied animal species including the endangered black rhinos, herds of buffaloes, towers of giraffes, pride of lions among others.
Bird-viewing
The park offers birding opportunities and holds up to 400 different migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory bird species enter the reserve between November and April making bird viewing possible all year round. Notable bird species are the black-headed heron, Somali ostriches, blacksmith lapwing, and Somali bee-eater among others.
Walking safaris
This safari is done along a raised wooden walkway allowing visitors to have an aerial view of the spectacular landscapes and animals of the park. This activity also prepares the mind of the visitors on what to expect in the reserve when they move closer to the animals during the game drives.
Other attractions in Nairobi National Park include
1. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Located within the park, the orphanage serves as a nursing and healing center for wild animals. It provides refuge to a variety of wildlife including black rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, hyenas, serval cats, warthogs, baboons, and various monkeys. The orphanage also has various bird species including the crowned cranes, ostriches, parrots, and guinea fowls. The orphanage presents an opportunity to learn about the rescued animals.
2. Impala Observation Point
Situated only about 3km away from the main gate, the Impala observation point and picnic site is situated high on a hill and is among the best spots in the park to picnic or just take a break. It gives panoramic views bird’s eye views of the nearby savannah plains where impalas usually spend most of their time. The site is also a good spot for watching birds and on a lucky day, you may see predators.
3. The Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area
This historic site is where 2,000 elephant tusks weighing 12 tonnes were set ablaze by Kenya’s former president Daniel Arap Moi on the 18th of July 1989. The ivory was confiscated from poachers before entering the market, stored, and later burnt to demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to the conservation of the African elephants and zero tolerance to the ivory trade.
Today, the site bears a monument, ashes of ivory, as well as Lawn with benches and a lavatory that serve as a picnic site.
Best time to visit Nairobi National Park
The finest wildlife viewing time is during the dry season between June and September when a variety of wildlife can easily be seen around water holes although it is guaranteed that you can still visit the park any time of the year.
How to get to Nairobi National Park
By road
The park is only 9km south of the city and can be accessed by public or private transport via Langata road.
By air
Jomo Kenya International Airport and Wilson Airport receive international flights arriving in Nairobi.
Where to stay in Nairobi National Park
The park offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange, and high range covering all travel classes. These include Ololo Safari Lodge, The Emakoko, Maasai Lodge, Emara Hotel Ole Sereni, The Last Village Lodge, Nyati Hill Cottages, and Osoita Lodge among others.
