This is the oldest of all Kenya’s national parks. It is known for its Black Rhino Sanctuary and, despite bordering the city, it is home to lions, leopards and hyenas as well as many other Kenyan animals.
Its closeness to Nairobi also means it is very accessible to Kenyans and tourists alike who want to experience a safari without having to travel and stay overnight elsewhere.
Situated around the Embakasi River, Nairobi National Park has herds of buffalo and a concentrated population of ostriches. It is also a good place to experience the wildebeest migration in the summer months and to see four of the “Big Five” African animals.
Nairobi National Park is perhaps best known for its significant black rhino sanctuary. This is the best place to see these endangered animals in their native environment.
There are no elephants in this national park, but four of the “Big Five” can be seen here (lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos). Other wildlife commonly seen in the national park includes giraffes, elands, zebras and wildebeest. As well, hippos and crocodiles can often be spotted along the Embakasi River.
Nairobi National Park attracts over 150,000 visitors who come to the park every year to see the native African wildlife. Carry a notebook and a spotter’s guide, as well as plenty of water when you go on safari.
What to see and do at Nairobi National Park
The annual wildebeest and zebra migration take place from July to October when 1.5 million animals migrate in search of water and grazing. The best time to see this incredible movement is in July and August.
The endangered black rhinoceros is protected here and the park supplies black rhinos to other national parks. Other major wildlife attractions to the park include the lion, cheetah, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, hyena and zebras. There are also sanctuaries for rhino breeding, nature trails, hippo pools and an animal orphanage.
Take a game drive to see four of the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos, but no elephants.
Walking trails can be enjoyed, along with five picnic sites.
Bird watching is popular here, with 400 species recorded.
Turtle and tortoise watching can also be enjoyed.
The park is open for game viewing, bush dinners, film production and weddings.
Best time to visit Nairobi National park.
High season is July through March when over 100,000 visitors enjoy seeing the Kenya wildlife in its natural habitat. Avoid the rainy months of March through May. The best times for viewing are early and late in the day, as animals tend to sleep in the hot midday sun.
Nairobi National Park accommodation:
There is no accommodation or lodges in the park, but lodging is plenty in Nairobi city which is less than 10 KM away from the park.