Nairobi National Park
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
About Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park was gazetted as Kenya’s first national park in 1946, making it the oldest in the country and the whole of East Africa.
There’s nowhere like Nairobi National Park, with incredible animals roaming free and wild against a not-so-distant backdrop of city skyscrapers. It’s among the best places in Kenya to see rhinos, and there’s a good chance that you’ll spot lions and an extensive portfolio of other safari species. At its beginning, wildlife roamed freely close to what is now Nairobi’s city center, with lions once heard near railway stations.
The Parks size measures 117 square kilometers and is home to over 100 animal species with the four of the big five apart from the elephants and more than 400 birds. It has served as a sanctuary for endangered species, particularly the black rhinos which faced severe poaching threats in 20th century, and has been central to Kenya’s conservation efforts for decades. There are three lion’s pride in the park namely: Kingfisher, Athi and Mokoyet.
“A Big 5 Paradise”
Trips To Nairobi National Park
Nairobi Park Scenery & Landscape
Just beyond Nairobi’s towering skyline lies Nairobi National Park—the world’s only wildlife capital, set against a modern city backdrop. Located just 10 kilometers from the Central Business District, the park offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife safari experiences and scenic, breathtaking landscapes where roaming wildlife is framed by skyscrapers on the horizon.
Nairobi Park is a sample for Kenya’s safari landscapes, but with city buildings on the horizon – which can make for some unusual wildlife photography sessions. You enter the park along a track that descends through dry woodland before the panorama of savannah grasslands opens up before you. Elsewhere in the park, there are waterholes, riverine woodlands and rolling grasslands. In the park’s south, the Athi River Track shadows the river.
The Animals & Wildlife In Nairobi National Park
The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife, making it both a rewarding safari destination and a true birdwatchers’ paradise. Although elephants are absent, the rest of the Big Five safari animals are present. There is a good population of both black rhino and white rhino, with white rhino often seen grazing on the open plains. Leopards can be seen sometimes, and cheetahs and hyenas are rarely spotted, but lions are commonly seen. It’s a good place to see many different antelope species in one park. The open plains, riverine habitats, and dramatic skyline views create striking natural stages for visual storytelling and filmmaking, offering rare contrasts between urban life and untamed wilderness.
Animals To See In Nairobi National Park
Lion, Masai giraffe, zebra and buffalo are just some of the animals you can see on a half-day trip in Nairobi National Park. It’s also an excellent place to see a wide range of antelope species, including the oribi, Coke’s hartebeest, impala, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, waterbuck, bohor reedbuck and even bushbuck. If you are lucky, a herd of shy eland or pairs of little Kirk’s dik-dik are also possible during this tour.
The Best Time to See Wildlife In Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park can be visited all year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the Dry season June to October when animals gather around remaining water sources. During the wettest periods of the year (March to May, and to a lesser extent November and December), visitors will be treated to dust-free skies and an abundance of baby animals and migratory birds.
“Nairobi Photographic Tours”
Birdlife & Birds In Nairobi National Park
With more than 520 bird species recorded, Nairobi National Park gives Kenya’s capital one of the longest bird lists of any city in the world. The park’s substantial area of undisturbed grassland is of great importance for species such as the range-restricted Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here regularly after good rains. Other grassland species include common ostrich, secretary bird and a variety of bustards. Waterbirds often gather around Hyena Dam and Nagolomon Dam. Nairobi National Park is a popular birding destination, and it’s easy to book a full- or half-day guided birding trip at short notice.
Best Time to Do Bird Watching In Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park offers good bird watching throughout the year, but the best time is November to April when the migrants from Europe and North Africa are present. Many species are nesting at this time as it coincides with the breeding season. The spectacular Jackson’s widowbird displays from March to May. Although April is a good month for birding, it may be difficult to get around because it can be very wet.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
The Best Times to Visit Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park can be visited year-round, but wildlife viewing is best during the Dry season – June to October. Wildlife watching is more difficult during the long rains – March to May and the short rains – November to December, although the timing of these rains has become less predictable in recent years.
The Climate & Weather In Nairobi National Park
Overall, Nairobi National Park has a cool and temperate climate. Temperatures are reasonably constant year-round, and it cools off considerably at night. There is very little rain in the Dry season – June to October. The Wet season November to May has two periods of rain. The short rains are heaviest in November, and the long rains are at their peak in April.
Dry Season In Nairobi National Park
Visiting Nairobi Park from June to October
It rains very little in the Dry season, although when the first rains fall is changeable. June to August are the coolest months, and temperatures increase in September through October before the rain breaks.
Nairobi National Park tours in June, July, August & September – There’s lots of sunshine with very little rain. Afternoons are pleasant with temperatures around 22°C/71°F, but evenings and early mornings are cold with temperatures around 14°C/52°F.
Planning safari trip to Nairobi Park in October – It warms up a bit with afternoon temperatures of about 23°C/72°F. The short rains might start toward the end of the month, or it might be later in November. Temperatures drop after the rains.
Wet Season In Nairobi National Park
Going to Nairobi Park from November to May
The Wet season has three distinct parts: the short rains from November to December and the long rains from March to May, with a dry period separating them.
Nairobi Park visits during November & December – ‘Short rains’ – October or November sees the start of the short rains, which normally peak in November. Temperatures increase before it rains and drop immediately after. The daytime average is 22°C/75°F.
Holidays to Nairobi Park from January & February – The rains dry up in these months separating the two rainy seasons. Daytime temperatures remain fairly constant at about 22°C/70°F.
Safari packages to Nairobi National Park from March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – April is usually the wettest month and rain might interfere with your game drives. Remember, however, that the rains fail as often as they arrive. In ‘normal’ years, the rains diminish in May, but the roads may still be a problem until later that month.
The Safari Activities In Nairobi National Park
The main activity is the guided game drive, where you’ll be driven around the park for wildlife viewing and bird watching. As part of the Nairobi National Park rules, please note that you’re not allowed to step down from your safari vehicle anywhere inside the park, except for at a few picnic sites and the guided Hippo Pool Trail. Other notable park ruled include – observe the maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). Speeding attracts penalties. Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
Big Cat Safaris
Luxury Nairobi Safari Tours
Want To Visit Nairobi National Park? The park is a rewarding Kenya safari destination which offers many unique experiences, depending on your travel style from Mid-Range Nairobi safaris to Luxury Nairobi Park safaris.
Additionally, for those who wish to explore Kenya in more intimate ways, our Masai Mara Honeymoon Safaris are your best bet; whilst those who would desire to connect with loved ones, our Masai Mara Family Safaris offer you that opportunity; nonetheless the list doesn’t end there, if spending time alone is your way of travel, explore our Masai Mara Private Safaris.
Top Kenya Safari Packages
Want to visit Masai Mara National Park? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Kenya top destinations. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Masai Mara making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Masai Mara midrange safaris to Masai Mara luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Best Kenya Air Safaris
Nairobi Park Safari Costs
It’s not easy to give exact costs for a Nairobi National Park safari. There are many budget-influencing factors like the time of year you travel, how luxurious you’d like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between camps and lodges, whether or not you go private and exclusive, and which extra activities you want to add to your itinerary, like spa treatments, extra optional activities and cultural visits. We can, however, provide estimated costs for a safari in the Nairobi National Park.
Ready To Plan A Private African Safari?
Browse our selection of private African tour packages in Kenya above, or get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you.
Frequently Asked Nairobi National Park Questions
Q. What are the documents I need to visit Nairobi National Park?
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – travel.gc.ca
EU Member States – ec.europa.eu
Ireland – www.ireland.ie
New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
United States – travel.state.gov
Nairobi Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on a Nairobi safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Nairobi Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.
Safari FAQs Categories
Tours & Tickets To Nairobi National Park
Explore Nairobi National Park on a guided day tour with game drives, city skyline views, and diverse wildlife encounters. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife, making it both a rewarding safari destination and a true birdwatchers’ paradise. Its open plains, riverine habitats, and dramatic skyline views create striking natural stages for visual storytelling and filmmaking, offering rare contrasts between urban life and untamed wilderness.
Day Trips To Nairobi National Park
On our day tours to Nairobi Park, we will pick you from your Nairobi hotel, proceed to the Nairobi National Park on an average 5 hour day tour. You shall follow the wildlife tracks of the Nairobi National Park in search of Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Giraffe, Ostrich, Hippo, White and Black Rhino, Buffalo and other game. We shall also visit other attractions including the Ivory burning site monument and guided walking at the hippo pool trails. Later depart for your hotel or airport at end of the tour.
1 Day Nairobi National Park Safari
We offer two daily tours at the Nairobi National Park – Our tours to Nairobi National Park are 5 hours in duration, either mornings or afternoons. Established back in 1946 and a must–see place on your Kenya vacation. Our half-day Nairobi National Park tour is a great intro to safari life. Nairobi National Park is close to the city but it’s the real deal. Incredibly, within sight of Nairobi’s skyline, you can spot lion, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, cheetah, hyena, and plenty more.
Nairobi Park Tour Package
Our 6-hour safari offers an unmatched experience with personalized wildlife viewing in Nairobi National Park, led by expert guides. Enjoy close encounters with the Big Five except “elephant”, plus unique moments like a visit to Kazuri Beads (OPTIONAL), where you’ll learn about bead-making and support local artisans. This blend of adventure, culture, and conservation makes our tour truly unique and unforgettable. Nairobi National Park Kenya’s first National park is a unique and unspoilt wildlife haven within sight of the city’s skyline. Rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, lion and plenty of antelopes and gazelles can be seen roaming in this open plains country .We will end our tour at 11:00 am where you will be dropped at your hotel/location.
Day Trips From Nairobi
The best day trips from Nairobi will take you no longer than a couple of hours will guarantee that you will feel a million miles away from the bright city lights of Nairobi. Other day trips from Nairobi worth considering include Nairobi Park game drives typically last 4-6 hours and work perfectly as a morning or afternoon excursion. This is an excellent introduction to safari experiences if you’re short on time but still want that wildlife fix. It must be a bizarre but brilliant sight watching zebras graze with skyscrapers in the distance.
Nairobi Safari Tour
Ideal for those short on time in Kenya, this budget-friendly, half-day safari trip takes place in Nairobi National Park. Nairobi is the Safari capital of Kenya and a vibrant pulsing city. Nairobi is known for its cuisine, culture and captivating night life. But even in this busy city you can get up close to the animals at the world-famous Baby Elephant Sanctuary, the Giraffe Centre and the Nairobi National Park. You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the attractions in Nairobi to choose from.
Nairobi is your natural jumping off point for Kenya Safaris, Kenya & Tanzania Safari Tours, Mount Kenya & Kilimanjaro treks, Tanzania safaris, Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla treks and the beach resorts of Kenya & Zanzibar.
On the road or drive in safari tours from Nairobi, transport to the parks and game viewing drives will be in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep – this vehicle is the safari standard with its higher seating and rugged all-wheel drive. Please check with us the Nairobi to Nairobi safari tour guide below on the contact section for a variety of road & flight itineraries and Kenyan safari prices.
Nairobi Day Trips & Things to Do
Whether you’re an experienced safari-goer or a first-timer, there are so many memorable things to do in Nairobi. From visiting wildlife centers to exploring the city’s rich and cultural spaces, we offer tailor-made safari packages that can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. These Nairobi city safari tours are perfect for those who want to create their own dream safari experience. We’ll curate an itinerary that feels both enriching and genuinely personal. From family-friendly lodges to carefully planned logistics, every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can focus on being present with the people who matter most.
There’s something deeply moving about experiencing the magic of Africa with the ones you love even on a 1 day safari Nairobi. From hearing that first elephant trumpet at sunrise to the excitement of finding a lion lounging under a tree, the continent is filled with adventures that connect you with the spirit of the wild. All luxury Kenya safaris often start with a stay in Nairobi. Our Nairobi urban tours are designed for travellers who are looking for meaningful moments that stay with their families for years to come.
Nairobi National Park Safari
Nairobi National Park safari trips can include views of black rhinos, lions, and giraffes roaming across open plains with Nairobi’s skyline in the distance. Later, you might visit the famous Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, just a short drive from the park. This Wildlife Centre, founded by the African Fund of Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), is home to a conservation programme that focuses on the protection of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
Nairobi National Park Private Tour
Go on a private safari in Nairobi National Park where most game drives are conducted in 4×4 closed safari vehicles with a pop-up roof, offering great viewing opportunities. Accommodation located in the park will offer either early morning and late afternoon game drives half-day or a full-day experience. As for guided walking safaris, Nairobi National Parks offers walking trails that follow the Athi River and are guided by qualified Kenya Wildlife Guides. Visitors have a chance to view wildlife in proximity while enjoying the nature surrounding them. These day safaris starting in Nairobi and are between four and six hours long, and might extend depending on the other places to visit in Kenya that you wish to add onto your safari itinerary.
Nairobi National Park Group Tours
Nairobi Park group tours are shared game drives where we provide a 4×4 safari vehicle and experienced driver-guide, and guests join. Explore Kenya’s only national park within a capital city on an affordable, professionally guided group safari allows you to together to share costs. We’ll take a guided walking tour of the hippo pool trails. Of special note: we will visit the Ivory Burning Monument – site of the destruction of poached ivory and an important call to end this illegal behavior. At the tour’s end, you will be dropped at the park gate.