Ultimate Guide to Nairobi National Park

The World’s Only Urban Safari Experience

Introduction

Nairobi National Park is a one-of-a-kind destination: Africa’s only protected game reserve within a capital city. Here, wild rhinos, lions, and giraffes graze the acacia-dotted plains—while skyscrapers shimmer on the horizon. For travelers heading to or from the Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park is the most accessible way to add more safari magic to your journey, with big game viewing just minutes from your hotel or airport.

We recommend a visit to Nairobi National Park before or after your safari in the Masai Mara to truly appreciate the incredible diversity of Kenya’s wildlife experiences. While the Mara offers vast open plains, dramatic predator action, and sweeping herds, Nairobi National Park delivers an equally memorable but very different kind of thrill—where you can spot endangered black and white rhinos, lions, and giraffes roaming just outside the city skyline.

The landscapes may be smaller and more intimate, but game viewing is exceptional and the contrast between wilderness and urban life is striking. Visiting both parks allows you to encounter species less commonly seen in the Mara, enjoy unique photo opportunities, and better understand Kenya’s pioneering role in urban conservation. Together, these parks showcase how Kenya protects its wild heritage both at the heart of the city and deep in the savannah—making your safari adventure richer, more varied, and truly unforgettable.

If you’d like to learn more about this unique city park, NairobiPark.org offers well-organized guides to help you plan your visit.

History & Overview

Established: 1946, making it Kenya’s first national park and a pioneer in African wildlife conservation.
Size: 117 sq km (45 sq mi)—compact but rich in biodiversity.
Visionary Roots: Created after conservationists and Nairobi residents observed declining wildlife populations due to rapid urban growth. It set the stage for Kenya’s modern conservation movement.
Conservation Role: A vital refuge for endangered black rhinos, a key site for wildlife research and breeding, and a symbol of coexistence between nature and modern city life.

Location & Access

Proximity: Just 7 km (4 miles) south of Nairobi’s city center.
Main Gates:
- KWS Main Gate (Lang’ata Road): Most used, close to Wilson Airport and many hotels.
- East Gate: Handy for arrivals from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
- Mbagathi Gate: For park management, researchers, and special permits.
- Masai Gate: Less trafficked, sometimes used for game drives and research.
Transport:
- By Taxi/Private Vehicle: 15–30 minutes from city center or JKIA (traffic dependent).
- By Tour Operator: Most Nairobi/Masai Mara safari operators offer pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, airport, or any city location.
- Public Transport: Matatus run along Lang’ata Road but you’ll need a private vehicle for park entry.

Park Hours & Fees

Open: Daily, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:15 pm).
Entry Fees:

Visitor Category	Adult	Child (3–17 yrs)
Non-Resident (International)	$43 USD	$22 USD
Kenyan/East Africa Resident	KES 430	KES 215

Fees are per person, per entry. Children under 3 years are free.

Vehicles: Additional fee depending on size/type (private car, safari van, bus, etc.).
Payments: Card or MPESA only; cash not accepted.
Advance Booking: Not essential for day visitors, but pre-booking is required for large groups or camping.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Big Game:
- Lions (resident prides, frequent sightings)
- Leopard (elusive but present)
- Black & White Rhinos (most reliable place in Kenya to spot them)
- Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Eland, Coke’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Impala, Gazelles
Predators:
- Cheetah (occasional), Hyena, Jackal, Serval
Birdlife:
- Over 400 species recorded—raptors, ostrich, crowned cranes, secretary birds, and diverse waterbirds along the rivers and dams.
Other Fauna:
- Hippo, crocodile (in rivers/dams), warthog, baboon, monkeys, and reptiles.
No Elephants:
- Elephants are absent due to proximity to the city and fencing.

Key Landmarks & Park Layout

Ivory Burning Site Monument:
Commemorates Kenya’s dramatic ivory burns (1989, 2016), symbolizing the fight against poaching.
Kingfisher Picnic Site:
Elevated picnic area with sweeping views—great for birding and sundowners.
Hippo Pools:
Nature trail along the Mbagathi River, popular for walking safaris and close-up hippo/crocodile viewing.
Leopard Cliff:
Lookout point and picnic spot, sometimes used for film shoots.
Nairobi Safari Walk:
Raised boardwalk and interpretive center just outside the main gate; see rescued animals up close.
Other Viewpoints:
Mokoyeti Picnic Site, Impala Observation Point, Acacia and Nagolomon dams (prime for animal gatherings, especially in the dry season).

Game Drive Routes & Planning Your Visit

Road Network:
Well-maintained dirt and gravel roads form loops and spurs around the park’s diverse habitats—grasslands, acacia woodland, riverine forest, rocky valleys, and seasonal dams.
Drive Duration:
- Short Visit: 2–3 hours for a “highlights” loop (ideal for layovers).
- Half/Full Day: 4–7 hours lets you explore the southern plains, dams, and hippo pools.
Recommended Circuits:
- Main Game Viewing Loop: From the main gate, along Mokoyeti River, to Ivory Burning Site, Leopard Cliff, Kingfisher and Hippo Pools, Nagolomon Dam, back via Savannah Track.
- Southern Plains Loop: Explore the wildest, least-visited area—best for rhino, cheetah, and “Mara-style” open country scenes.
- Eastern Wetlands & Dams: Good for birdwatching and herds of grazers, especially in dry months.

Facilities & Services

Picnic Sites:
Several scenic picnic spots (Kingfisher, Mokoyeti, Hippo Pools) with tables, toilets, and sometimes BBQ facilities.
Restrooms:
Found at major picnic sites and gates.
KWS Main Gate Complex:
Nairobi Safari Walk, education center, souvenir shop, and snack kiosks.
Guides & Rangers:
Available for hire at the gate for an extra fee; highly recommended for first-timers.
Safari Vehicles:
Self-drive allowed (4×4 preferable in rainy season); most visitors opt for guided game drives in open or pop-top vans.
Camping:
Basic public campsites inside the park (advance booking required), plus Nairobi Tented Camp (see below).
Accessibility:
Wheelchair access possible at main gate and some picnic spots; inform KWS in advance for special needs.

Accommodation Options

Inside the Park:
- Nairobi Tented Camp:
  The only accommodation within park boundaries; classic safari tents, all-inclusive, intimate atmosphere, guided walks and game drives, eco-certified.
Just Outside the Park:
- Luxury & Boutique:
  - Giraffe Manor: Iconic, bucket-list property, breakfast with giraffes, excellent for combining with park and Lang’ata attractions.
  - Emara Ole Sereni, The Boma, Eka Hotel, Panari: High-end city hotels with park or skyline views, quick to gates/airports.
- Mid-Range:
  - Weston Hotel, Tamarind Tree, 67 Airport Hotel: Reliable, comfortable, easy airport/park access.
- Budget/Guesthouses:
  - Multiple options in Lang’ata and Karen, good for families and longer stays.
- Airbnb & Apartments:
  - Popular for groups, families, or long-stay guests.

Other Attractions In & Around the Park

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage):
Adjacent to the park; see baby elephants at feeding time (11am–12pm), learn about conservation, adopt an elephant.
Giraffe Centre:
Rothschild’s giraffe sanctuary; feed and photograph giraffes, nature trail, shop.
Nairobi Safari Walk:
Raised boardwalk, rescued wildlife, educational exhibits—especially good for families and photography.
Karen Blixen Museum:
Former home of “Out of Africa” author; 20–30 minutes from the park.
Mamba Village:
Crocodile park with restaurant and kids’ play area.
Karen & Lang’ata Suburbs:
Art galleries, coffee shops, markets, cultural centers.

What to Expect: Seasons & Game Viewing

Best Game Viewing:
- Dry Season (June–October): Animals congregate at dams and rivers; grass is short, easier for spotting predators and rhino.
- Wet Season (Nov–May): Lush and green, beautiful birdlife, but animals more dispersed; roads may be muddy in parts.
Rhino Spotting:
Nairobi is famous for its black and white rhino populations—most visitors see them, sometimes within minutes of entering.
Predators:
Lion prides are well-known and often seen hunting buffalo or zebra, especially in early morning or dusk.
Migratory Wildebeest & Zebra:
In dry months, herds move into the park from the Athi-Kapiti plains—mini “migration” scenes.

Safety, Conservation, and Community Impact

Safety:
The park is fenced on the city side but open to the south, allowing natural wildlife movement; always remain in your vehicle except at designated spots.
Sustainable Tourism:
Park fees directly support anti-poaching, rhino breeding, and local community projects.
Respect Rules:
No off-road driving, no feeding animals, no littering, and always follow ranger guidance.

Tips for Masai Mara Visitors

Transit-Friendly:
Ideal for layovers or pre-/post-Mara safaris—quick from JKIA or Wilson Airport.
Combo Safari:
See rhino, which are rare in the Mara, and enjoy a “bonus” safari if you have half a day in Nairobi.
All-Season Access:
Nairobi National Park is open year-round and is rarely overcrowded.
Local Tours:
Book through a Nairobi operator, or ask your Masai Mara camp or transfer provider to include a city safari before or after your main trip.

Conclusion

Nairobi National Park is an urban wilderness like no other—a living showcase of Kenya’s conservation legacy and natural wonders, right on the doorstep of the city.
For Masai Mara travelers, it offers the chance to maximize your safari, tick off more iconic species (especially rhino), and experience the thrill of game viewing in the shadow of Nairobi’s skyline.
Whether you have a layover, want to break up your journey, or simply crave another adventure, Nairobi National Park delivers unforgettable encounters—and is a must-see for every Kenya itinerary.

Planning a trip that combines Nairobi NP and Masai Mara NR? Reach out using our email bookings@masaimara.ke