Location
Nairobi National Park is located south of Nairobi, a 4.5-mile drive from the Capital’s CBD and along the A104 road. The park is situated around 5,500 miles above sea level and comprises open savanna, wooded regions, and river valleys.
Size
The size of Nairobi National Park is around 45 square miles.
History
Gazetted as a National Park in 1946, Nairobi National Park is one of the few national parks to be located so close to a capital city. In 1963 the Nairobi Animal Orphanage was established in the park and serves as a rehabilitation center for a variety of wild animals. A key attraction in the park is the site of the Ivory Burning Monument, erected to commemorate the burning of 12 tonnes of ivory in 1989 by then President Daniel Arap Moi.
Entrance Fees & Permits
Entrance fees during low, shoulder, and peak seasons is USD 43 per adult per day and USD 20 per child per day for visitors under 12 years old.
Hours of Operation
The park’s gates open at 6 am and close at 6 pm. Visitors, planning to visit the Animal Orphanage or embark on a walking safari, can do so between 9 am and 5 pm.
By Road
There are five main entry gates at the Nairobi National Park, namely Main Gate (KWS Headquarters), Langata Gate, Masai Gate, Cheetah Gate and East Gate. The Main Entrance is approximately 4.3 miles from Nairobi and 6.2 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
By Air
Visitors can fly into either Wilson Airport, usually as part of a connection from other national parks in Kenya, or the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Guests will then be transferred by road to the park.
Weather & Climate
The dry, winter months of June through to the end of August make up the ideal time to visit the Nairobi National Park. The days are mild (around 55F) and the lack of rain means there is an abundance of sunshine and clear skies. The short rains start at the end of October into November with temperatures rising into the high 70’sF, with the long rains falling heavily from mid-March to the end of April, temperatures around the 80F mark. The hottest time of the year falls in January and February, 84F a usual temperature.
Avoiding Crowds
Visiting the Nairobi National Park in the Spring month of May or the fall months of October and November, can offer more space and fewer crowds in the park.
Value for Money
The proximity to Nairobi makes enjoying a safari in Nairobi National Park an affordable experience, as transfer costs truly minimal. The accommodation options range from comfortable to wonderful, with the price-range around the lead-in pricing of other major national parks.
Game Drives
Most game drives take place as day safaris initiating in Nairobi and are between four and six hours long. The 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.
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.