Visiting Nairobi National Park is unlike any other safari in Africa. Where else can you watch a lion stalk the plains with the silhouette of skyscrapers behind it? Or leave your hotel in the city and be surrounded by wildlife in less than 20 minutes?
Before you head out on this extraordinary adventure, here’s everything you need to know to make your visit smooth, memorable, and truly worth it.

1. Nairobi National Park Is One of a Kind—Literally

Most travelers are surprised to discover that Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world located inside a capital city.

This unique setting creates an experience that blends raw African wilderness with the energy of a modern city—something you won’t find anywhere else. Even seasoned safari-goers say there's nothing quite like seeing rhinos grazing peacefully as planes glide overhead on approach to JKIA.

2. The Best Time to Go? Early Morning.

If you want the best sightings, especially of big cats, aim to enter the park right at 6:00 AM when the gates open.
Why early morning?

  • Predators are most active at dawn

  • Temperatures are cool

  • Animals gather near open plains

  • You get the best photography lighting

This is when you’re most likely to spot lions, black rhinos, buffalo, and even elusive cheetahs.

3. Expect Real Wildlife Encounters — This Is Not a Zoo

Although close to the city, Nairobi National Park is a true wilderness area. Animals roam freely, and nothing is staged or fenced like a zoo.

The park is home to:

  • Lions

  • Black and white rhinos

  • Giraffes

  • Buffalo

  • Leopards (rare)

  • Cheetahs

  • Hyenas

  • Zebras, hartebeest, elands, gazelles

  • Over 400 bird species

The park is especially famous as Kenya’s most successful black rhino sanctuary, making it one of the top places in Africa to see these endangered giants.

4. Choose the Right Vehicle for the Best Experience

Yes, you can visit in a normal car—but you probably shouldn’t.

For proper wildlife viewing:
✔ A 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof gives the best visibility
✔ Raised seats help you spot animals hidden in tall grass
✔ Better traction for rough tracks after rain

5. It’s Easy to Combine with Other Top Nairobi Attractions

One of the advantages of visiting this park is how close it is to Nairobi’s top conservation attractions.

You can easily add:

  • David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

  • Giraffe Centre

  • Karen Blixen Museum

  • Bomas of Kenya

Many visitors combine 2–3 attractions in one day for a complete Nairobi wildlife and culture experience.

6. Park Fees and Opening Hours

Nairobi National Park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Fees vary depending on:

  • Citizen

  • Resident

  • Non-resident

Always check updated KWS rates before your visit.

7. What to Bring for a Comfortable Safari

Pack light but pack smart. Essentials include:

  • A warm jacket (early mornings can be cold)

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Camera or phone with good zoom

  • Binoculars

  • Water

  • Comfortable shoes

Optional but helpful:

  • A hat

  • Power bank

  • Snacks (no littering!)

8. Stay Safe and Respect Wildlife

Even though the park feels close to the city, always remember: these are wild animals.
Golden rules:

  • Never step out of the vehicle unless in designated areas

  • Don’t feed wildlife

  • Keep a safe distance from animals

  • Stay quiet near predators or rhinos

  • Obey your guide’s instructions

This keeps both visitors and animals safe.

9. A Guided Tour Makes a Big Difference

A professional guide knows:

  • Where specific animals like lions and rhinos were last seen

  • Hidden tracks most visitors don’t drive on

  • Seasonal animal patterns

  • Best photography angles and timing

With a good guide, your chances of seeing more wildlife increase dramatically.

10. Nairobi National Park Is the Perfect Start to Any Kenya Safari

For many travelers, this is their first taste of the wild before heading out to:

  • Maasai Mara

  • Amboseli

  • Lake Nakuru

  • Samburu

It’s one of the easiest, fastest, and most rewarding wildlife experiences in the country.

Plan Your Nairobi National Park Tour with Splash Africa Expeditions

Whether you’re in Nairobi for a few hours or a few days, Nairobi National Park offers a magical safari you can enjoy without long drives or complicated planning.

At Splash Africa Expeditions, we organize:
✔ Half-day and full-day Nairobi National Park safaris
✔ Private or group tours
✔ Combined visits to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
✔ Airport pick-up options