🧭 Every country, and the places worth the trip NEW 26,489 places written across 243 countries 🎮 Guess the country As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Meridiela.
Home/Countries/Kenya/Nature & outdoors/Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

Wildlife on the city's doorstep - a unique national park where lions, rhinos and giraffes roam savanna against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline, the world's only wildlife capital.

Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map

WhereNairobi
Nearest cityNairobi
Best seasonJune to October and January to February
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn the edge of Nairobi; a short drive from the city centre
EntryPark fees; safaris charged

Nairobi National Park is a remarkable place, often called the world's only national park within a capital city, where lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and buffalo roam open savanna against the surreal backdrop of Nairobi's skyscrapers. A vital black-rhino sanctuary just minutes from the city centre, it offers an easy and unusual safari, and lies near the famous elephant orphanage and giraffe centre that draw many visitors.

What you actually see

  • The wildlife and skyline - lions and rhinos against the city skyline.
  • The black rhinos - the important rhino sanctuary.
  • The elephant orphanage - the nearby Sheldrick elephant orphanage.
  • The giraffe centre - the nearby centre to feed endangered giraffes.

When to go

The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, are best for wildlife viewing; the park is an easy half-day trip and a great introduction or finale to a Kenya visit, or a taste of safari for those short on time.

Honest expectations

It is not a wilderness experience, with the city skyline, planes overhead and, in places, fences part of the scene, and it lacks elephants; but for accessibility and the surreal city-and-wildlife contrast it is unique. It can be busy at weekends. The nearby elephant orphanage has very limited daily visiting hours, so plan ahead.

Nearby

The Sheldrick elephant orphanage, the giraffe centre and the city of Nairobi are alongside.

What to pack for Nairobi National Park

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

All packing kits →

Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

← More nature & outdoors in Kenya

One postcard a week.

A short Friday email: one place worth knowing about, the story behind it, and what is in season right now. No noise - leave whenever you like.