Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is the only protected area in all over the world that has a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city. The park is one of the most rhino sanctuaries in Kenya,  generating a stock for reintroduction in the species' former range and other upcoming sanctuaries. 

It is one of the few parks that has a black rhino in its natural habitat. This article introduces you more to one of the best things to visit in Kenya.

All You Need to Know about Nairobi National Park

Location 

The park is located just 7 km south of Nairobi. As previously mentioned, it is the only protected area in the world that is close to a capital city.

Climate

Generally, the park is dry except during the rainy season. Due to being at an elevation of 5450 feet, Nairobi tends to be mild all year round. 

From December to March, it is the best time to enjoy warm spring with average temperatures of 77-82 F (25-28 C) during the day. At nights, the temperature drops off to 55 F (13 C). 

July to September are the cooler dry months. It is when the average day temperatures range between 70-77 F (21-25 C), and drop at night to 52 (11 C).

Nairobi experiences two rainy seasons. The long season lasts from mid-March to May. April has an average rainfall of eight inches. The short season starts from late October to November and December, with four inches of rain. Other months of the year have an average of two inches of rainfall. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Nairobi National Park is during the dry months, from July to October, and also January and February. July has the lowest rainfall among all months of the year. Along with July, August is the driest month in Nairobi. 

Opening Hours

The park is open daily from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Getting There

By Road: You can get to Nairobi National Park via Langata Road from Nairobi’s center travel. 

Where to Stay

The park has three public campsites. They all provide electricity, hot water showers and kitchens. You can hire your own tent, if you don’t have one already. 

Nairobi Tented Camp is the only Official accommodation in Nairobi National Park. It is located in the west of the park, including nine luxurious permanent tents. Meals are served in the bush, under the stars, or in the dining tent. Water is heated over log fires. It is an experience you will never forget. 

The park is also close to the suburbs of Langata and Karen. They both offer a wide range of accommodation options, that vary from comfortable guesthouses to five-star hotels. 

For nature lovers, Giraffe Manor is recommended. It is located on the grounds of the Giraffe Centre in Langata. Besides 12 double rooms of grand colonial style, this option is extra special by the Rothschild’s giraffes that walk freely around the grounds. Accommodating here also puts you within easy reach of other top Nairobi attractions.

Wildlife in Nairobi National Park

The park has a variety of wildlife populations. Mammals that can be spotted in the park are African buffalo, baboon, black rhinoceros, Burchell's zebra, cheetah, Coke's hartebeest, Grant's gazelle, hippopotamus, leopard, lion, Thomson's gazelle, eland, impala, Masai giraffe, ostrich, vulture, and waterbuck.

Birdlife in the park is numerous, especially in the wetlands. The park has a high diversity of bird species, up to 500 permanent species. Dams in the area are a man-made habitat for birds and aquatic species. 

The park also is home to the highest density of black rhinos in the country of Kenya. It has a nickname of “Kifaru Ark,” kifaru is Kiswahili for rhinoceros.

Things to Do in Nairobi National Park

Game Drives

Game drives are the highlight when visiting Nairobi National Park, whether you self-drive or choose to join an organized tour. Although the park is the most authentic experience in Kenya for wildlife viewing, the contrast of seeing animals in such an urban setting attracts so many visitors every year. 

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

It is a must visit attraction while being there. It is an opportunity to get close with elephants. Elephant and Rhino Nursery of David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is situated inside the park. It is where baby elephants and rhinos are rescued and cared for. You can observe baby elephants getting bathed and fed, between 11 am and noon. It is an exciting time. 

Have a Walk

Other attractions in the park are safe walking trails, picnic sites and viewpoints. Get out of your vehicle and dive into the sounds and smells of the bush.

One of the best walking trails will take you to hippo pools. It is where you will find the largest concentration of the aquatic herbivores.