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Nairobi National Park

Experience a unique adventure in Nairobi National Park, where wildlife and city vibes come together! Spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes with the Nairobi skyline in the background and discover the unique blend of nature and city in Kenya's oldest park.

Wildlife meets city vibes

Imagine this: on the horizon, you see a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers, but you’re standing in the middle of the vast wilderness, immersed in your safari experience as zebras zoom past right in front of you. In Nairobi National Park, this is reality—it’s the only place in the world where you can spot lions, rhinos, buffalo, and hippos with the skyline of a capital city in the background. Only the elephant is missing here, but don’t worry, you can see (and perhaps even pet) them at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an elephant orphanage just 10 minutes from the park entrance.

Honestly, there’s no easier start to a safari—the entrance to the park is just 10 minutes from Nairobi’s city centre and is on the same road as Wilson Airport. Here, you have two choices: the Nairobi Safari Walk, a mini-zoo you can stroll through on foot (ideal for kids and casual explorers), or you can go for the real deal—the game drive through the park. And trust us, the park itself always wins: here, the animals roam freely.

But freedom comes with its challenges. Since the park doesn’t have a fence on the southern side, allowing the animals to migrate freely, they occasionally venture into Nairobi’s outskirts. Panic? Not at all—the Kenya Wildlife Service always has it under control quickly.

baby olifant drinkt melk uit een fles met hulp van verzorger in het sheldrick wildlife trust
uitzicht op een savanne met zebra’s vanuit lodge met glas rode wijn op de voorgrond in kenia
twee jonge olifanten met hun koppen tegen elkaar in het sheldrick wildlife trust nairobi

A park with extraordinary contrasts.

When you begin your safari, you first find yourself in a beautiful forest area. Among the trees, you briefly feel the tranquillity of nature, but soon the landscape opens up, and you’re face-to-face with vast plains. The view is enhanced by shimmering water pools, some naturally formed and others carefully constructed. These pools ensure the animals here always have enough water, even during the dry season.

Another remarkable sight is the impressive SGR railway line. The enormous train bridge cuts straight through the park, creating a striking contrast with the rugged wilderness. It’s a fascinating blend of nature and modernity, unique to Nairobi National Park.

Why is this park so special?

And then there’s this iconic moment: while scanning the horizon for lions, cheetahs, or rhinos, you catch a glimpse of the Nairobi skyline in the background. This is an experience like no other, where the boundaries between city and nature literally blur. It’s a unique interplay of wildlife and urban life that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

However, the park has so much more to offer. At the water pools near the entrance, you can often spot hippos and crocodiles peacefully basking side by side in the sun. Further on, you’ll see wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and impalas darting freely across the open plains. And at the picnic spots, often located on elevated areas within the park, you can enjoy breathtaking views while having lunch. But beware! Baboons keep a close eye on these areas and are lightning-fast when it comes to stealing food.

To make the most of the experience, it’s best to start early, ideally around six in the morning. It’s not too hot at that time, the animals are active, and the golden morning light adds a magical glow to the landscape.

After your visit to Nairobi National Park, the adventure is far from over. A must-visit is the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll have the chance to feed these elegant giants and learn more about them. It’s located right next to the famous Giraffe Manor, where giraffes often peek through the windows during breakfast. While staying at this hotel is pricey and hard to book, the Giraffe Centre offers an affordable and accessible experience that’s just as special.

End the day in style at the rooftop terrace of the Ole Sereni Hotel. With panoramic views over the park and a mesmerising sunset, this is the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s experiences. As the sky slowly turns orange, you’ll look back on a safari that showcases what makes Nairobi National Park so unique: a place where city and wilderness harmoniously come together.

Fun facts about Nairobi National Park:

  • It is Kenya’s oldest national park, established in 1946 to protect both humans and animals from each other.
  • It is home to more than 500 bird species and 100 mammals.
  • Here, you’ll find the highest density of black rhinos in the world.
  • In 1989, the famous ivory burning took place here, a powerful statement against poaching.
  • Did you know that “white rhino” was originally “wide rhino”? It refers to their wide mouth and has nothing to do with colour.

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