Nairobi National Park lies just 10 kilometers south of the Kenya Capital Nairobi and it was established in 1944. This incredible park covers an area of approximately 117 square Kilometers of the virgin savanna and the scattered acacia trees and bushes because of these wonderful habitats. The park got rhinos from the ‘’Rhinoceros Sanctuary which is one of Kenya’s most successful Rhinoceros Sanctuaries and one of the few parks where tourists can be able of seeing a black rhinoceros in their natural habitat. Besides the Rhinos, the National Park is home to 100 different mammal species with four of the Big Five African Animals (lion, Buffalo, leopard, and Elephant). Other wildlife species that you might encounter here include giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, and various species of Antelopes as well as reptiles. The most placing fact about the Nairobi National Park is that the park houses more than 400 species of birds
CLIMATE
Nairobi National Park has a cool and temperate climate. Temperatures are reasonably constant year-round, and it cools off considerably at night. There is very little rain in the Dry season (June to October). The Wet season (November to May) has two periods of rain. The short rains are heaviest in November, and the long rains are at their peak in April.
ATTRACTIONS FOUND AT NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Kifaru Ark Rhino Sanctuary
Nairobi National Park, known locally as ‘Kifaru Ark,’ translates to ‘rhino sanctuary’ in Kiswahili. This special place is celebrated for its success in protecting and breeding rhinoceroses, especially the endangered black rhinos. Nairobi has the highest population of black rhinos and a good population of the southern white rhinos and the Eastern Browse (Black) Rhino (Diceros bicorni micheali). This is another great place to spot rhinos in Kenya. The park has 50 critically endangered black rhinos, the densest population in the world. This park is one of the most accessible destinations for rhino adventures and guaranteed a chance to observe eastern black rhinos, of which only 700 remain after poaching decimated them. It is one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries acting as a major breeding rhino sanctuary that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species’ former range and other upcoming sanctuaries and due to this success, it is one of the few National parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.
Ivory Burning Monument
The Ivory Burning Monument is an important historical site where, in 1989, former President Daniel Arap Moi ordered the burning of 12 tons of ivory. This ivory had been seized and never made it to the market, but the act of burning it showed Kenya’s strong stance against the illegal ivory trade and its commitment to protecting elephants. Visiting this monument is one of the highlights of Nairobi National Park, where you can see the ashes from this significant event that emphasizes conservation efforts in Kenya.
Wildlife
Nairobi National Park is home to around 100 different species of wildlife, especially mammals. You can spot 39 lions, and 90 rhinos, as well as numerous amphibians and reptiles. The park got rhinos from the ‘’Rhinoceros Sanctuary which is one of Kenya’s most successful Rhinoceros Sanctuaries and one of the few parks where tourists can be able of seeing a black rhinoceros in their natural habitat. If you love wildlife, a safari here will provide fantastic views of animals in their natural environment. The park boasts four of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino), although elephants are absent. You can also witness the incredible migration of wildebeest and zebras, a remarkable natural event. Major predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs roam here. Other animal species to see here include hippopotamus, plain zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, Common eland, Impala, Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Common warthogs, Olive baboon, Black-backed jackal among others
along with a variety of others including giraffes, hippos, and zebras. Uniquely, this park is the only one in the world that is right next to a city center.
Birdlife
For birdwatching enthusiasts, Nairobi National Park is a paradise, featuring more than 500 bird species. This includes 20 species that migrate from Europe each year. The park has the longest list of birds among all cities worldwide, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. some of the bird species you may spot here include Ostriches, secretary birds, bustards, Abyssinian thrush, Corncrakes, Fischer’s lovebirds, Grey crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, Jackson’s widowbird, Kori bustard, Lesser kestrel, Martial eagle, Pallid harrier, White-bellied bustard, White-headed vulture, and many others. The best time to spot the migrant species for Europe is between November to April and you will spot the spectacular Jackson’s widowbird displays from March to May.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Another must-visit in the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, where wounded or orphaned wild animals receive care and rehabilitation. Here, you’ll have the chance to see animals like cheetahs, lions, and monkeys up close. Once they recover, these animals are often returned to the wild. The orphanage provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in a more intimate setting compared to a typical game drive.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Game drives
Nairobi National Park is also famous for its game drives. This thrilling activity allows visitors to embark on guided tours to discover the beauty of the Kenyan wilderness. While on a guided game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of incredible wildlife species such as giraffes, leopards, hippopotamus, blue wildebeest, spotted hyena, plain zebra, cheetah, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, Common eland, Impala, Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Common warthogs, Olive baboon, Black-backed jackal. Whether you’re new to safaris or a seasoned traveler, game drives here promise an amazing adventure that you’ll remember for years.
Rhino Tracking
One of the most exciting activities here is tracking rhinos. Nairobi National Park has the highest number of black rhinos in the world thanks to the Kifaru Ark sanctuary. The park has 50 critically endangered black rhinos, the densest population in the world. This park is one of the most accessible destinations for rhino adventures and guaranteed a chance to observe eastern black rhinos, of which only 700 remain after poaching decimated them. This successful refuge helps breed and protect these incredible animals. While on Nairobi rhino tracking safaris, you will have a chance to encounter these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat up close as they roam the park’s open fields. It’s a special experience to watch these endangered creatures in their natural habitat.
Bird watching
Nairobi National Park is a haven for birdwatching safaris in Kenya, the park is home to over 500 different colorful bird species. Some of these bird species found here include 20 of which are seasonal European migrants. During your bird-watching tours, you’ll be delighted with the astonishing views of some birds including Black-headed heron, Blacksmith lapwing, Common moorhen, Long-tailed fiscal, Ostriches, Restricted -range Jackson’s widowbirds, Secretary birds, and Bustards. Other bird species include the lesser kestrel, Martial eagle, Sooty falcon, White-bellied bustard, African Darter, African fin foot, Gabar goshawk, Augur buzzard, Bateleur, Bronze-winged courier, Masai Ostrich, Abyssinian thrush, Fischer’s lovebird, Lappet-faced vulture many more.
Cultural Tours
For those interested in the local culture, Nairobi National Park also offers unique cultural tours. These experiences allow you to delve into Kenya’s rich customs, traditional foods, and even local dances and ceremonies. As you explore the diverse wildlife, including lions and zebras, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the cultures that make Kenya so special.
WHEN TO VISIT
Nairobi National Park can be done throughout the whole year but the best time in the Nairobi National Park for wildlife safaris is during the Dry season months from June to October are generally the best times for seeing wildlife. For bird enthusiasts, the ideal time to visit is during the month of April and November when the park receives migratory birds from European African countries in the park.
WHERE TO STAY IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
While there are a range of accommodation options available in Nairobi National Park, the accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury, and mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here include Nairobi Tented Camp, Twiga Campsite, Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm, Leleshwa Gateway, The Emakoko, The Panari Hotel Nairobi, Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport, Red Buffalo House Hotel, Eka Hotel Nairobi, Lukenya Motorcross among others.
HOW TO ACCESS NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
To access Nairobi National Park, you can fly into Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Wilson Airport, or Kilimanjaro International Airport. The park is unique because it’s located right in the heart of Nairobi city, making it the closest national park to any city worldwide. Exploring the park is a fantastic experience, especially for bird lovers, as you get to enjoy both the beautiful scenery of the park and stunning views of the Nairobi skyline.
