Nairobi National Park is a hidden gem near the heart of the city. Encounter lions, rhinos, and various wildlife in their natural habitat.

Nairobi National Park, which is less than 7 kilometres from the city centre, is the only national park within a city. This is the only protected area in the world with such a wide variety of animals and birds. It was the first national park to be gazetted within East Africa in 1946. It covers an area of 117km². This is the only protected area in the world with such a wide variety of animals and birds. The park is generally a savannah plain and has areas of highland forest, acacia, and riverine environments that play host to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and diverse avian life, recording over 400 species of birds. It has a vibrant and successful rhino sanctuary. Key attractions in Nairobi National Park include but are not limited to African Cape buffalos, baboons, eastern black rhinoceros, Grant’s gazelles, common zebras, cheetahs, Coke’s hartebeests, hippopotamus, leopards, lions, common elands, impalas, Maasai giraffes, ostriches, vultures, and waterbucks. The park also has a high diversity of bird species, with over 400 recorded endemic and migratory species. The main fascination here is the African lion.

Within the park, there is a sanctuary run by David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which takes care of orphaned elephant and rhinoceros calves, and later releases them back into secure sanctuaries. It was opened in 1963. Currently, it is managed by Angela, the daughter of the late David Leslie William Sheldrick. The centre was set up by Daphne Sheldrick, after the death of her husband, who was the first Tsavo National Park’s, warden. He initiated anti-poaching campaigns.

Nairobi National Park is open all year round and can be visited at any time, but the dry season from June to September is generally the best time for game-watching when animals can easily be seen around water sources. Wildlife watching is usually difficult during the rainy season (between March and May and October and November). During these months, rainfall might restrict game drives, and the grass tends to be very tall, concealing the wildlife. 

Here are some key features and highlights of Nairobi National Park:

1. Proximity to Nairobi: Nairobi National Park is conveniently located just a few kilometres south of Nairobi’s city centre, making it easily accessible for visitors who want to experience wildlife without travelling far from the urban environment.
2. Diverse Wildlife: Despite its relatively small size compared to other national parks in Kenya, Nairobi National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species. It also boasts over 400 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
3. Scenic Landscapes: The park features diverse habitats, including open grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests, as well as the scenic backdrop of the Nairobi skyline and the Ngong Hills in the distance.
4. Conservation Efforts: Nairobi National Park plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection, serving as a vital sanctuary for endangered and threatened species. It also serves as a critical wildlife dispersal area and migration corridor for animals moving in and out of Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
5. Visitor Activities: The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including game drives, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and picnic areas. There are also educational facilities, such as the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the Nairobi Safari Walk, where visitors can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.
6. Community Involvement: Nairobi National Park works closely with local communities to promote conservation awareness, sustainable tourism practices, and community development initiatives, ensuring that the park’s benefits are shared among local residents.

Overall, Nairobi National Park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Kenya’s wildlife and natural beauty within the confines of a bustling capital city, making it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Nairobi.