Nairobi National Park: A Safari Near the City

Imagine watching a pride of lions lazing in the grass, zebras grazing in the distance, and rhinos roaming the savannah,  all with the skyline of a modern city in the background. Welcome to Nairobi National Park, a one-of-a-kind safari experience just minutes from Kenya’s capital.

Often overlooked in favor of more remote parks, Nairobi National Park is a hidden gem that offers a full safari experience without ever leaving the city. Whether you’re short on time, just arriving in Kenya, or looking for a quick wildlife fix before your flight home, this park delivers big game drama with urban convenience.

A Unique Urban Safari

Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world located within a capital city. Just a 20-minute drive from Nairobi’s central business district, the park covers over 100 square kilometers of open grassland, acacia bush, and riverine forest.

Despite its proximity to the city, the park is home to an impressive array of wildlife. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Kenya to spot black rhinos, thanks to strong conservation efforts.

Wildlife Highlights

Nairobi National Park may be small compared to parks like the Maasai Mara, but it’s incredibly diverse. On a typical game drive, you can expect to see:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs
• Endangered black rhinos in a secure sanctuary area
• Buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and eland
• Hippos and crocodiles along the Athi River
• Over 400 species of birds, including seasonal migrants

While elephants are not found in the park due to its fencing and urban boundaries, the abundance of other species makes up for it.

Best Time to Visit

Nairobi National Park is a year-round destination, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons: from June to October and January to March. During these months, vegetation is thinner, and animals gather near water sources, making them easier to spot.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives are best, offering cooler temperatures and increased animal activity.

Ideal for Short Stays and Stopovers

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Nairobi National Park is its accessibility. If you have a layover at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a half-day or full-day game drive can easily be arranged. It’s also perfect for travelers with tight itineraries who want a genuine safari experience without long road trips or domestic flights.

Pair your visit with a trip to nearby attractions such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, or Karen Blixen Museum to round out your Nairobi experience.

Explore Nairobi National Park with Chacal Safaris

At Chacal Safaris, we offer custom game drives and airport stopover tours to Nairobi National Park. Our experienced guides know the park inside out and ensure you get the most out of your visit, whether it’s your first safari or your fiftieth.

A Wild Escape at the Edge of the City

Nairobi National Park is proof that you don’t have to go far to have an authentic African safari. It’s wild, it’s real, and it’s right on the city’s doorstep.

Book your Nairobi safari with Chacal Safaris ,  and discover the wilderness where you least expect it.