Nairobi National Park - Overview and Facts
What makes this park so strikingly unique is that it is the only national park on the planet where you get to see animals in the wild with modern-day skyscrapers as your backdrop.
One of the star attractions at the Nairobi National Park is its black rhino sanctuary. This coveted destination lets one of the most endangered species on the planet live in its natural environment without taking it away from the thousands of tourists who come for an African safari each year. Other animals found in the park include the buffalo, lion, leopard, wildebeest, eland, zebra, crocodile, hippo, hyena, giraffe, ostrich, gazelle and warthog. The parks wetland also attract as many as 400 species of birds.
- Wildlife Rating: 4 stars out of 5
- Scenery Rating: 3 stars out of 5
- Bush Vibe: 2 stars out of 5
The Ivory Burning Monument, the spot where President Daniel Arap Moi burned 12 tons of ivory, is also located here. This dramatic event helped Kenya improve its image as a conservationist and worked wonders in increasing awareness towards the relentless poaching taking place in the country.
Another striking statistic that makes visitors flock to the Nairobi National Park is that the park boasts of offering tourists the best chance of witnessing a kill in Kenya.
- Altitude: 1,500 to 1,800 meters
- Number of Visitors: 150,000
Pros and Cons of Nairobi National Park
Pros:
- Only national park located so close to the city
- Best chance of witnessing a kill in Kenya
- Black rhino sightings
- Excellent bird watching opportunities
- Zebra and wildebeest migration
- Ivory Burning Site Monument
Cons:
- No bush vibe
- The city backdrop somewhat dampens your African safari experience
- No accommodation on-site
- Too commercialized
- Crowded
Accommodations in Nairobi
There are no lodges or campsites in the Nairobi National Park. However, since it is located at a distance of just 10 kms from Nairobi, you can always stay at one of the many hotels in the city and still manage to enjoy an exciting African safari.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Nairobi National Park presents year-round explorations, but the best time to visit the park is during the months of July to March, when the climate is usually sunny and dry. The rains come between April to June, and this is when animal sightings become very difficult.
Extend Your Vacation from Nairobi
The best thing to do while visiting Nairobi National Park is to spend a few days in Nairobi and explore the beautiful African culture in one of the busiest cities in this part of the world. You could also add more popular national parks such as Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve into your itinerary.