1. Key Considerations
2. When Is the Best Time to Go?
3. Are There Any Places to Stay in the Area?
4. Getting There
5. Tips
6. Kifaru Ark
7. The Great Wildebeest Migration
8. Park Trails
9. Highlights
10. History
11. Things to Do
12. Do You Need a Guide for Nairobi National Park?
13. How Long Does It Take to Tour the Nairobi National Park?
There’s no greater joy than being amongst nature, surrounded by all its members. Nairobi National Park is a place where wildlife thrives. Take a tour of this park, and you’ll come away with an experience you’ll never forget. This guide aims to tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your tour.
Key Considerations
Nairobi National Park is located just four miles from Nairobi, so it’s easy to get to. It’s one of the few national parks where you can see a range of wild animals against a backdrop of skyscrapers – an exemplary example of nature meeting the modern world. Spanning over 117 square kilometres, the park was established in 1946.
The park is home to four of the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. It is also a sanctuary for the black rhino, which is facing the threat of extinction. What else can you find here apart from big game? Birds, lots and lots of them: about 400 species of birds.
The best thing about the park is that you don’t have to scale some rugged terrain for hours to get here; it’s easily accessible. The park is located a stone’s throw from the city, and it only takes a short drive to get here. It’s ideal for those who want to see some wildlife without venturing too far from the city. You can join a guided tour or go there by yourself – whatever tickles your fancy.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
The dry seasons, from July to October and January to March, are the best times to visit the park. Why are these months better than the others? Well, the dry seasons make the vegetation thinner, and the animals come out of the wilderness and flock to the water sources. This makes seeing wildlife easier. Choose early morning or late afternoon for a drive, as that’s when the animals are most active. The park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, giving you plenty of time to schedule your visit to best suit you.
And of course, a bottle of water is necessary, as is slathering on some sunscreen.
Are There Any Accommodations in the Area?
Of course! The park sits close to the city, so tourists can enjoy a wide range of accommodations. You have rustic campsites, luxurious hotels, and furnished apartments in Nairobi. In this category, you'll find options such as Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi. Just do a bit of research, and you’ll find a place for an overnight stay near the park, or you can even stay longer. It’s best if you can find a place with dining options; if you only have limited time, you wouldn’t want to head out looking for meals. Some of these accommodations offer special deals and packages, so keep an eye out for those too.
Getting There
As you already know, getting here from the city is easy. The Nairobi-Mombasa highway makes it highly accessible. If you decide to drive, it’s a straightforward route from the city centre, and the entrance is well-marked, so you can’t miss it. If you prefer public transport, there are trains and buses available. Most tourists opt for guided tours, which usually include transportation as well.
Tips
You want your trip to go well, don’t you? Then keep these tips in mind.
There’s nothing stopping you from exploring the park on your own; in fact, many prefer it. However, if this is your first time, consider hiring a local guide. They often have the know-how to craft an experience that suits you. They know when to go and where to be to maximise your chances of spotting wildlife.
If you choose to drive yourself, make sure the vehicle is suitable for the park's terrain. During the rainy months, the roads can be quite slippery, so a 4x4 vehicle is the way to go.
You’ll need binoculars, a good camera, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. If it’s the wet season, you’ll also need a tow rope and a GPS locator. Also, try to find the contact information for park rangers.
Early morning and late afternoon visits are the best.
Keep away from the animals. Maintain a safe distance. Remember that the park is their home, and you’re the guest.
Kifaru Ark
Kifaru bears the meaning ‘rhinoceros’. There’s a great population of black rhinoceros in the park. The population is so big that other parks in Kenya source their rhinoceros from the Nairobi National Park.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Should you find yourself in the park between July and August, you’re in for a delightful sight: the Great Wildebeest Migration. You’ll see thousands of wildebeests, as well as zebras, galloping through the park. This takes place every year when these magnificent beasts trot through the wilderness, searching for taller grass. What makes this sight even better is that it contrasts with the modern backdrop the park is set against.
Park Trails
The Nairobi National Park is a wild park, but it’s a city park as well. The park is dotted with many trails, which also offer various picnic sites. But don’t think that all the activity is limited to the terra firma. Take your gaze upwards, and you’ll see hundreds of birds adorning the sky. You need to make room for schoolchildren as well; they come here in large groups to enjoy seeing the park and its inhabitants. So, visiting the park gives you a glimpse of everyday life in Nairobi too.
Highlights
The park is abundant with life and natural beauty. These are some of the highlights:
Black rhinos: The park has the largest population of black rhinos in Kenya. They also have a breeding programme that ensures the survival of these endangered animals.
Four of the Big Five: The park is home to rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, and lions. You can also see impalas, hartebeests, zebras, and giraffes.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: This is an important one. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage rescues baby elephants and rhinos and nurses them back to health. Time your visit right, and you’ll be able to see them being fed by the park’s staff. Seeing them running for their giant baby bottles with all the excitement they can muster is an endearing sight.
Ivory Burning Site Monument: This is where they burned ivory contraband to show the world that the country was against the ivory trade. The site was set as a mark of respect for elephants.
History
The park was established in 1946 as a haven for wild animals. Why did Kenya decide to create a national park? There’s a particular reason for that. As more and more people settled in the city, the number of buildings increased equally. This limited the habitat for animals, leaving them in a precarious situation. Before it got out of hand, they dedicated 30,000 acres of the country to a national park where animals could live freely.
The history of the park goes back even further than 1946. During the early 1900s, the British set aside land for wildlife conservation to protect the animals from being hunted. In the 1940s, the park was officially established. Initially, it was supposed to be a mere breeding ground for animals, but it quickly became an attraction loved by locals and tourists.
Things to Do
You’ll find your hands full with things to do in the park. Here’s what your tour will look like:
Game drives: A game drive is the main thing to do here. You can choose between a guided tour or self-driving. Whatever you choose, spotting wildlife is the primary activity.
Picnics: The park’s many trails feature picnic sites where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
Photography: If you’re into photography, there are special tours led by experienced wildlife photographers who will direct you to the right spots for the best photo ops.
Walking safaris: The park has some shorter trails that allow you to enjoy the park on foot.
Do You Need a Guide for Nairobi National Park?
Not necessarily, but it’s advisable. You can get to the park yourself, but joining a guided tour means you don’t have to worry about transportation. You can just enjoy the beautiful sights and leave all the work to the tour operator. Besides, a guide can tell you more about the park and its animals, adding some colourful context to your experience.
How Long Does It Take to Tour the Nairobi National Park?
It can take about five hours, if not more. There’s a wide range of morning and afternoon tour packages. Most tours take about five hours to complete. You need to book your tours in advance. Morning tours usually start at 6:30 AM, and the afternoon ones take off at 1:30 PM. You can, of course, meet your guide at the park entrance, but some tour packages also offer pick-ups and drop-offs. Just let them know what you want, and they’ll tailor a tour according to your wishes.
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