Nairobi National Park

Pros & Cons

• Good wildlife viewing with most safari animals present
• Easy day or half-day trip from Nairobi
• Interesting photo possibilities with animals against city backdrop
• Safari boardwalk with unusual animals, including bongo antelope
• Animal orphanage
• High density of black rhino
• The proximity to the city lacks wilderness appeal
• No elephants
• Only one lodge inside the park

Wildlife

Nairobi NP has a decent variety of wildlife. Aside from elephants, all of the Big Five are present. There is a good population of both black and white rhino and the latter are often seen grazing on the open plains. Leopards are shy, but lion, cheetah and hyena are regularly spotted. In July and August, a mini migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle crosses into the park from the surrounding areas.

• More about Nairobi National Park's wildlife

Scenery

Most of Nairobi National Park consists of open grassland. The city’s high-rise buildings are visible and, from a wilderness point of view, are quite disturbing – although it does create opportunities for unusual pictures. The Athi river track in the south of the park offers views over the scenic waterway, ridge and cliffs. The safari walk at the entrance of the park meanders through a beautiful patch of indigenous forest.

Weather & Climate

The weather is predictable at Nairobi National Park as it adheres to longstanding climatic patterns. The Dry season (June to October) is marked by an absence of rain and loads of sunshine. The Wet season (November to May) has two periods of rain (November to December, and March to May), with an intervening period of drier weather. The park’s high altitude means cool air is the norm at night.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

Visitors will be treated to dust-free skies and an abundance of baby animals and migratory birds during the wettest period of the year (March to May). However, the wildlife will be harder to track down and driving conditions will be testing, to say the least. Your best bets for animal spotting are the other months of the year, which are drier and sunnier.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Nairobi NP?

• Nairobi NP safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Nairobi NP