​User Reviews – Nairobi NP

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Doug Greenberg   –  
United States US
Visited: September 2019 Reviewed: Oct 29, 2019

Email Doug Greenberg  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Amazing wildlife experience right on the edge of the big city
Overall rating
5/5

My wife and I went on a ten-day safari to Kenya and northern Tanzania in September 2019. We visited the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tanagire and Amboseli National Parks. The adventure involved a lot of sitting in safari vehicles, but the trip was amazing overall. Upon returning, I realized that perhaps the smartest thing we did in planning the journey was to start by visiting Nairobi National Park, just outside Nairobi itself. This is a small but amazing preserve in which we saw an impressive variety of wildlife and birds in just a few hours. It was the only place we saw a rhinoceros during the entire trip, and we also saw lions, zebras, impalas, hartebeest, vervet monkeys, baboons, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, Ostriches, Little bee-eaters, White- bellied bustards, and a huge variety of other birds. There are no elephants in this park, but that is hardly a major issue in light of how many animals do live within the reserve. There was a "hippo pond" that comprised perhaps the highlight of the park. There we saw birds galore, including Malechite kingfisher, Sacred ibis, Blacksmith lapwing, Black-winged stilt, and African fish eagle, as well as a large monitor lizard and of course, hippos. The park is relatively small, and our driver gave us what seemed like a complete tour within a couple of hours.

The entrance to the park is a little intimidating, as there are armed guards and, as is typical of Nairobi generally, a high degree of security. Since we were with a professional guide, however, we were able to just hang back and let him take care of the payment, paperwork, and direction. Overall, the Nairobi National Park proved an amazing place to spend an afternoon, and I recommend it to anyone visiting Nairobi or beginning a safari in that city.

devin   –  
Kenya KE
Visited: July 2016 Reviewed: Jul 12, 2016

Email devin

The most convenient safari in Kenya
Overall rating
4/5

If you are in Nairobi and have a free morning, there's no excuse not to visit this great park.

Just a few minutes from downtown Nairobi, this park offers sightings of lions, black rhino, zebras, giraffes, cape buffalo, wildebeest, hippos, ostrich, and more. The park is small when compared to other destinations in Kenya, so you won't see elephants roaming around (co-located with the park is an elephant orphanage that is highly recommended). Purchase your ticket at the front gate off of Langata Road. When I visited, the non-resident rate was USD 60 per person. There is a minor charge for your vehicle if you self-drive.

Many companies offer guided tours around the park, and this might be your best bet to maximize your chances of seeing lots of animals. I opted to skip the guide and driver and drove myself around the park. It is easy to get around and there are plenty of signs. With Nairobi's skyline to the north of the park visible from much of the area, it's easy to keep your bearings. The park is fenced on the north side to keep the animals from roaming into downtown. The roads can be very rough far into the park -- I would highly recommend a high clearance vehicle if you opt to drive yourself, and do so slowly. Make sure you have a good condition spare tire, jack, and tire iron just in case those rough roads result in a flat tire. I was glad I had mine handy.

Wildlife density in this park may not be what it is in some other Kenyan parks, but I was satisfied with my morning game drive. I saw two lions right away after entering on the western side of the park. On the day I visited, the eastern part of the park seemed to have more zebra and giraffes than the western part. Wildebeest, cape buffalo, various kinds of deer, impala, eland, and ostrich were plentiful throughout the park. I had a brief sighting of a black rhino before it moved out of sight. Even without a guide, I was happy with my experience and animal sightings.

Bring snacks, plenty of water, and most importantly your camera - you'll need it.

Kenya has a ton of safari opportunities that will beat Nairobi National Park when it comes to wildlife, scenic beauty, and bush vibe. However, the close proximity of this park to Nairobi and the ease of access make it a great option for anyone spending a day or two (or even a few hours) in the city. As a new resident of Nairobi, I see myself returning to this park monthly.

Mitchell Klein Visited: July 2014 Reviewed: May 5, 2015

A perfect end to a life changing experience
Overall rating
5/5

My visit to Nairobi National Park came at the end of an 11 day photo safari. The regular tour didn't have this park as one of its stops. I had several hours before leaving Nairobi so I booked a tour. To my surprise, it ended up to be a private tour as no one else signed up.

I found the park to be amazing. My favorite part was when we had a reasonably close encounter with a Black Rhino. That experience took my breath away. All the other animals and birds on this Nairobi National Park tour were very special. I asked my guide if locals visit the park and he said no. He told me most of the visitors were tourists. I was saddened to hear that the locals did not take advantage of such a national treasure.

All together, I found the Nairobi National Park to be very special. It was fascinating that such a park with such beautiful wildlife so close to a large city was available to me any anyone else who wanted to see nature, especially endangered animals before they disappear. It is also wonderful for people who travel on business to Nairobi to have such a beautiful place to experience nature in the wild so close that they can take a few hours between meetings to feast their eyes on real nature.

assad Visited: December 2014 Reviewed: May 5, 2015

A must do while in Nairobi
Overall rating
5/5

Well if you are in Nairobi, then a trip to the Nairobi National PArk must be on the Itinerary. It is preety much the only National park in a city anywhere in the world.
Wild, untouched and well populated, one will always get to see great game from the herbivores, to the big cats and even rhino. Bird lovers will also not go wrong.

An excellent trip for an early morning trip or in the evening. Its easily accessible from the city through the many entrance gates and one can even do it in the standard family car.

Shima Mudakha   –  
South Korea KR
Visited: January 2024 Reviewed: Feb 9, 2024

Email Shima Mudakha  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

when in Nairobi its a must visit park.

Fatima Shama   –  
United States US
Visited: December 2023 Reviewed: Feb 5, 2024

Email Fatima Shama  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
5/5

We visited the Shelbourne Elephant Sanctuary. A wonderful addition to our trip and commitment to animal conservation.

Caroline   –  
Guatemala GT
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Dec 11, 2023

Email Caroline  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
4/5

Very pricy! Good for seeing Rhinos and lions if you can´t make it out of Nairobi.

Kirsten   –  
Germany DE
Visited: November 2023 Reviewed: Nov 26, 2023

Email Kirsten  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Overall rating
4/5

The fee for the national park is very high, making it very expensive to visit. But it's worth it!

(automatic translation from German)

Yolanda Moerkens   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: October 2023 Reviewed: Oct 19, 2023

Email Yolanda Moerkens  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Overall rating
4/5

When you stay a few days in Nairobi this is nice to visit. You can also visit the Sheldrick elephant orphanege as the government made it like this, only possible to visit the orphanege through Nairobi NP, what isn't so good for the orphanege

Ko, Jongsun   –  
South Korea KR
Visited: August 2023 Reviewed: Aug 17, 2023

Email Ko, Jongsun  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

I saw leopard there but no other places.

Average User Rating

  • 4.0/5
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star 35
  • 4 star 32
  • 3 star 20
  • 2 star 4
  • 1 star 1
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