Overview – Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is the world’s only protected area that lies so close to a capital city. This makes the park very accessible and provides an ideal opportunity to witness some unique wildlife even for those with limited time. Most big safari animals are present (except elephants). There is a small walk at the entrance leading through an indigenous forest and several wildlife enclosures.

  • Wildlife13 Animals

  • High SeasonDecember to March and July to October

  • Best Time to GoJune to September

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing wildlife experience all year round with all of the Big Five Available except the elephant
  • Very accessible and ideal opportunity for those with limited time
  • Fascinating photo possibilities with animals against the backdrop of high-rise buildings
  • A high density of black rhino are available
  • Safari boardwalk with unusual animals, including bongo antelope
  • Elephants are not available
  • The proximity to the city lacks wilderness appeal
  • Only one lodge inside the park

Nairobi National Park Map in Africa

Nairobi National Park Safari Reviews

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Wildlife & Animals – Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park has a good variety of wildlife. Open grass plains are home to four of the big five - black rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalos – which can be seen regularly. There is an excellent shot at spotting a rhino. White rhinos are the least demanding to spot as they graze on the open fields, however, the park is one of Kenya's best safe havens for black rhinos, which like to keep concealed in the shrubberies.

Wildlife Highlights

Lion, cheetah, Masai giraffe and buffalo are only a few of the animals you can experience on a half-day trip in Nairobi National park. It is likewise a decent spot to see some of the more unusual antelope species including oribi, a grassland extraordinary. Coke's hartebeest is very normal and if fortunate, a crowd of shy eland can be spotted. 

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit Nairobi National Park as Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. However, it can be visited all year round. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (October to November) usually make animal spotting more difficult. Rain can interfere with your game drive and the vegetation tends to be very high.

Birds – Nairobi National Park

The park’s permanent rivers and dams support a large number of bird species and other aquatic biomes. The river area is a paradise for bird watchers who can expect to see many of the over 400 species found here such as the restricted-range Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here regularly after good rains. Other grassland birds include ostriches, secretary birds and bustards. Nairobi National park is a popular birding destination and it’s easy to book a full or half-day guided birding trip at short notice.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watchers can visit the park all year round to spot the resident bird species. However, the best time is from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa can be spotted. The peak months in the short and long rains are November and April with heavy rain a possibility, leading to bird-watching activities being disrupted.

Best Time to Visit – Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park can be visited for wildlife viewing throughout the year and there is always plenty to see whenever you visit. However, The best time to visit the Nairobi National Park is between late June and September, during the driest months, at this time vegetation is thinner, and animals gather around waterholes. Wildlife watching is usually more difficult during the long rains (March to May) and the short rains (October to November). During these months, rainfall might restrict game drives and the grass tends to be very high.

  • Best Time

    June to September

  • High Season

    December to March and July to October

  • Low Season

    April to June

  • Best Weather

    June to September

  • Worst Weather

    April, May and November

June to February (Dry Season)

  • Wildlife watching is better when it’s dry and animals gather at water sources
  • Rarely gets hot, Most of the time it's sunny & dry
  • The grass is short and animals congregate around water sources
  • There is a lot of dust in the air because it is very dry
  • The sky is hazy and the scenery isn’t as pretty

June to February (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush
  • There are many newborn animals
  • Birding is best as migratory birds are present
  • Rain in April and May will sometimes come in between your planned activities
  • Roads become sloppy and difficult to travel
  • Animals dispersed and the grass is longer making wildlife viewing harder

Safari Reviews – Nairobi National Park

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