Nairobi National Park is a protected area defined by its immediate proximity to a major urban centre. It functions as a critical wildlife refuge, preserving a significant portion of the Athi-Kapiti plains ecosystem against the skyline of Kenya's capital city.
The park was established in 1946 as the country's first national park, and it covers an area of 117 square kilometres and is located just 7 kilometres south of Nairobi's central business district.
The park is renowned for its substantial black rhino sanctuary and for hosting four of the "Big Five" mammals, establishing it as a globally significant model for urban conservation.
Careful planning prepares visitors for a visit to Nairobi National Park. Logistical considerations include current park fees, mandatory entry requirements for international visitors, seasonal variations affecting wildlife viewing, and transport arrangements. Understanding these elements provides for an efficient and rewarding safari experience.
As a designated KWS Premium Park, Nairobi National Park has a specific fee structure. The following rates are effective for 2026. Payments are cashless, accepted only via M-Pesa, Visa, or MasterCard. All fees are valid for a 24-hour period.
| Category | High Season (July - March) | Low Season (April - June) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (East African Citizen) | KES 2,000 | KES 1,000 |
| Child (East African Citizen) | KES 500 | KES 500 |
| Adult (Foreign Resident) | KES 5,000 | KES 2,500 |
| Child (Foreign Resident) | KES 1,000 | KES 1,000 |
| Adult (Non-Resident) | USD 100 | USD 80 |
| Child (Non-Resident) | USD 50 | USD 40 |
For all international visitors travelling to Kenya in 2026, a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is mandatory for entry into the country. This system has replaced the previous visa process.
Applicants must apply for the eTA online at least 72 hours prior to their intended departure to allow for sufficient processing time. A valid passport and the approved eTA are required for entry, after which visitors can proceed to destinations like Nairobi National Park.
The optimal time for game viewing occurs during the dry seasons, from January to March and from July to October. During these periods, vegetation density decreases, and animals gather around permanent water sources such as the Mbagathi River and various dams, which makes them easier to locate.
The wet seasons, from April to June and November to December, provide good conditions for birdwatching, as migratory species are present and the scenery becomes green. Over 600 bird species have been recorded within the park's boundaries.
The primary activity within the park is the game drive, conducted in safari vehicles to observe the diverse habitats. Visitors also use designated walking trails at specific sites like the hippo pools. Other key activities include birdwatching, corporate events at designated sites, and photography, with the city skyline providing a unique backdrop for wildlife shots.
No accommodation options exist inside Nairobi National Park itself. However, its proximity to Nairobi offers many choices. Numerous hotels catering to all budgets are available within a short drive of the park's main gates. Several lodges and tented camps are situated on the park's periphery, providing direct views into the park and immediate access for early morning game drives.
The park's location adjacent to the capital city makes it highly accessible. It can be reached via private vehicle, taxi, or a pre-booked tour operator from any point in Nairobi. The journey from the central business district to the main gate typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Access to the park is controlled through several official gates managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). These gates serve different parts of the city and surrounding areas:
Nairobi National Park's internal road network consists primarily of graded gravel and dirt tracks. These roads are accessible to 2WD vehicles during the dry season, but conditions can deteriorate significantly after rainfall. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended throughout the year to access all areas of the park and to avoid getting stuck in black cotton soil.
The park contains several designated sites that enhance the visitor experience, from picnic locations with panoramic views to crucial water sources for wildlife observation.
Several designated picnic sites offer safe, scenic locations for visitors to alight from their vehicles. Key sites include:
The park's man-made dams are critical water sources that attract a high concentration of wildlife, particularly birds.
In addition to the picnic sites, several high-ground areas serve as natural viewpoints. These locations offer strategic vantage points for scanning the savannah plains and riverine forests for wildlife activity against the backdrop of the city skyline.
The park's ecological integrity is maintained by its specific geography, hydrology, and vegetation, which support a high density of wildlife in a constrained area.
Nairobi National Park is an integral part of the larger Athi-Kapiti Plains ecosystem. The park is partially fenced on its northern, eastern, and western boundaries, while the southern boundary remains open. This design allows for the traditional migratory movement of herbivore populations, such as wildebeest and zebra, between the park and the extensive plains to the south.
Visitors observe this natural migration, which displays the dynamic cycles of nature.
The park's southern boundary is defined by the Mbagathi River, a permanent water source that is vital for the resident wildlife, especially during the dry season. This river and its associated riverine forest provide a distinct habitat within the park. The Athi River also flows near the park's eastern boundary, contributing to the regional water system that supports the ecosystem.
The park features a diverse range of habitats in a small area. These include open black cotton soil plains, patches of highland dry forest, and riverine forests along the Mbagathi River. This mosaic of vegetation supports a wide variety of species, from grazing herbivores on the plains to elusive leopards in the forested areas.
Adjacent to the park's main entrance are several distinct conservation and educational facilities managed separately but often visited in conjunction with a park safari.
Located near the main KWS gate, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates a world-renowned elephant and rhino orphanage. It rescues and rehabilitates orphaned infant elephants from across Kenya. The facility is open to the public for one hour each day, allowing visitors to observe the calves during their feeding and mud bath.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, also located at the KWS headquarters, serves as a treatment and rehabilitation centre for wild animals. It provides an opportunity to see a variety of species, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and primates, at close range and learn about the challenges they face in the wild.
The Nairobi Safari Walk is an elevated wooden boardwalk that meanders through different habitat simulations, including wetlands, savannah, and forests. It offers an educational experience, showcasing Kenya's rich biodiversity and allowing for close-up views of resident animals in a semi-natural setting.
The park is a centrepiece of Kenya's conservation strategy, particularly for critically endangered species, and serves as an important research and educational hub.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages a range of conservation programmes within the park. These include anti-poaching patrols, habitat management through controlled burns, and wildlife population monitoring.
The park is also the site of the historic Ivory Burning Site Monument, where in 1989, President Daniel Arap Moi incinerated 12 tonnes of ivory, a symbolic act that galvanised global anti-poaching efforts.
Nairobi National Park functions as a heavily protected breeding sanctuary for the black rhino and has one of the highest densities of this species in the world. The park is crucial to Kenya's national strategy to repopulate other protected areas. Ongoing research projects within the park monitor rhino genetics, behaviour, and population dynamics to inform conservation policy.
KWS actively engages with communities living along the park's unfenced southern boundary to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. These programmes focus on conservation education, promoting sustainable land use, and developing community-based conservation initiatives to ensure the long-term viability of the park and the well-being of its neighbours.