Getting to Nairobi National Park

Getting to Nairobi National Park is easy and you can use a public mode of transport or private transport. Nairobi National Park is conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers south of Nairobi City Center, providing easy access for those looking to explore Kenya's wildlife and natural beauty.

Accessing Nairobi National Park from Nairobi CBD

Given the proximity of Nairobi National Park to Nairobi city center, there are several convenient routes to choose from.

Route 1

Route: From Nairobi CBD, head northeast on Haile Selassie Ave, continue on Uhuru Hwy/A104, then onto Langata Rd, and turn left to enter the park.

• Distance: 9.7 km
• Estimated Travel Time: 16 minutes
• Highlights: This route offers a straightforward and quick access to the park with minimal turns. It is ideal for those looking to get to the park without navigating through complex roadways.

Route 2

Route: Begin at Nairobi CBD on Haile Selassie Ave, take Uhuru Hwy/A104, merge onto Nairobi Expressway, follow Mombasa Road/A104, and take the exit for National Park East Gate Rd.

• Distance: 10.8 km
• Estimated Travel Time: 15 minutes
• Highlights: Route 2 utilizes the Nairobi Expressway, offering a potentially faster trip depending on traffic conditions. This route is best for those who prefer a scenic drive with a view of Nairobi’s evolving skyline.

Route 3

Route: Start from Nairobi CBD on Haile Selassie Ave, switch to Ngong Rd at the roundabout, proceed onto Kabarnet Rd, then onto Langata Rd and turn left to enter the park.

• Distance: 9.9 km
• Estimated Travel Time: 19 minutes
• Highlights: This route provides a more scenic approach through some residential areas and offers more sights of urban Nairobi before reaching the tranquility of the park.

Main Entrances to Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park has several gates that serve as entry points for visitors. Each gate offers different accessibilities and is strategically placed to cater to various needs, whether for tour groups, individuals, or service purposes.

KWS Headquarters Gate (Service Only)

• Location: This gate is primarily for official Kenya Wildlife Service use and not open to the general public.
• Purpose: Used for administrative access and park management operations.

Langata Road Gate

• Location: Accessible via Langata Road, this gate is one of the most commonly used entrances for tourists.
• Features: It is well-equipped with visitor facilities, including parking and information services.

Mamba Village Gate

• Location: Near the Mamba Village, this gate provides access from the Karen side of the city.
• Features: Ideal for those visiting from the Karen or Langata residential areas.

Maasai Gate

• Location: Located on the southern boundary, it is accessible from Magadi Road.
• Features: Often used by visitors coming from the direction of Magadi or those on longer safaris from the southwest.

Kimana Gate

• Location: Serves as a lesser-known entry point, suitable for those coming from the eastern side.
• Purpose: Offers a quieter and less crowded entrance experience.

Banda Gate (Service Only)

• Location: Also a service gate, not typically used by the public.
• Purpose: Utilized for specific operational tasks and by park staff.

Park Entrance Gate (East Gate)

• Location: Located on the east side, accessible via Mombasa Road.
• Features: Convenient for those coming from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or eastern suburbs.

These gates provide various options for entering the park, each catering to different parts of Nairobi and the surrounding areas. Visitors can choose the gate that best suits their travel route and the part of the park they wish to explore first.

Modes of Transport to the Park

Getting to Nairobi National Park is convenient, with multiple transportation options tailored to fit different preferences and budgets.

Self-Drive

• Description: Driving yourself is the most flexible option, allowing you to arrive and leave at your own convenience.
• Parking: Ample parking is available at the main gates, especially the Langata Road Gate.
• Why consider self-drive to Nairobi National Park: Total control over travel times and the opportunity to explore the park at your own pace.

Taxi

• Description: Taxis are readily available throughout Nairobi and can be a convenient choice if you prefer not to drive.
• Tips: It's advisable to agree on the fare in advance to avoid surprises. Apps like Uber and Bolt offer reliable services with preset fares.
• Advantages of this transport mode: Comfort and personal space without the need to navigate traffic yourself.

Matatu or Public Transport

• Description: Matatus are local minibuses and a popular public transport option in Nairobi, known for their affordability.
• Route: You can catch matatu numbers 125 or 126 from the Nairobi Railway Station heading towards the park.
• Travel Time: Expect about 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Why consider matatus to Nairobi NP: Very cost-effective and offers a more local experience.

KWS Shuttle Safari

• Description: On weekends and public holidays, the Kenya Wildlife Service provides a shuttle safari from the city center.
• Schedule: Departures are from Development House or directly from the main gate of the park.
• Why consider this mode of transport: Designed specifically for tourists, this option offers convenience and the assurance of traveling with a group.

Transport from Mombasa

For those traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi before visiting the park, here are the details:

Train and Bus

• Train (SGR): The Standard Gauge Railway offers daily services between Mombasa and Nairobi, an experience that combines comfort with scenic views of the countryside.
• Intercounty: Departs Mombasa at 8:00 AM, arrives in Nairobi at 2:10 PM.
• Afternoon Express: Departs Mombasa at 3:00 PM, arrives in Nairobi at 8:18 PM.
• Night Express: Departs Mombasa at 10:00 PM, arrives in Nairobi at 3:35 AM.
• Bus: Several bus companies operate between Mombasa and Nairobi, offering various levels of comfort and pricing.

Air Travel

Domestic flights from Mombasa to Nairobi's Wilson Airport are frequent and take about an hour.

Post-Airport Transport: From Wilson Airport, you can hire a car or take a taxi to the park, which is approximately 15 minutes away.