As a tourist visiting Nairobi National Park, here is some essential guidance to help you plan your trip and make the most of your urban safari experience:

1. Best Time to Visit

• For Wildlife Viewing (Dry Season): The period from June to October and January to February is ideal. The vegetation is sparse, and animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

• For Birdwatching & Scenery (Wet Season): If you're a bird enthusiast or love lush landscapes, the wet seasons from March to May and November to December are excellent. The park is vibrant and migratory birds are present.

2. Getting There

• Location: The park is incredibly accessible, located just 7-10 km from Nairobi's central business district and about a 30-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

• Transportation:

  • Self-Drive: You can drive your own vehicle, but a 4x4 is highly recommended, especially during the rainy season when roads can get muddy.

  • Guided Tour: Booking a tour with a professional guide is highly recommended. Guides are experts at spotting wildlife and often communicate with each other to locate animals, significantly increasing your chances of a great safari experience.

  • Ride-Hailing: Services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Nairobi and can take you directly to the park gates.

3. Park Fees & Entry

• Fees: Park fees vary for residents and non-residents. As of 2025, non-resident adult fees are around $43 USD, and child fees are $22 USD. Note that vehicle fees apply as well.

• Entry: You must purchase your park entry ticket online through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) eCitizen portal. Tickets are not sold at the gates. The park's main entrance is on Langata Road.

4. What to See and Do

• Game Drives: This is the primary activity. You can spot a wide range of animals, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and many species of antelope. The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see predators in action.

• Animal Orphanage & Safari Walk: Located near the main gate, the Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage are great for close-up animal encounters. The orphanage is a rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured wildlife.

• Ivory Burning Site Monument: This is a significant historical site where Kenya's leaders symbolically burned tons of confiscated ivory to take a stand against the illegal ivory trade.

• Hippo Pools: A designated walking trail near the Hippo Pools allows you to stretch your legs and see hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat, all while accompanied by a ranger.

5. Essential Tips for a Great Visit

• Stay in Your Vehicle: For your safety and the animals' well-being, you are strictly forbidden from exiting your vehicle unless you are in a designated area like a picnic site or the Hippo Pools trail.

• Dress Code: Wear neutral-colored clothing that blends with the environment. Avoid bright colors. A light jacket is useful for early morning game drives as it can be cool.

• What to Pack: Bring binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Don't forget a reusable water bottle.

• Don't Litter or Feed Animals: Remember that you are in a protected area. Keep all your trash in your vehicle and never, under any circumstances, feed the animals.

• Respect the Rules: Follow all park rules and the instructions of your guide or ranger. Keep noise to a minimum and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.

Why Nairobi National Park Should Be on Your Safari Bucket List

It’s not just a park—it’s a statement. Nairobi National Park proves that wildlife and urban life can coexist, offering a safari experience unlike any other. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this park delivers raw nature, rich history, and real impact.