Nairobi National Park was established in 1946. It gives visitors a chance to indulge in pure African safari at the footsteps of a major urban center. It is tiny in comparison to many of Kenya’s other national parks, and shows how Kenya was in its natural state, when the City of Nairobi was just becoming established over 100 years ago.
Nairobi National Park covers just 117km² (44 square miles), and consists of typical, original Kenyan landscape such as plains, forests, steep gorges and lush vegetation along the banks of the Embakasi River. It has a high-altitude, savannah landscape with acacia trees dotting across the open plains.
The park is located just outside of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, and its boundary adjoins the city’s industrial area.
The protection of animals such as lions, leopards and rhinos, as well as the black rhino conservation program, so close to a major city sometimes results in conflicts between the local Maasai tribe and the city’s four million inhabitants.
There are further problems as development continues and air pollution from the nearby industrial area increases. It is quite odd to see a giraffe grazing against the distant backdrop of high-rise buildings!
Nairobi National Park is perhaps best known for its significant black rhino sanctuary. This is the best place to see these endangered animals in their native environment. There are no elephants in this national park, but four of the “Big Five” can be seen here (lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos).
Other wildlife commonly seen in the national park include giraffes, elands, zebras and wildebeest. As well, hippos and crocodiles can often be spotted along the Embakasi River.
Nairobi National Park attracts over 150,000 visitors who come to the park every year to see the native African wildlife. Carry a notebook and a spotter’s guide, as well as plenty of water when you go on safari.
Book 1 day Nairobi National Park Tour, 1/2 Day Nairobi national park day tour, Nairobi National Park Half day private Tour which takes you to Nairobi national park just 7km to the south of the Nairobi CBD.