The world's only national park within a capital city. See lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras with Nairobi's skyline as backdrop.

About Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is a unique 117 square kilometer wildlife sanctuary set against the backdrop of Nairobi's modern skyline — the only national park in the world situated within a capital city. Established in 1946, the park is home to lions, leopards, rhinos (both black and white), buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species.

The park's open grasslands, scattered acacia bush, and cliff-lined river valleys create dramatic landscapes where wildlife roams freely with skyscrapers visible in the distance. The southern boundary is unfenced, allowing seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebra from the Kitengela plains, creating a miniature version of the Maasai Mara migration.

Within the park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates an elephant orphanage that is open to visitors for one hour each morning, offering intimate encounters with baby elephants being rehabilitated for release. The park's Ivory Burning Site Monument marks where Kenya made a powerful anti-poaching statement by burning 12 tonnes of ivory in 1989.

Nearby Landmarks

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Centre Bomas of Kenya Karen Blixen Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost KES 1000-2000 (~$8-15)
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost KES 800-1500 (~$6-12)
Time 15-25 minutes

Terminal arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Uber/taxi to main gate (KWS gate). Half-day game drives available from the gate.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi KES 1000-2000 (~$8-15) 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare KES 800-1500 (~$6-12) 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Nairobi National Park closes to visitors at 6:15 PM. There is no nighttime access for regular tourists. To visit from the airport, arrange a daytime taxi or tour vehicle. Night game drives are only available through special KWS-approved operators with advance booking.

Luggage Tips

Most visitors stop at the park en route to or from the airport, making luggage management important. Safari tour vehicles and taxis can store luggage securely while you explore. The park headquarters has no formal luggage storage facility, so keep valuables in your vehicle.

Accessibility

Nairobi National Park is explored by vehicle, making it relatively accessible for wheelchair users who can transfer into a safari vehicle. The park headquarters and main picnic sites have basic accessible facilities. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage has a flat viewing area suitable for wheelchairs.