About the Reserve
Nairobi National Park is one of the world’s most unique wildlife parks — the only national park on the planet located right next to a capital city. Just a short 10–15 minute drive from Nairobi’s city center, this remarkable reserve offers an authentic safari experience set against the striking backdrop of skyscrapers and urban skyline views. Despite its proximity to the city, the park feels surprisingly wild, with wide open grass plains, scattered acacia bush, riverine forests, and seasonal wetlands that support a rich diversity of animals. It is especially famous as a rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhinos, and offers excellent chances of spotting lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species within just a few hours. Because of its compact size and high wildlife density, sightings are frequent, making it ideal for travelers with limited time or those looking for a quick half-day or full-day safari without leaving Nairobi. Nairobi National Park perfectly blends convenience, scenery, and rewarding game viewing, making it one of Kenya’s most accessible and underrated safari gems.
Highlights
- Closest safari park to Nairobi (very convenient)
- Perfect for half-day or 1-day safaris
- Excellent rhino sightings
- High wildlife density in small area
- Affordable compared to larger parks
- Good roads and easy access
- Great for first-time safari travelers
- Unique city skyline backdrop for photos
Good to Know
- Smaller than major parks like Mara or Amboseli
- No elephants
- Urban noise sometimes audible
- Can feel busy on weekends
- Limited “remote wilderness” feeling
Wildlife & Nature
Experiences
Morning & afternoon game drives
Half-day or full-day safaris
Bird watching tours
Photography safaris
Picnic sites
Visit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage nearby)
Visit Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Nature walks at designated areas
Educational & conservation tours