Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world situated in a capital city. It is located in the South of Nairobi just 7km away from the major business center. The park was the first to be gazetted in 1946, covering an area of 117.2 square kilometers. However, it is famously known for conserving the endangered black rhinoceros. In addition to having over 400 bird species and being home to a wide variety of wildlife. Animals like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, buffalos, and giraffes among others live in the open grass plains filled with scattered acacia trees.
The park can be accessed by road since it is 7 km away from Nairobi business center. However, there are two gates, the first one is on Magadi road and the second is at the Athi River gate. Travelers may use a rented car or take a shuttle which is an extensive bus owned by Kenya Wildlife Services.
Nairobi National Park is home to over 500 recorded bird species, 20 of which are seasonal European migrants. It is the longest bird list of all cities in the world thus a great birding destination. The bird species that can be found in this park include Jackson’s widowbird, Martial eagle, Abyssinian thrush, Corncrakes, Hartlaub’s bustard, White-bellied bustard, Grey crowned crane, Fischer’s lovebirds, Jackson’s widowbird which breeds in this park regularly, and Kori bustard among others.
Many wildlife species call Nairobi National Park home including mammal species, amphibians, and reptiles. Animals found in this park are buffalos, Lions, buffalos, impalas, giraffes, gazelles, baboons, black rhinos, and cheetahs. Other animals to look out for include hippos, elands, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hartebeests, and waterbucks among others.
David and Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
This is a rescue center for elephants as well as other wildlife species such as rhinos. The elephants are taken care of from this orphanage and later taken to Tsavo National Park. The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is the best place to learn about elephants and their conservation.
Ivory Burning Monument
This is a famous historic site where 12 tons of ivory were burnt by the former Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi in 1989. He wanted to prove Kenya’s commitment to the conservation of elephants and zero tolerance for the ivory trade. The monument is one of the biggest attractions in Nairobi National Park where travelers can witness the ashes that were burnt from the ivory that was intercepted before entering the market.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
This orphanage was created in 1968 and is one of the most visited places, it serves as a treatment and rehabilitation center for wild animals especially those that have been orphaned or injured. It acts as an educational center for schoolchildren, walking travelers, and tourists who don’t go for game drives.
The various species of animals in this orphanage include lions, buffaloes, leopards, Sokoke cats, baboons, hyenas, and warthogs among others. There are bird species that are found in the orphanage including Ostriches, Crowned cranes, Guinea fowl, parrots, and many others. After rehabilitation, the animals and birds are released back into the wild.
Game drives enable travelers see wildlife species in their natural habitat. These usually take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening. During the morning game drives, viewing wildlife is easier since most animals are active compared to the evening when they take shelter in hidden locations. In the afternoon it is usually hot therefore they avoid heat from the sun and avoid predators. Animals that can be seen in Nairobi National Park include lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, cheetah, olive baboon, hippopotamus, eland, impala, and zebra among others.
The park is home to over 520 species including migratory birds. It is a well-known destination for birding since on a normal day over 100 bird species may be seen during a birding tour. The various bird species in the park include; the African Crowned Eagle, white-headed vulture, Kori Bustard, Secretary bird, African skimmer, Grey-crowned Crane, Bateleur, Augur Buzzard, Martial Eagle, Fox Kestrel, and African Fish Eagle among others. The best time for birding in Nairobi National Park is from November to April when the migrants from Europe and North Africa are present then spectacular Jackson’s widowbird displays from March to May.
Walking safaris take place along a raised wooden walkway with a good view of the wildlife species in the park. Tourists walk through the forest or take the boardwalk over the river, and can see wild animals. These include lions, leopards, rhinos, and other animal species however, children are not allowed to participate.
This is a historic site where 12 tons of ivory were burnt by former Kenyan President Daniel Moi in 1989. Most poachers were killing elephants to sell the ivory on black markets but the large amount was intercepted before entering the market. It was stored and burnt to show Kenya’s commitment to the conservation of elephants and zero tolerance for ivory trade. The site has a monument of ashes of ivory and serves as a camping site. Travelers who visit get to enjoy amazing views of the plains.
Nairobi National Park can be visited throughout the year however, the best time is during the dry season from July to October and from January to February. During this time, the vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife.
Nairobi National Park is located near the capital thus travelers have a range of options when it comes to where to stay, there are many hotels near the park and these are, Giraffe manor, Olola safari Lodge, Tribe hotel, Nairobi tented camp, The Emakoko, Ole Sereni hotel, Eka hotel, Hemingways Nairobi, Nairobi Serena Hotel, House of waine, The Boma Nairobi, Emara Ole and many more.
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