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Nairobi National Park
Lions, rhinos and giraffes with the city skyline behind them.
Location
On the southern edge of Nairobi, minutes from the city
Best time
June to October and January to February
Known for
Black rhinos, lions and skyline views
Ideal stay
Half a day to a full day
About Nairobi National Park
Discover Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first national park, created in 1946, and lies right on the edge of the capital. Open grassland, acacia bush and riverine forest support lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and one of the country’s most important black rhino sanctuaries.
Because it is so close to the city and the airport, it fits easily into a stopover, a layover or the first afternoon of a longer safari. Many visits pair a game drive with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.
Highlights
Why visit Nairobi National Park
Black rhinos
One of the best places in Kenya to see black rhino in the wild.
Skyline safari
Photograph giraffes and lions with skyscrapers behind them.
Elephant orphanage
Watch rescued baby elephants at feeding time.
Easy access
Close to the city and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Experiences
Things to do
- Morning or afternoon game drive
- Sheldrick elephant orphanage visit
- Giraffe Centre in Langata
- Nairobi Safari Walk
- Airport layover safari
Seasons
When to visit
June to October
Dry season with short grass and easy game viewing.
January to February
Warm and dry, a good second window for game drives.
March to May and November
Rainy months; the park stays open and turns green.
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Photos: Alexmbogo, CC BY-SA 4.0; Alexmbogo, CC BY-SA 4.0; via Wikimedia Commons.