Things to Do at Nairobi National Park
Complete Guide to Nairobi National Park in Nairobi
About Nairobi National Park
What to See & Do
Black Rhino Sanctuary
The park is one of Kenya's most important black rhino breeding sanctuaries - over 50 individuals in a fenced area within the park. Sightings are common, especially early morning on the open grassland circuits near the main gate. The rhinos against Nairobi's skyline is the park's signature photograph. Guards patrol 24/7
Ivory Burning Site Monument
The monument marks where President Daniel arap Moi set fire to 12 tons of confiscated ivory in July 1989 - a dramatic gesture that launched the global campaign to ban the ivory trade. The site is on the main circuit road and has an information board, but most guides drive past without stopping. Ask your driver to pause. The history matters more than the monument itself
Hippo Pools
The Athi River creates pools along the southern circuit where hippos congregate - 20+ individuals in the largest pool, submerged except for ears and eyes, with the occasional yawn revealing massive teeth. Arrive before 8:00 AM when the hippos are still in the water. By midday they're deeper and harder to photograph. Crocodiles share the pools - look carefully at the banks
Nairobi Skyline Views
The northern boundary of the park runs parallel to Mombasa Road, and from the grassland trails near the main gate, the Nairobi skyline rises behind the wildlife like a surrealist painting. Giraffe with skyscrapers, zebra with construction cranes, rhino with glass towers. This perspective exists nowhere else on earth. Best photographed in morning light facing south-southeast
Safari Drive Circuit
The main game drive route takes you through different habitats where you might spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and over 400 bird species.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Worth noting that early morning (6-8 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) tend to offer the best wildlife viewing.
Tickets & Pricing
Non-residents: $43 adults, $22 children. East African residents pay significantly less. You can pay at the gate, though mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (June to October and January to March) offers better wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. Early morning visits give you the best chance of spotting the big cats.
Suggested Duration
A half-day (4-5 hours) is usually sufficient for a good game drive, though you could easily spend a full day if you're doing the walking trails too.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Famous elephant orphanage where you can watch baby elephants being fed and learn about conservation efforts. The 11 AM visiting hour is popular but worth it.
Get up close with endangered Rothschild giraffes - you can actually feed them from a raised platform. It's touristy but genuinely fun, especially for families.
The former home of the 'Out of Africa' author, preserved as it was in the 1920s. Interesting glimpse into colonial Kenya, though it can feel a bit dated in its presentation.
Cultural center showcasing traditional Kenyan dances, music, and homesteads from different ethnic groups. The afternoon performances are quite energetic.