Aberdare National Park
National Park
Nairobi Urban Park
Nairobi National Park
The World’s Only Wildlife Capital
A full wildlife safari only minutes from central Nairobi, famous for rhinos, open plains, birdlife and city-skyline views.
Overview
About Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is a rare urban-edge wilderness where plains wildlife and rhinos can be viewed with Nairobi’s skyline in the distance. The compact park includes grassland, riverine habitat, picnic areas and more than 400 bird species, making it ideal for a half-day or full-day safari at the beginning or end of a Kenya itinerary.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Wildlife with Nairobi skyline backdrop
Rhino sanctuary
More than 400 bird species
Historic Ivory Burning Site
Picnic and event sites
Easy access from the city
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Short safari excursions
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Black rhino
- Lion
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Antelope
- More than 400 bird species
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Private lodges & camps
- Ololo Safari Lodge
- Emakoko Lodge
- Villa Rosa Kempinski
- JW Marriott
- Nairobi Serena Hotel
- Ole Sereni
- Eka Hotel
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
Gazetted in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park. KWS lists the park at about 117 km², with more than 100 animal species and four of the Big Five excluding elephants.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 10 km from Nairobi CBD via Lang’ata Road and other city approaches.
By air
Convenient to Wilson Airport and JKIA.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 80 | USD 40 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Nairobi National Park FAQs
What is Nairobi National Park best known for?
Nairobi National Park is especially known for Wildlife with Nairobi skyline backdrop, Rhino sanctuary, More than 400 bird species, Historic Ivory Burning Site. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Nairobi National Park?
Road: About 10 km from Nairobi CBD via Lang’ata Road and other city approaches. Air: Convenient to Wilson Airport and JKIA. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Nairobi National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 1,000 and non-resident adults from USD 80 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Nairobi National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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