Nairobi National Park is the reason Nairobi feels like no other capital. Gazetted in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park, it covers about 117 square kilometres of grassland, acacia scrub and riverine forest that begin roughly ten kilometres from the Central Business District, fenced on the city side and open to the south so animals can move on to the wider plains. It is one of the best places in Kenya to see the endangered black rhino, and it is home to three lion prides, buffalo, Maasai giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs and more than 400 bird species. Four of the Big Five live here; the only one missing is the elephant. The park also holds the Ivory Burning Site, where Kenya famously set fire to its stockpiles of seized tusks. The tour we link is a six-hour game drive with hotel pickup, park entry fees and a stop at the Giraffe Centre, so you can do a proper safari and still be back in town by early afternoon.
How it works: the Tiqets tour we link, Nairobi: National Park Day Tour + Giraffe Center, starts at 6:30 in the morning with a hotel pickup in a tour van, includes the park entry fee and a licensed guide, and ends with a visit to the Giraffe Centre in Lang’ata. Lunch, drinks and tips are not included, and you need to carry identification. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.
Fees and timing: since 1 October 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service charges non-resident adults 80 US dollars and children 40 dollars, with lower rates for residents and East African citizens. Fees are paid online through the government’s eCitizen system, not in cash at the gate, which is why a tour that includes them saves effort. The gates open at 6am and close at 6pm.
Making the most of it: go as early as you can, because predators are most active in the cool of the morning and the light is best for photos of rhinos against the skyline. November falls in the short rains, so expect green grass, fewer visitors and the occasional afternoon shower. Bring binoculars and a warm layer for the open vehicle, and combine the drive with the Sheldrick elephant nursery, which sits inside the park and opens to visitors from 11am to noon.
What to expect
The experience
A guided morning game drive by tour van through the park, followed by a visit to the Giraffe Centre, with hotel pickup and return.
Best time
As early as possible, when the gates open and lions and rhinos are most active in the cool of the morning.
How long
About six hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.
Tips
Carry your passport or ID, bring binoculars and a warm layer, and eat a snack before the early pickup since lunch is not included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a real safari without leaving the city, especially travellers with only a day or two in Nairobi.
- Families
- Children love spotting rhinos and giraffes, and the half-day format with a giraffe-feeding finish keeps it manageable.
- Couples
- An early-morning drive with the skyline glowing behind the plains is one of the most memorable starts to a Kenyan trip.
- Pair with
- The Sheldrick elephant nursery inside the park at 11am, or the Karen Blixen Museum in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- A half day, about six hours with transfers.
Good questions
Can you really see lions in Nairobi National Park?+
Yes, the park has three resident lion prides, as well as cheetahs and leopards. Sightings are never guaranteed, but early-morning drives give you the best chance.
Are there elephants in Nairobi National Park?+
No, elephants are the one member of the Big Five that does not live in the park. You can see orphaned baby elephants at the Sheldrick nursery inside the park, and wild herds in Amboseli or the Maasai Mara.
How much is the entry fee for Nairobi National Park?+
Since October 2025, non-resident adults pay 80 US dollars and children 40 dollars, paid cashless through eCitizen. The Tiqets tour we link includes the park entry fee in its price.
What time does Nairobi National Park open?+
The gates open at 6am and close at 6pm. Arriving at opening time gives the best wildlife viewing and the softest light.
Is November a good time to visit Nairobi National Park?+
Yes, November brings the short rains, so the park is green, quieter and good for birds. Showers usually pass quickly, though some tracks can get muddy.
