Nairobi National Park Safari — Day Trip.
Experience a wild African safari just minutes from the city — Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world set within a capital city.
Overview
Established in 1946 as Kenya's first national park, Nairobi National Park is a 117-square-kilometre wilderness that sits just 7 kilometres from the city centre — a unique place on Earth where lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo roam freely against the unmistakable silhouette of a modern African skyline. This day trip is the perfect introduction to Kenyan wildlife for travellers with a tight schedule, a long layover at JKIA, or anyone wanting a real safari experience without committing to multi-day travel.
The park is unfenced on its southern boundary, allowing wildlife to migrate freely along the Athi-Kapiti dispersal corridor, and is one of Kenya's most successful black rhino sanctuaries — home to over 100 critically endangered Eastern black rhinos as well as a small population of southern white rhinos. Sightings are reliable, with most morning drives recording at least one rhino encounter.
Highlights
- Spot lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, and giraffes with the city skyline as a backdrop
- One of Kenya's most successful black rhino sanctuaries — home to over 100 critically endangered Eastern black rhinos
- More than 400 recorded bird species across grasslands, riverine forests, and seasonal wetlands
- Perfect for short stays, JKIA layovers, or a half-day wildlife fix
- Easy to combine with other Nairobi attractions — the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or Karen Blixen Museum all sit nearby
- No long travel days — pickup from your Nairobi hotel and back by lunch (half-day) or evening (full-day)
What You Can Expect to See
Realistic and regular sightings include rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, eland, hartebeest, impala, Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, warthogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, ostriches, and a vast variety of birds. Lions and spotted hyenas are seen with reasonable frequency. Leopards and cheetahs are also resident but harder to spot — patience and a knowledgeable guide make the difference.
Pricing
Option | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
Solo Traveler | $275 |
2 or More People | $183 per person |
Add-On Suggestions
- Combine with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (open 11:00–12:00 daily) — watch orphaned baby elephants being fed
- Pair with the Giraffe Centre for an up-close encounter with endangered Rothschild giraffes
- Finish with lunch at the historic Karen Blixen Coffee Garden or Tamambo Karen Blixen
Duration
Half Day or Full Day — flexible to suit your schedule