Photo: Brihaspati, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsNairobi National Park
Nairobi
Nairobi National Park was Kenya's first national park, opened in 1946, and it is still the only national park on the edge of a capital city. Fenced on the city side and open to the south, it lets wildlife move to and from the Athi plains, and you can watch rhinos and giraffes with skyscrapers behind them.
It is about 117 square kilometres, small by safari standards, but it is one of the best places in Kenya to see black rhinos, and it fits easily around flights.
What to see
- Rhinos: Black and white rhinos are often seen in the open grassland.
- Lions and cheetahs: Lions are resident, and cheetahs move through the southern plains.
- Giraffes, buffaloes and plains game: Zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and ostriches, with the city skyline behind them.
- Ivory Burning Site: Where Kenya has burned seized ivory to protest against poaching, including the record burn in 2016.
Planning your visit
- Start early: Animals are most active at dawn and the traffic is lighter.
- Combine it: The Sheldrick elephant orphanage is inside the park, and the Giraffe Centre is close by. See our Nairobi stopover guide.
- On a layover: Half day tours from the airport or city hotels are a popular way to use a spare morning.
Tip: Allow plenty of time to reach the airport afterwards: Nairobi traffic can turn a short drive into two hours.
Practical information
| Fee | US$80 a day (non resident adult) |
| Opening hours | About 6am to 6pm |
| Size | About 117 square kilometres |
| Main gate | Langata Road, East Gate on Mombasa Road |
| Payment | Cashless, by card or mobile money |
Honest downsides
The city is never far away: you'll see buildings, planes and sometimes hear traffic. Animal numbers vary with the season, as many move south onto open plains after the rains. Treat it as a bonus half day, not a substitute for the Mara or Amboseli.
Where it is
Visiting Nairobi National Park on a tour
Most Kenya safaris start in Nairobi, with a driver guide, vehicle, camps and park fees arranged for you. Browse them, or ask a local specialist to build Nairobi National Park into a trip around your dates.
Combine it with
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Nairobi National Park: questions
Is Nairobi National Park worth visiting?
Yes, especially for rhinos and as a half day before or after a longer safari.
How much is Nairobi National Park?
US$80 per non resident adult per day under the October 2025 Kenya Wildlife Service tariff.
Can you see lions in Nairobi National Park?
Yes, lions live in the park, though sightings are never guaranteed.