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    Nairobi National Park
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    Kenya

    Nairobi National Park

    Point of Interest

    The Nairobi National Park begins just about seven kilometers south of the city center: savanna with black rhinos, wildebeest, and zebras against the capital's skyline. Opened in 1946, it is Kenya's oldest national park.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Nairobi & Surroundings
    9. Nairobi National Park
    The Nairobi National Park begins just about seven kilometers south of the city center: savanna with black rhinos, wildebeest, and zebras against the capital's skyline. Opened in 1946, it is Kenya's oldest national park.At just over 117 square kilometers, it is small, but is considered one of the country's most successful rhino sanctuaries. A half or full day is enough for a game drive, ideal before an evening flight or after arrival.

    Sights in Nairobi National Park

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

    1Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

    Since 1963, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, near the park's main entrance, has hand-reared orphaned elephant and rhino calves. Visits are only possible at fixed times; check with the Trust beforehand.
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    Nairobi Safari Walk
    Zoo

    2Nairobi Safari Walk

    A wooden boardwalk at the park's main entrance leads past enclosures featuring Kenyan animals, from big cats to rhinos. The Kenya Wildlife Service offers it bundled with the Animal Orphanage.
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    Ivory Burning Site
    Park

    3Ivory Burning Site

    In 1989, President Daniel arap Moi had twelve tons of ivory burned here, a globally recognized statement against poaching. Today, a monument recalls this; next to it is a picnic area.
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    Nairobi Animal Orphanage
    Park

    4Nairobi Animal Orphanage

    Kenya Wildlife Service Animal Orphanage at the main entrance for injured and orphaned wild animals. It combines well with the Safari Walk; a combined ticket is available for both.
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    Restaurants in Nairobi National Park

    1

    Big Five Restaurant (Ole Sereni)

    The main restaurant of the Hotel Ole Sereni on the northern edge of the park has a long veranda overlooking the National Park. Lunch is a buffet, dinner is à la carte.
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    History & Protection

    Kenya's First National ParkThe park was officially opened in 1946. An electric fence separates it from the city to the north, east, and west; to the south, the Mbagathi River forms an open boundary with the Kitengela Plains. Through this corridor, wildebeest and zebras migrate to the Athi-Kapiti Plains during the rainy season and return during the dry season.A Stand Against PoachingIn 1989, President Daniel arap Moi ordered twelve tons of ivory to be burned in the park. The monument at the Ivory Burning Site marks the event. Since 1963, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located near the main entrance, has been raising orphaned elephants and rhinos.

    Visit & Practicalities

    Fees and PaymentAs of October 1, 2025, adult non-residents pay US$80, children and students US$40 per person per 24 hours (Kenya Wildlife Service).The Nairobi Package, including the Park, Animal Orphanage, and Safari Walk, costs US$105 for adults.Payment is made via the KWS eCitizen portal; check current rates there before your visit.Game DriveMany visitors opt for a day tour with a vehicle and driver through the park, often combined with a visit to the Giraffe Centre or lunch at the Carnivore. July and August are particularly worthwhile for a visit, as wildebeest and zebras migrate into the park from the south.Getting ThereThe main entrance, which includes the Safari Walk, Animal Orphanage, and Sheldrick Station, is located in the northwest of the park; the East Entrance is approximately four kilometers from Hotel Ole Sereni on Mombasa Road.

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    Nearby

    Nairobi & Surroundings

    Nairobi & Surroundings

    Nairobi and its surroundings are the starting point for most Kenya trips: a metropolis in the highlands, on whose southern edge lies a national park home to black rhinos, wildebeest, and zebras. To the west, the green suburb of Karen and the Ngong Hills adjoin, sloping down to the Great Rift Valley.A day or two here is worthwhile before or after your safari: for the National Museum, the elephant orphans of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and a hike along the ridge of the Ngong Hills.
    Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Kenya's capital lies in the highlands and is the start and end point for almost every safari. Nairobi is a loud, rapidly growing metropolis with skyscrapers in the centre, green villa districts, and a national park directly on the southern city limits.Besides the National Museum on Museum Hill and the KICC's observation deck, Karura Forest and the cultural performances at Bomas of Kenya are worth visiting. In the evenings, life shifts to the bars and clubs of Westlands.
    Karen

    Karen

    Karen is a green, sprawling suburb in the southwest of Nairobi, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Here, in close proximity, are three Nairobi-day classics: the Karen Blixen Farmhouse, the Giraffe Centre, and the Kazuri Bead Workshop.Large plots, many trees, and sparse development characterize the district, complemented by garden restaurants and shopping centers like The Hub.
    Ngong Hills

    Ngong Hills

    The Ngong Hills are a green ridge on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, about a 40-minute drive southwest of Nairobi. From the ridge, you look east over Nairobi National Park and the city, and west down into the Rift Valley.A hiking trail leads over the peaks up to around 2,460 meters. Many know the silhouette of the hills from the film "Out of Africa"; today, wind turbines of Kenya's first wind farm turn on the ridge.
    Mount Longonot National Park

    Mount Longonot National Park

    Mount Longonot is a 2,776 m high volcano southeast of Lake Naivasha, approximately 60 km northwest of Nairobi, and a classic day trip destination for hikers from Nairobi. From the park entrance, you ascend to the crater rim in about one to one and a half hours, looking into the crater and over the Rift Valley, which the volcano towers over by approximately 1,000 m.Those who circumnavigate the entire crater rim will be on the move for a total of about five to six hours from the gate.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
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