Plan your visit to Nairobi National Park

On the southern edge of Nairobi city, roughly 7km from the central business district. The Main Gate is on Langata Road, about 20 minutes from Wilson Airport and 30 to 45 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Nairobi National Park covers 117 square kilometres. It is fenced on three sides, with the southern boundary open to the Kitengela and Athi–Kapiti plains so that wildlife can still migrate.

A half-day game drive of four to five hours covers the main circuits. A full day lets you reach the Athi Basin and Hippo Pools properly, and one or two nights at a lodge on the boundary gives you sunrise drives, which are by far the best.

The dry seasons, from late June to October and January to February, concentrate game around water and give the easiest viewing. The green seasons of March to May and November bring superb birding, dramatic skies and lower rates.

You can see four of them: black and white rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. There are no elephants in the park because of its size, which is why the local phrase is the 'Big Four'. For elephants, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery just outside the fence.

It is one of the best rhino sanctuaries in Africa and holds one of Kenya's densest black rhino populations, alongside white rhino. Sightings are common on a morning drive.

Very much so. Drives are short, the roads are good, and the Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage at the Main Gate work well for younger children who tire of vehicles.

KWS charges non-resident adults about USD 43 per day and non-resident children about USD 22, with lower rates for residents and citizens. Vehicle fees are charged separately and payment is cashless, by card or mobile money.

Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm, on the southern boundary with its own private park gate, is the standout choice. The Emakoko, built into the Mbagathi River gorge, is the other outstanding option, and Nairobi Tented Camp is the only camp actually inside the park.

Only at Hippo Pools, where a ranger-escorted riverine walk is permitted, and on the boardwalks of the Nairobi Safari Walk. Elsewhere you must remain in your vehicle.

Yes, and it is popular. The main tracks are fine in a saloon car in the dry season, though a high-clearance vehicle is much better after rain. Download an offline map, as junction signage is sparse.

Nairobi sits at 1,700m and is considered a low-risk area, so prophylaxis is not usually recommended for the city and park alone. Take advice from a travel clinic if you are continuing to lower-altitude parks.

Neutral lightweight clothing with a warm layer for early mornings, which can be genuinely cold at Nairobi's altitude, plus a hat, sunglasses and closed shoes.

Mobile coverage is excellent throughout the park, and all the lodges listed here have Wi-Fi.

Perfectly. Most travellers spend a night on the park before or after a flight from Wilson Airport to the Mara, Amboseli or the coast.

Send an enquiry through any accommodation page or our contact form. Our safari team will confirm availability and rates within 24 hours.