Nairobi National Park gates

Main Gate (Langata Road)

The principal entrance, about 7 km from the city centre and 10 minutes from Wilson Airport. It has the KWS headquarters, the Nairobi Safari Walk, the Animal Orphanage and the ivory burning site nearby. Busiest between 06:00 and 08:00 at weekends.

East Gate (Airport Road)

Convenient if you are arriving from or heading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and a good entry point for the Athi Basin dams. Quieter than the Main Gate on most mornings.

Maasai Gate (Athi River)

On the south-eastern side near Athi River town, opening onto the more remote plains and the open southern boundary. Useful for visitors coming from Mombasa Road or Machakos.

Banda Gate

A smaller gate on the eastern side used mainly by guests of the park bandas and for events. Confirm it is staffed before planning to use it.

Private lodge access

Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm sits on the southern boundary and has its own private gate, so guests enter directly without driving round to a public gate. The Emakoko, in the Mbagathi River gorge, likewise brings guests in from its own side of the park.

At the gate

• Tickets must be bought in advance online — gates are cashless.
• Carry the ID or passport used to buy the ticket.
• Vehicle fees are charged per vehicle in addition to per-person entry.
• Arrive 10 minutes before you want to be driving.