Families
Visiting Nairobi National Park with children
Short drives, good roads and a 20-minute transfer from the city make this one of the easiest first safaris in Kenya for children.
Why it works for families
You are never more than an hour from the gate, so a restless child does not derail the day. Sightings come quickly — zebra, giraffe, warthog and buffalo are usually within the first half hour — which keeps attention going.
How long to plan
- Under 6: a 3–4 hour morning drive, out by mid-morning.
- 6–12: a half-day drive plus the Nairobi Safari Walk afterwards.
- Teenagers: a full day including Hippo Pools and the Athi Basin dams.
Add-ons children love
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant nursery — must be booked in advance and has a fixed midday viewing window.
- Giraffe Centre at Langata — hand-feeding platform, easy and popular.
- Nairobi Safari Walk at the Main Gate — raised boardwalks, good for tired legs.
- Animal Orphanage, also at the Main Gate.
Practical tips
- Children pay reduced KWS entry rates; carry ID or a passport for age.
- Bring layers — early mornings are cold in an open vehicle.
- Pack snacks and water; there is no shop inside the park.
- Toilets are at the gates and main picnic sites only.
- Booster seats are not standard — request one when you book a private vehicle.
More on planning your visit
- Visitor guideEverything a first-time visitor needs in one place.
- Opening hoursGate times, last entry and the best hours to be inside.
- WeatherTemperatures, rainfall and what altitude means for packing.
- Park gatesEvery gate, where it leads and which one to use.
See all guides on Plan your visit, or check park fees and the best time to visit.
Not sure where to stay in Nairobi National Park?
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