Wildlife of Nairobi National Park

The Big Four

Nairobi National Park has no elephants — it is simply too small to sustain herds — but it makes up for it with lion, leopard, buffalo and one of Kenya's densest populations of black rhino, together with a healthy number of white rhino too.

• Black rhino — browsers with a hooked lip, protected here in a fenced sanctuary that offers some of the most reliable rhino sightings in Africa.
• Lion — several resident prides work the open plains and the Athi Basin, often seen resting in the grass with the city skyline behind them.
• Leopard — elusive and largely nocturnal, found in the riverine forest along the Mbagathi River and the rocky gorges to the west.
• African buffalo — large herds graze the grasslands throughout the year, frequently alongside zebra and giraffe.

No elephants

Visitors sometimes ask why elephants are absent. At only 117 square kilometres, the park cannot support elephant herds and their large home ranges. Instead, nearby visitors can see orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, right on the park's boundary.

Other mammals

• Cheetah on the open plains, particularly towards the Kitengela corridor
• Maasai giraffe, eland, zebra, hartebeest and Grant's gazelle
• Hippo in the Athi Basin dams and Hippo Pools on the Mbagathi River
• Olive baboon, vervet monkey and black-backed jackal
• Ostrich, warthog and impala across the grasslands

Where and when to look

The plains around the Athi Basin dams are excellent for lion, buffalo and giraffe, while the rocky valleys and forest edges to the west are the best bet for leopard. The rhino sanctuary in the centre of the park offers close, dependable sightings. Early morning and late afternoon drives give the coolest temperatures and the most activity.

For birds, see our Nairobi National Park birdlife guide, and for the best months, read when to visit.