Nairobi National Park is located just south of central Kenya right next to and within the Nairobi city region.  Travelers landing at the Nairobi airport can see the park and potential wildlife as they fly over and land at the airport.  There is nowhere else in the world where such a collection of wilderness and wildlife sits so adjacent to a major city.

Only 4 miles (6.4 km) separate the center of the city from the wildlife in the reserve. The majority of the habitats are dominated by open plains, grasslands, and acacia woodlands.

Other parts of the park include a highland forest, rocky gorges, and a riverine forest.  The varied habitats bring a variety of mammals and bird species. There is an electric fence that separates the city area from the national park wilderness area.

Things to do in Nairobi National Park

Experience the Nairobi Safari Walk.

The safari walk is done on a raised wooden boardwalk that allows for uninterrupted views of the animals, the Safari Walk is a showcase for Kenya’s Parks and Reserves, allowing visitors to discover what they can expect to see across the country. Visitors can see a sample of the country’s rich animal life including the rare bongo, white rhino, albino zebra, lions, leopards, buffalos, cheetahs, antelopes, and primates. It is also home to some 150 species of local trees.

Birding in Nairobi National Park

With its open plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, the national park is home to over 400 species of birds. Bird species include the common ostrich,  grey crowned crane, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Egyptian Goose, Laughing Dove, Fulvous whistling duck,  and the Black-necked Heron among others.

Giraffe Center attraction in Nairobi

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is one of the most popular tourist safari attractions in Kenya. Located on the outskirts of Nairobi, it provides a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with giraffes. The center has become a major draw for people from all over the world who are looking to experience something special. Visitors can feed the giraffes from a raised platform, take pictures, and even touch them if they wish.

Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the suburb of Karen in Nairobi. The museum is dedicated to the memory of Danish author Karen Blixen. It was originally her home and farm in the early twentieth century. The museum contains many artifacts from her life and work, including furniture, books, photographs, letters, and artwork.

Visitors to the museum can learn about Blixen’s life and work in Kenya as well as explore the beautiful grounds which have been preserved.  The museum offers educational programs for people to learn more about Blixen’s legacy.

Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is one of the most popular tourist safari attractions in Nairobi, Kenya. Visitors get a chance to have a unique cultural safari experience by showcasing traditional dances, music, and lifestyles of various Kenyan tribes. Visitors also enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife that surrounds the area. The Bomas of Kenya is a great way to get an insight into the culture and heritage of Kenyan people, as well as to explore some of the most breathtaking sights in Nairobi.

Maasai market

Nairobi is home to the Maasai people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in East Africa. The city has many Maasai-themed attractions and markets. These markets offer unique products that reflect the culture of the Maasai people such as traditional colorful handmade jewelry, textiles & beaded bowls. Visitors to these markets will also find delicious traditional dishes and drinks as well as entertainment from local musicians.

The Kenya Railways Museum

The museum in Nairobi is a great place to learn about the history of the country’s railways. This museum showcases a variety of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of how railways have shaped the country and its people. Visitors can explore locomotives, railway carriages, bridges, tunnels, and other aspects of railway engineering that have been instrumental in connecting different parts of Kenya. The museum also offers interactive activities such as model train rides and guided tours to give visitors an insight into the past.

Nairobi National Museum

The Museum was established in 1929 and is located on Museum Hill. The museum showcases Kenya’s rich Heritage with four distinct themes representing Kenya’s Culture, Nature, History, and Contemporary Art. Visitors get to learn about the traditional artifacts and natural history of Kenya, and its people, explore its vibrant wildlife, and discover the unique cultures that make up this vibrant African nation.

The museum comprises the Cradle of Human Kind gallery where visitors learn about first-hand early man and Stone Age tools.   Bird’s gallery depicts the diversity of birds of East Africa arranged in family groups such as birds of prey, water birds, and sunbirds.

The Mammals Gallery from large elephants, bats to shrews captured three themes namely, evolution, locomotion, feeding adaptation, and defense mechanism. Cycles of Life Gallery that depicts a picture of the different social interactions, and cultural activities during the life stages of man from childhood, youth, adulthood, and ancestral stage.

Learners get to interact with traditional items from different communities. Numismatic Exhibition which exposes the aspect of trade and exchange, the history of banking, and the application of digital technology in trade and banking. Current currencies and various historical currencies are displayed as well as an interactive program on banking that encourages young children to learn best saving practices.

Nairobi Art Gallery

Nairobi is home to many galleries and exhibitions, featuring works from some of the most talented artists in Africa. From traditional African art to modern abstract pieces. Explore the vibrant art scene of Nairobi.

Nairobi Archives and Documentation Center

Nairobi Archives houses a collection of documents, photos, and artifacts that tell the story of Nairobi’s past. Visitors can explore the exhibits to gain insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage, from its colonial rule to its independence. The archives also host educational programs and events to help people understand the history of Nairobi and its people.

 Uhuru Gardens

Uhuru Garden is a beautiful and tranquil oasis located in the heart of Nairobi. It offers visitors the chance to explore its lush gardens, wildlife, and stunning views of the city skyline. The gardens are also home to a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, monkeys, and other animals. The gardens have walking trails and picnic areas as well as educational activities for children.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a conservation and rehabilitation organization founded by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. It works to protect wildlife in the region, with a focus on elephant and rhino conservation. The trust also runs an orphanage for young animals, providing them with care and protection until they can be released back into the wild.

The trust also works to educate local communities about wildlife issues and promote sustainable living practices. With its commitment to protecting vulnerable species and educating people about their importance.

Where to Stay in Nairobi National Park

Emakoko Lodge

This is a family-owned and operated 10-room lodging that is situated on 15 acres of land bordered by the Mbagathi and Emakoko Rivers. The lodge is 45 minutes from the Airport 5 of the luxury suites are positioned along the cliff edge, these Cliff Suites boast panoramic views of the vast landscapes.

The other 5 luxury suites are within closer proximity to the river and the main lodge area below and are more convenient for their easily accessible location.  All rooms are ensuite with private balconies. There is also a private house Other facilities include, Patio, Siting Area, Lounge, Dining Room, and Swimming Pool.

Nairobi Tented Camp

The camp is located deep within a riverine forest minutes from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Wilson Airport, and Nairobi City is a true wilderness experience. The camp consists of nine guest tents all Furnished in a colonial style and available as a twin or double bed, the canvas tents are fitted with gauze windows to keep insects out but cool breezes in. Solar power provides soft lighting and the chance to recharge batteries.

The en suite facilities have a charming safari-style bucket shower that the staff will fill with hot water by hand when needed. A comfortable set of canvas chairs on the tent’s verandah allows you to soak in the magnificent view of the valley below. Other facilities include a central mess tent that houses the bar, dining, and lounge facilities.

Ole Sereni Hotel

The lodge is the closest to Nairobi Airport and is ideal for a one-night stop for guests transiting Nairobi. There are 134 rooms divided into three different categories. ‘Superior’ rooms, which face the north, all have a walk-in shower, while ‘Deluxe’ rooms face the park and have a shower or bathtub, and ‘Club’ rooms are the largest, with a shower and a bathtub.  Other facilities include Huge Main Areas, a Long Terrace with a swimming pool facing the park, a luxurious Spa, a Gym, and a restaurant with an adjoining Sports Bar.

African Heritage House.

African Heritage House is located in Mlolongo and is a showpiece of African Culture and Heritage and holds an invaluable collection of African Art. The house inspiration depicts the towering mud of the Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali, the mud palaces of Morocco, the Swahili architecture of the East African coast, Zanzibar and Lamu; and the traditional houses of Ghana and Burkina Faso.

The house has thousands of pieces of objects, collections of artworks, artifacts, antiques, ceremonial costumes, weaponry, jewelry, textiles, brassware, and traditional pottery. All 4 guestrooms at African Heritage House include comforts such as fireplaces and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as thoughtful touches like separate sitting areas and separate dining areas. Other facilities include a restaurant, a bar and lounge, a rooftop terrace, an outdoor swimming pool,  and a garden.

The best time to visit Nairobi on a safari.

The best time to visit Nairobi National Park is during the dry season from July through October if you are focusing on wildlife. During this time, animals are more concentrated around water sources like rivers and lakes which makes them easier to spot.

If you are interested in stunning scenery and landscapes then visiting during the wet season from March through June is best. During this time, lush green foliage covers much of the landscape making it perfect for photography and sightseeing.