Unveiling the Beauty of Nairobi National Park Picnic Sites

by Julius Maina Nderitu | May 30, 2023 | Excursions

Nairobi National Park, a jewel in the heart of Kenya's bustling capital, offers a unique blend of wildlife viewing and outdoor leisure activities. A favorite pastime in this enchanting oasis is picnicking, and the park boasts several scenic spots for this purpose. This article delves into the list of Nairobi National Park picnic sites, showcasing the perfect settings for your next alfresco dining experience.

A Day in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park offers a captivating mix of grass plains, acacia bushes, riverine woodland, and man-made dams. These habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species. The park's flexible visiting hours make it an ideal destination for either a full-day adventure or a quick escape from the city's bustle. Open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, including Sundays, the park is always ready to welcome you into its enchanting wilderness.

The Pleasures of a Picnic at Nairobi National Park

What could be more delightful than savoring a delicious meal amidst the tranquility of nature? Picnics in the Nairobi National Park add a special dimension to your safari experience. Whether it's a family gathering, a romantic date, or a solo adventure, the park’s picnic sites provide a serene setting for you to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature.

Unveiling Nairobi National Park Picnic Sites

Ivory Burning Site

This historic site is found in the Langata part of the park. This serene locale was the stage for a significant moment in history when the Kenyan government publicly demonstrated its stance against the ivory trade by incinerating 12 tons of ivory in 1989. Today, it has been repurposed as a tranquil picnic spot. Here, amidst the flat grasslands that overlook the sprawling cityscape, you can enjoy your picnic. Don't forget to watch out for the zebras that often grace these plains and the secretary birds that can be seen stalking the grasslands for prey.

Impala Picnic Site

Tucked away in the western part of the park, this site is named after the graceful impalas often seen grazing nearby. Shaded by indigenous acacia and wild olive trees, the picnic tables here offer a cool retreat from the sun. As you enjoy your meal, keep your eyes peeled for resident warthogs and the park's wide variety of bird species, including the beautiful superb starling and the striking secretary bird.

Kingfisher Picnic Site

This secluded spot offers a peaceful and intimate picnic experience. Nestled in the central part of the park amongst acacia trees, you can enjoy a tranquil lunch or dinner while spotting some of the park's rich birdlife, including the site's namesake - the kingfisher. This picnic site is also a favorite spot for impalas and gazelles, offering you a wildlife viewing opportunity as you dine.

Mokoyiet Picnic Site

Situated in the southeastern part of the park, this site overlooks the Mokoyiet River and the forested riverbanks that are home to a wide variety of bird species. Here, the gentle sound of the river flowing provides a calming soundtrack for your picnic. The site is also an excellent location for spotting the park's resident monkeys and the occasional grazing antelope.

Hippo Pool

Arguably the most exciting picnic site, Hippo Pool is located in the Athi basin in the southern part of the park. As the name suggests, you can observe hippos wallowing in the pool as you enjoy your picnic. It's not just hippos you can spot here; it's common to see an array of birds, including herons and storks. Plus, the scenic beauty of the Athi River coupled with the acacia-dotted landscape provides an idyllic backdrop for your outdoor meal.

Making the Most of Your Picnic

While preparing for your picnic, remember that single-use plastics are not permitted in the park. Pack your food in reusable containers and carry drinks in non-plastic bottles. Our professional guides will advise you on the best picnic site depending on the time of your visit. Please keep an eye on your food as monkeys in the park have been known to snatch unsuspecting visitors' meals!

Game Drive at the Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi National Park offers a diverse array of picnic sites, each with its unique charm and attractions. These sites provide an unmatched opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying a meal, a combination that leaves an indelible mark on the memory.

Given the emphasis on cleanliness and conservation, it's critical to note that no plastics are allowed in the park. Visitors are urged to "leave no trace" - meaning, bring out what you bring in and leave nothing behind but footprints.

Interested in exploring these serene picnic spots and more? Campo East Africa Safaris’ "1 Day Game Drive at the Nairobi National Park" is exactly what you need. This tour is not just about game viewing; it's about giving you the best experience of Nairobi National Park in a day. Starting with an early morning or afternoon game drive, you'll traverse various terrains, enjoying the park's breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

We make sure you witness the rich wildlife in their natural habitat against the backdrop of the Nairobi city center skyline. Whether it's the roar of the lion or the swift cheetah chase, the experience is always exhilarating. To enhance your experience, we offer an optional hot picnic breakfast at one of these fantastic sites, complete with sausage/bacon, eggs, baked beans, hash potatoes served with African mixed tea, and assorted fruits.

Our package is inclusive of a tour in a 4 x 4 Toyota LandCruiser and bottled water. And yes, you can choose the picnic site that appeals most to you.

Whether you fancy the historic Ivory Burning Site, the serene Impala and Kingfisher sites, the riverine Mokoyiet site, or the exciting Hippo Pool, we've got you covered. Let Campo East Africa Safaris make your day at the Nairobi National Park memorable. Embark on this journey with us, and let's create beautiful memories together! Visit our package page for more details and make your booking today.

A Guide to Nairobi National Park Tour Charges

by Julius Maina Nderitu | May 19, 2023 | Excursions

Nairobi National Park is a fascinating gem that uniquely stands out among global national parks. With its close proximity to Kenya's bustling capital city, Nairobi, it holds the title of being the only national park in the world that exists within such proximity to a city center.

In this guide, we will delve into the Nairobi National Park Tour Charges, giving everything you need to know about Nairobi National Park to plan your visit.

The Allure of Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is an ecological haven, providing a thrilling escape from the city without needing to travel long distances. The Park boasts an array of wildlife, offering visitors the chance to see Africa’s famous 'Big Five' – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos – among many other species. The star of your visit is undoubtedly the Nairobi National Park Game Drive. The immersive experience provides you with opportunities to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, all with the contrasting backdrop of Nairobi's cityscape.

Key Information about Nairobi National Park

One of the frequently asked questions about Nairobi National Park is, "Is Nairobi National Park open on Sundays?" The answer is yes, Nairobi National Park is open all year round, seven days a week, including Sundays and all public holidays. This flexibility ensures you can plan your visit according to your convenience.

Breaking Down Nairobi National Park Packages

The Nairobi National Park offers a variety of tour packages to suit all preferences. You have the option to choose a Tour Van or a Tour-converted Toyota Landcruiser for your game drive. The choice depends on the experience you seek.

A tour van is a budget-friendly option, though it is limited in terms of the terrain it can tackle. The Landcruiser, on the other hand, offers an elevated viewpoint, optimal for viewing wildlife, and can comfortably navigate rocky or muddy terrains. All packages typically include a three-hour game drive, offering an immersive experience in this wildlife-rich ecosystem.

Detailed Look at Nairobi National Park Tour Charges

Now, let's delve into the Nairobi National Park tour charges. The charges vary based on factors such as the type of vehicle you choose and the season of your visit. The Nairobi National Park tour van charges from Nairobi offer an affordable option for those on a budget.

However, if you're after an elevated game viewing experience with greater terrain flexibility, the Nairobi National Park tour van charges reflect the premium offering of a Landcruiser tour. It's worth noting that although Landcruisers come with a higher price tag, they deliver an exceptional game-viewing experience, justifying the investment.

Nairobi National Park Game Drive Charges

The Nairobi National Park Game Drive charges are structured to cater to different needs and budget ranges. Charges typically cover vehicle use, guide fees, and park entry fees. It's always recommended to check the current prices before your visit to ensure accurate budgeting.

As we conclude this guide, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the Nairobi National Park tour charges. Visiting this unique national park offers an experience like no other, allowing you to appreciate Kenya's abundant wildlife against the distinctive backdrop of a city skyline.

Before we sign off, let us introduce you to the Campo East Africa Safaris tour package – the "1 Day Game Drive at the Nairobi National Park". This package includes an early morning or afternoon game drive and a picnic breakfast at the Park. An early morning drive is an exceptional time to view the animals while they are most active, all against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Nairobi city center skyline.

Included in this package are the following:

Up to 6 adults.
Transport in a 4 x 4 Toyota LandCruiser.
Bottled water.
Optional: For morning game drives, a hot Picnic breakfast that includes sausage/bacon, eggs, baked beans, hash potatoes served with African mix tea, and assorted fruits.

You will need to pay park entrance fees which is Kshs 1,000 per adult and Kshs 500 for children for Kenyan and East African citizens.

Non residents pay USD 80 per person fand USD 40 for children. While legal residents pay Kshs 1,350 per adult and Kshs 675 per child.

For more details and to view fees based on various options, visit our package page. Experience the magic of Nairobi National Park with Campo East Africa Safaris and make unforgettable memories.

Tolstoy, the Iconic Amboseli Elephant Dies at 51

by Julius Maina Nderitu | Apr 29, 2022 | Elephant Safari, Wildlife Safari

Kenya's conservation community is in mourning today. The sad and shocking news from the Amboseli National Park is that Tolstoy, yet another iconic gentle giant is dead. According to the Amboseli Elephant Trust, which has been researching and collecting elephant data in the wild for 50 years, he died of natural causes on April 27th, 2022, at the age of 51. In 2020, the country also lost another iconic elephant known as Tim, who also died at the age of 51.

Tolstoy was known for long curved tusks that his mother, Teresia, also had. He was Tim's uncle and a sister to Theodora. They are all relatives of the famous Echo family, one of the elephant families that Cynthia Moss and Harvey Croze chose to research in 1972.

The increase in human population and their cattle, increase in water volume in the Amboseli national park, and agricultural activities have increased pressure on the ecosystem. These factors have brought human-wildlife conflict. Elephants and lions are speared or trapped on snares as they roam the bordering conservation areas such as Amboseli national park, Kimana Conservancy, Tsavo National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park, and Kitendeni conservation corridor in Tanzania.

Tolstoy was a father to many, and his strong genes will remain for generations. Craig, his nephew Townsend, and Ulysses are other famous Amboseli National Park elephants.

If you would like to see the giants of Amboseli in their natural habitat and learn about their rich history, check out our Amboseli game drive and holiday packages for international and local visitors.

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