A wildfire broke out at Nairobi National Park on Friday evening, sending plumes of smoke over Kenya’s capital and prompting a coordinated response from firefighters, park rangers, and volunteers. The fire, which started from an open field near Wilson Airport before spreading into the park, was partially contained by late evening, though efforts to fully extinguish it continued into the night.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), at least two separate fires were reported inside the park. One was successfully put out, while the other, burning in the Athi Basin Dam area, remained active as of Friday night. Authorities suspect dry weather conditions and strong winds may have accelerated the spread of the blaze, though investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
Firefighting Efforts and Impact
Emergency responders, including teams from KWS, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Nairobi County firefighters, and local volunteers, worked to bring the fire under control. Despite their efforts, the fire disrupted transport services, delaying the Madaraka Express Passenger Service train, which runs between Nairobi and Mombasa. Kenya Railways confirmed that the train was delayed for 40 minutes due to smoke and reduced visibility near the tracks.
Although no official report has confirmed the extent of the damage to wildlife, conservationists worry about the impact on the park’s ecosystem. Nairobi National Park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo. Fires in the past have threatened habitats and forced animals to move to safer areas.
Nairobi National Park and Wildfire Risks
Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park is one of the world's only wildlife reserves located within a capital city. Spanning approximately 117 square kilometers, the park serves as a critical refuge for wildlife and a popular destination for tourists seeking a safari experience just minutes from Nairobi’s city center.
Wildfires are not uncommon in Kenya’s national parks, especially during dry seasons. In recent years, climate change and human activities have increased the frequency of fires. Similar incidents have been recorded in Tsavo National Park and the Maasai Mara, with some fires linked to illegal activities such as poaching and land encroachment.
KWS has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately through their toll-free hotline, 0800 597 000, or via WhatsApp at 0726661509.
For those looking to explore Nairobi National Park under professional guidance, Campo East Africa Safaris offers expertly guided game drives. Experience the park’s iconic wildlife and scenic landscapes on a one-day game drive with experienced guides who ensure safety and memorable encounters with Kenya’s magnificent wildlife.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Nairobi National Park. Nestled just 7 kilometers from Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi National Park is a wildlife oasis in an urban desert. Whether you are a seasoned safari enthusiast or a curious first-timer, our guide answers the 20 most frequently asked questions about this unique city-enclosed park. From the diverse wildlife species you can spot to the best time to visit, from safety measures to how you can contribute to conservation efforts—we’ve got you covered. Join us as we delve into the hidden wonders of Nairobi National Park, revealing the rich history, fascinating experiences, and vibrant ecosystems that make it a must-visit destination.
Where is Nairobi National Park located?
Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world located within a city’s boundaries, is situated approximately seven kilometers south of Nairobi’s bustling city center. It’s easily accessible via Langata Road, with the main entrance opposite Langata Cemetery.
How big is Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park covers approximately 117 square kilometers or 45 square miles. Despite its relatively small size compared to other African national parks, it boasts an impressive variety of animal species and diverse habitats.
What is the best time to visit Nairobi National Park?
The best time for wildlife viewing in Nairobi National Park is during the dry seasons, between June and October and from December to March. However, the park remains open year-round, and each season offers its unique viewing advantages. Early morning hours are especially ideal for spotting a plethora of wildlife as they are most active during this time.
What animals can you see in Nairobi National Park?
Home to a wealth of biodiversity, Nairobi National Park hosts over 100 mammal species. Visitors can expect to see four of the ‘Big Five’—lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos—excluding the elephant. Additionally, the park is a sanctuary for over 400 bird species and diverse reptilian fauna.
What are the operating hours of Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park operates from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays. The park offers both morning and afternoon game drives.
How much does it cost to visit Nairobi National Park?
Entrance fees to Nairobi National Park vary depending on nationality and age. At Campo East Africa Safaris, we offer a comprehensive Nairobi National Park Game Drive package, which includes entrance fees, transport, bottled water, and an optional picnic breakfast.
Can I book a tour of Nairobi National Park?
Absolutely! Nairobi National Park is known for its exceptional game drives, and Campo East Africa Safaris provides several Nairobi National Park tour packages to suit your schedule and preferences.
Is Nairobi National Park open all year round?
Yes, Nairobi National Park is open every day of the year, including public holidays.
What are the available facilities in Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park is equipped with picnic sites, walking trails, and a wide array of accommodation options. The park also houses the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, famous for elephant rehabilitation.
Can I bring my own food and drink to Nairobi National Park?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the park. However, plastic carrier bags are banned in Kenya to protect the environment.
Are there picnic areas in Nairobi National Park?
Absolutely. Nairobi National Park has several picnic sites, including the Ivory Burning Site, Impala, Kingfisher, Mokoyiet, and the Hippo Pools, where visitors can relax and enjoy their packed meals.
Can I camp in Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park offers unique accommodations, including Nairobi Tented Camp nestled deep within the park. This allows visitors to experience the wild right in the heart of the city.
What safety measures should I be aware of when visiting Nairobi National Park?
Like any wildlife region, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance from animals, stay within the vehicle during game drives unless advised otherwise by the guide, and avoid feeding the wildlife. Also, adhere to park rules and guidelines provided.
What is the history of Nairobi National Park?
Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s first national park. Its establishment marked a significant step in Kenya’s conservation history, protecting diverse species and serving as an educational and research hub.
Can children visit Nairobi National Park? If so, are there any special facilities or activities for them?
Children are welcome at Nairobi National Park. The park offers educational programs and the Safari Walk, an exciting opportunity for kids to learn about wildlife conservation.
Are there any special events or activities held in Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park is an ideal venue for special events like birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate team-building activities. Visitors can also participate in guided walks and bird-watching expeditions.
How can I contribute to the conservation efforts at Nairobi National Park?
Contributions can be made through various programs like the Nairobi Greenline Project, Adopt an Acre initiative, or by supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Can I drive my own car in Nairobi National Park, or do I need to hire a vehicle?
Visitors can drive their own vehicles in the park. However, hiring a vehicle from reputable tour operators like Campo East Africa Safaris allows for a hassle-free experience as the drivers are trained to spot and safely approach wildlife.
Is it possible to see the Big Five at Nairobi National Park?
While Nairobi National Park houses four of the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros, elephants are not native to this park. However, visitors can see baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust within the park.
Are there any nearby accommodations for visitors to Nairobi National Park?
Several accommodation options exist within and around the park, such as the Nairobi Tented Camp, Ololo Lodge, Olsupat Lodge, and Emakoko Lodge. These range from luxury lodges to unique tented camps offering a full bush experience in the city.
Embark on a unique journey through Nairobi National Park and discover the heart of Kenyan wildlife with Campo East Africa Safaris. Don’t just see the park—experience it!
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.
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 2023 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 2023
The Nairobi National Park Game Drive charges 2023 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 for 2023. 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 430 per adult and Kshs 215 for children for Kenyan residents and USD 43 per person for non-residents.
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.
A visit to the Nairobi National Park requires proper planning to enjoy it to the fullest. Below are ten things you should know before embarking on a Nairobi National Park game drive.
To access the park, you require a tour converted vehicle driven by a professional driver guide. A tour-converted car has a retractable hard-top roof that allows easy game viewing. We recommend a four-wheel-drive tour-converted Toyota Landcruiser for a Nairobi National Park game drive. You will have the advantage of seeing different species of animals since the guides communicate among themselves and have expert knowledge of the park. The park is 117 square kilometres, so you need all the help you can get to locate wildlife.
Campo East Africa Safaris tour converted vehicles are all fitted with:
A retractable hard-top roof.
High frequency (HF) radios
Spacious seats (six adults)
Binoculars
Cooler boxes
Reference guide books
In addition, all drivers are multilingual professional driver-guides.
2. Lion Research
Most people are disappointed when they fail to see lions when they visit the park. After all, who doesn't want to see the King of the jungle in his natural habitat. So before you visit the park, do some research and find out the most likely spots to see lions.
Campo East Africa Safaris guides work hand in hand with the lion research team and other guides to locate the lion prides in the park. Our guides can identify most of the lions and are always ready to narrate each lion's history and unique characteristics.
3. Picnic Sites
There are six picnic sites inside the Nairobi National Park, but only five are operational, namely, Ivory Burning, Impala, Kingfisher, Mokoyiet and Hippo Pool. Mbuni, which is close to number 7 (Seven) and under the SGR, isn't operational. You are allowed to carry food and drinks into the park and enjoy any of the picnic sites. Single-use plastics are not permitted in the park. Our guides will advise you of the best picnic site depending on the time. Always watch out for monkeys that love to snatch food from people.
4. Wildlife to See
There are 4 (four) of the big 5 (five) in the park—lions, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Unfortunately, the park is too small to host elephants. However, one could visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, which is located inside the park. It is open to the public every day between 11 am to 12 pm, or you can book a private visit between 3 pm or 5 pm.
The elephant orphanage is accessible only through the Workshop gate directly opposite the Multi-Media University on Magadi Road just before you get to Ongata Rongai town.
The park has various antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, serval cats, hyenas, Jackals, over 400 (four hundred) bird species and many more. Campo East Africa Safaris guides know the spots frequented by various kinds of animals.
5. Visiting Hours
The park is open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. It's always advisable to visit the park either early in the morning or late in the evening. The animals tend to be more active and easier to spot along the roads. The lighting is suitable for quality photos as well. A Nairobi National Park game drive should be not less than 4 hours. It is impossible to appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna in less than four hours.
6. Park Entrance Charges
Park entrance fees are paid directly to the Government of Kenya via citizen. The usual rate for Non-residents $43 (low season) or $60 (peak season). Citizens pay Kshs 430 and citizen children 215.
You can make the payment at the Main gate or East gate. Payment is not accepted at Masai gate, Workshop gate, Banda gate or Langata gate. However, you can exit using any of the gates apart from the Workshop gate.
7. Accommodation
The park has a few hotels accessible through the park. They are:
Nairobi Tented camp
Ololoo lodge
Emakoko lodge.
These properties require a reservation for an overnight stay or lunch. Other accommodation facilities adjacent to the park are Game View Hotel, Masai Lodge, Olaro Hotel, Park Place Hotel, Longview Hotel, Troy Hotel, Ole Sereni Hotel and Emara Ole Sereni.
8. Park Map
Nairobi National Park has two vegetation zones. The Forest circuit and the open savanna. Roads are numbered at every junction from number 1 to 30. In addition, there are several dams such as Hyena, Nagolomon, Olomomanyi, Karen C, Eland Hollow, Embakasi and Athi dam.
9. Game Drive Cost
The type of vehicle, number of hours and number of persons determines the cost.
For example, a 6 (six) seater Toyota Land Cruiser costs $230, and a minivan costs $180 for half a day.
10. Walking Trails
At Hippo Pool, you can take a short walk accompanied by a ranger. If you are lucky, you will see hippos and crocodiles along the river.
You can also see unique cave paintings at caves close to number 16 on the map.
If you are planning a Nairobi National Park game drive, we have affordable packages and highly trained driver-guides to make sure you enjoy your day to the fullest. For more information, check out our Nairobi National Park game drive package for more information or contact us today.
The months of lockdowns, curfews and travel restrictions have seemed endless. But thankfully the wait is now over. You can now travel, relax and enjoy an adventure in magical Kenya.
A lot has happened during the pandemic period. The Rhino, Elephant and Giraffe population grew in number thanks to conservation efforts. The increase in large herds of herbivores naturally leads to a boom in the population of big cats.
The recent rains have also been good to The Mara. Health and safety protocols are in place to ensure safe travel to parks, reserves, and other attractions. Travel with the peace of mind that all the necessary measures have been taken into account.
We encourage you to take advantage of the prevailing low rates. This is the time to travel to places and stay in hotels and lodges that would usually be a bit pricey. The Kenya Wildlife Service even went ahead and slashed wildlife parks entry fees to boost tourism recovery.
At Campo, we have several affordable tour packages to help you begin your journey.
Visit The Mara in a tour-converted Landcruiser and see the massive herds of wildebeest up close. If you have ever wanted to experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of lions hunting, this is the package for you. Enjoy two nights full-board stay at the prestigious Zebra Plains Luxury Tented camp.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest Black Rhino sanctuary in East Africa and has the highest density of predators per square kilometre. It is also the only park in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees.
You also get to stay one-night on a full-board basis at the serene Anka Resort.
If your schedule is packed then you don't need to travel too far to experience magical Kenya. Why not take a day off or plan a Saturday/Sunday morning game drive at The Nairobi National Park. Enjoy a sumptuous picnic breakfast as you relax and become one with nature.
There is a lot you can do. We have just sampled a few of our tour packages. Browse our safari packages for more offers and when you find something you like make your booking, pack up your bags and get ready to treat yourself to an exhilarating adventure as you discover the pure magic of Kenya.
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