Nairobi National Park ( The world’s only wildlife Capital)

Nairobi National Park is a national park located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. This National Park is Kenya’s oldest National Park, gazette in in 1946. The National Park covers an area of approximately 117 square kilometers (45 square miles), located just 7km south of Nairobi city.

The National Park has a varied landscape and ecosystem comprising of the thick woods near the city outskirts, the rolling plains and valleys, wooded confluence of several rivers, with typically dry transitional savanna type of vegetation. Nairobi National Park tours guarantee excellent adventure in Kenya.

The most predominant vegetation is the Acacia, and other thorny varieties, muhuhu, Cape chestnut, and Kenya olive oil. All the above are important for wildlife habitat and feeding. For big game lovers, Nairobi National Park is a perfect place to visit since it habituates various big species, especially rhinos since it acts as the main rhino sanctuary in Kenya, which is responsible for breeding and restocking other parks in the country.

Wildlife Safaris in Nairobi National Park 

Nairobi National Park is a great destination for Kenya wildlife safaris, especially for those who have less time to visit the far-distant safari parks while in Kenya. Besides the Rhinos, the National Park is home to 100 different mammal species with four of the Big Five African Animals (lion, Buffalo, leopard, and Elephant).

The other species that you will spot during safaris in this amazing safari park include zebras, giraffes, and various species of Antelopes as well as reptiles. While planning a Kenya wildlife Safari, Nairobi National Park is a remarkable destination that you should include in your must-visit destinations.

For those interested in the spectacular wildebeest migration, Nairobi National Park holds its share of this natural wonder that you can experience during your safari in the park. The National Park also hosts some amazing species of birdlife with up to 500 different species recorded in the park.

Nairobi National Park comprises the Nairobi Animal Orphanage which was founded in 1963 to serve as a treatment and rehabilitation center for wild animals like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, servals, and among others. The Orphanage is located within the National Park and can be visited during your safari here.

Must Visit sites in the National Park  

The National Park boasts several other attractions like the Ivory Burning Site Monument, Walking trails at hippo pools, the Nairobi Safari Walk and the Orphanage, and a Spacious accommodating picnic, which makes Kenya safari Tours to the park amazing. Each year-round, a number of tourists visit Nairobi National Park due to the presence of various Activities in the park. Despite its proximity to the city and its relatively small size, it boasts a large and varied wildlife population and is one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.

The park offers various activities for visitors, including game drives, guided walks, and picnic spots. It is popular among tourists and locals alike for its proximity to the city center, making it easily accessible for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

In addition to its wildlife, the Park also offers stunning views of the Nairobi skyline, with the city’s high-rise buildings serving as a backdrop to the park’s grassy plains and Acacia woodlands. This unique juxtaposition of urban and natural landscapes makes a truly unique and remarkable destination.

Attractions in Nairobi National Park – What to look out for while on safaris to Nairobi National Park

Wildlife 

Nairobi National Park boasts about 100 different wildlife species especially mammals, including 39 lions and 90 rhinos, 40 different amphibians and reptiles. Safaris here will guarantee excellent sightseeing experiences for any wildlife lover. When it comes to the big game, the park has four of the big five (buffalos, lions, leopards, rhinos) African animals minus elephants. The Park also hosts the spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration, which is a natural phenomenon.

The large predators in the park include the lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah. Other animal species include; the giraffe, hippopotamus, blue wildebeest, plain zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, common eland, impala, hartebeest, waterbuck, common warthog, olive baboon, black-backed jackal, common ostrich and many others. Nairobi National Park is the world’s only national park that borders the city center.

Birdlife

This park is a haven for birding safaris in Kenya, with over 500 bird species recorded, 20 of which are seasonal European migrants. The  Park in Kenya’s capital has the longest bird list of all cities in the world making it the best birding tour destination. The substantial area of undisturbed grassland in the park is of great importance for species such as the restricted-range Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here regularly after good rains; other grassland birds include the Ostriches, secretary birds, and bustards.

Other bird species in the Park that you may come across during safaris include Abyssinian thrush, Corncrakes, Fischer’s lovebirds, Grey crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, Jackson’s widowbird, Kori bustard, Lesser kestrel, Martial eagle, Pallid harrier, White-bellied bustard, White-headed vulture, and many others. The best time to spot the migrant species for Europe is between November to April and you will spot the spectacular Jackson’s widowbird displays from March to May.

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Nairobi Animal Orphanage is located within, another big attraction in the park that travelers can visit while in the park. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a treatment and rehabilitation center for wild animals like cheetahs, lions, monkeys, and others. Animals are usually taken here for treatment and rehabilitation and once they recover, they are released back into the wild.  The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a great place to see wildlife upfront, unlike when on a game drive.

Kifaru Ark

Kifaru means Rhino in Swahili, it is one of Kenya’s most successful conservation efforts. This park is a rhinoceros sanctuary, the purpose of Kifaru Ark is for anti-poaching, and it is one of the only few places in Kenya where visitors can be certain of seeing a black rhinoceros in its natural habitat.

Black Rhinos

Nairobi has the highest population of black rhinos and a good population of the southern white rhinos and the Eastern Browse (Black) Rhino (Diceros bicorni micheali). This is another great place to spot rhinos in Kenya. The park has 50 critically endangered black rhinos, the densest population in the world. This park is one of the most accessible destinations for rhino adventures and guaranteed a chance to observe eastern black rhinos, of which only 700 remain after poaching decimated them.

Acacia Safaris Limited is the best tour operator that will help you plan your ultimate Kenya safari Tour to Nairobi National Park. Our Kenya safaris guarantee excellent wildlife viewing in various safari parks, bird watching, and much more. Plan your dream African Safari with the best Tour operator.