Nairobi National ParkAbout Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is a protected savannah and wildlife reserve on the southern edge of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. It is notable for its combination of accessible wildlife viewing and proximity to an urban centre.
Open grasslands and stands of acacia support resident populations of plains game, zebra, giraffe and resident lions, with the skyline of Nairobi visible beyond the park boundary. Facilities include game drives, the Nairobi Safari Walk and interpretive trails.
The park was established to protect wildlife and critical migratory corridors as Nairobi expanded, and it has been managed to reconcile conservation with urban pressures and infrastructure development.
The park lies immediately south of Nairobi’s built-up area, forming a green buffer between the city and surrounding agricultural and pastoral lands.
- City-adjacent park: The park is unique for being a protected wildlife area adjacent to a major capital city, allowing short safari drives within urban-penetrating bushland.
What to See#
- Nairobi Safari Walk: Nairobi Safari Walk is a raised trail and interpretive area inside the park showcasing native species and conservation displays close to the city.
- Conservation centres: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi operations and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage are nearby conservation institutions often visited in combination with the park.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi National Park
Early mornings are the best time to see predators; dry months make for predictable sightings.
Weather & Climate near Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (731 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 14° - 27° | 20° | 47 mm | some cloud | 63% | 3.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| February | Excellent | 14° - 29° | 21° | 43 mm | some cloud | 59% | 3.5 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Excellent | 15° - 28° | 21° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 3.4 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 159 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Very Good | 15° - 25° | 20° | 119 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| June | Very Good | 13° - 24° | 18° | 27 mm | overcast | 70% | 2.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| July | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| August | Excellent | 12° - 24° | 18° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| September | Excellent | 12° - 26° | 19° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 59% | 3.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Excellent | 14° - 27° | 20° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 3.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Very Good | 14° - 26° | 20° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| December | Excellent | 14° - 25° | 20° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
How to Get to Nairobi National Park
The park is about 7-10 km south of central Nairobi. The Langata Road (A104) and Nairobi-Mombasa road access areas near the southern and main park gates. Regular taxis and matatus run from central Nairobi; travel time depends on city traffic-allow extra time during rush hours.
Tips for Visiting Nairobi National Park
- Get to the Nairobi National Park morning gates before 7am to catch predators returning from night hunts and avoid city traffic.
- Use the southern entrance near Langata for the shortest travel time from central Nairobi.
- Combine a visit with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage) and the Giraffe Centre for a concentrated day of wildlife experiences.