Nairobi National Park has a unique experience for nature lovers. It’s the only national park worldwide with its boundaries surrounded by Kenya’s Capital City. Kenya’s capital city Nairobi, which is just six miles away. Its proximity makes the park a perfect destination for a day safari or even half a day. Are you looking to get up close with some lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and rhinos or explore nature? This location will provide it for your needs.
Nairobi National Park Attractions
Wildlife
Visit Nairobi National Park in the morning or evening. Get the best experience without going very far from the city. The wildlife likely to be spotted in Nairobi National Park includes; four of the big five. Leopards, Lions, Both White and Black Rhinos, and Buffaloes. In addition, other wildlife includes; Maasai Giraffes, Impalas, Gazelles, and Baboons. You can as well spot Wildebeest, Warthogs, Hyenas, Vervelt and Sykes Monkeys, Eland, Waterbucks, and Silver Backed Jackals can also be spotted. Crocodiles, Common Zebras, Hippopotamus, and the endangered cheetahs are also here. The park also has over four hundred bird species, including some migratory species.
Nairobi National Park Picnic Sites
Nairobi National Park has designated picnic sites for stopovers while on a game drive. Picnic sites within the park for bathroom breaks, snacking, lunch breaks, and photography. The sites include the Ivory Memorial Burning Site, The Impala Viewpoint Picnic Site, the Kingfisher Picnic Site, the Hippo Pool Picnic Site, and the Mokoiyet Picnic Site.
Ivory Memorial Burning site
At the Ivory Memorial Burning Site, you will find three heaps of Ivory ash. President Moi burned twelve tonnes of Ivory in 1989, and President Kibaki burned five tonnes of Ivory in 2011. President Uhuru burned hundreds and five tonnes in 2016 in the fight against poachers.
The Impala Viewpoint Picnic Site
Impala Viewpoint Picnic site opens to the park view and Nairobi City. It is from the impala picnic site with the raised ground whereby one will have the best view. It gives the best picture from the topmost point in the Nairobi National Park.
Kingfisher Picnic Site
The picnic site is a lovely open place with a seating area, bonfire pits, and two bandas. The site is suitable for camping and birthday cake sharing, outdoor photography, and barbecues. However, it is necessary to have your cooking paraphernalia. There are also two toilets and a sink and tap at the site.
Picnic Sites in the Southern Block
Hippo Pool Picnic Site
Hippo Pool is a fantastic site in the park next to Maasai Gate and the Rongai River. At Hippo Pool, there is a trekking trail. Clients can alight their safari vehicles and embark on a trek along the Bangathi River. The trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long. Nevertheless, one will have incredible sightings of Large Crocodiles, Hippos, and lots of birdlife. At the Masai Gate, one can also purchase curios and Bracelets.
Mokoiyet Picnic Site
Located on the southern border of the park and next to the Bangathi River Gorge. Mokoiyet Picnic Site serves as a breezy picnic site with tables and benches. There are also small thatched huts for shade, toilets, and a large parking area. Moreover, the Mokoiyet Picnic Site has terrific views of the river Bangathi and Gorges, which Rock Hyrax inhabits. Go for picnics, barbecues, and other bush functions; ensure to carry your cooking equipment and food. Enjoy game viewing and bird watching at the site.
Note:
All the picnic sites have to be declared safe. Kenya Wildlife Service rangers must ensure that wildlife animals are far away before they are open for public use. Alternatively, always make sure you have a ranger before alighting at the Picnic Sites.
Dams in Nairobi National Park
The park hosts various water points for wildlife. The dams include; Hyena Dam, Embakasi Dam, Athi Bassin Dam, Hippo Pool, Nagolomon Dam, and Ormanye Dam.
Nairobi National Park Entrance Fee
Click here for charges and rates of Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick, and Karura Forest. These are other accessible destinations within Nairobi City.