Nairobi National Park is one of the most popular Kenyan Safari destinations, established in 1946 lies about 7 kilometer south of Nairobi. The park is fenced on three sides while the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and it expends Kitengela plains. Despite its closeness to the Nairobi city and its relatively small size, the park boosts a large and varied wildlife population. More so, Nairobi National Park sounds as one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros’ sanctuaries.
The park is located in outskirt of the Nairobi city of Kenya, covering an area of about 117 square kilometers and it’s under the management of Kenya wildlife Service. Nairobi National Park’s altitude ranges between 1,533 and 1,760 meter and its climate is dry.
Weather and climate; Nairobi National Park has a cool and temperate climate. There is very little rain in the dry season between June and October. But the long-wet season tend to happens from April to May ‘’peak rain season’’ and short rains in November
Attractions In Nairobi National Park;
Wildlife; Nairobi National Park is home to diverse wildlife population including; black rhinoceros, giraffe, lion, leopard, African buffalo, spotted hyena, blue wildebeest, hippopotamus, wildebeest, cheetah, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, Common warthog, Olive baboon, black-backed jackal, common ostrich and Nile crocodile.
Birdlife; The park is a paradise for birders, inhabiting over 500 bird species recorded and the 20 species are seasonal European migrants. And of which the park’s substantial area of undisturbed grassland is of great importance for bird species like restricted-range Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here regularly after good rains. Other grassland birds include the Ostriches, Secretary birds and bustards and various bird species to see in the park includes Jackson’s widowbirds, Kori bustard, Lesser kestrel, Abyssinian thrush, Corncrakes, Fischer’s lovebirds, Grey crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, Martial eagle, Pallid harrier, White-bellied bustard, white -headed vulture among others. The migratory bird species best to see in November to April when migrating from Europe and North Africa and the best time to watch residential species is from March to May.
Vegetation; The park comprised of vast open grass plains with scattered acacia bush. On its western side there is highly dry forest and to the south there is riverine forest and a permanent river. More fact, the vegetation is of the dry transitional open scenic savanna type, which enables east spotting and observation of many animal species, acacia and other thorny varieties, muhuhu, Cape chestnut and Kenya olive are known as the most important trees which are the main habitat of the park.
Kifaru Ark; This means Rhinoceros Sanctuary and in Swahili means Kifaru. It is well known as one of the Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros’ sanctuaries. This place is among the few places within Nairobi National Park where visitors can be certain of watching a black rhinoceros in its natural habitat.
Black Rhinos; Nairobi National Park home to concentration of black rhinos and a good population of the southern white rhinos and the Eastern Browse. These intelligent creatures have inhabited the earth for over 60 million years. The park is home to over 50 endangered black rhinos, the densest population in the world. More then, the park is convenient guarantees a chance to watch eastern black rhinos, of which only 700 remain after poaching decimated.
Ivory burning site monument; The ivory burning monument is a magical site that symbolizes the conservation of the wildlife marking the exact site that the Kenya President Daniel Arap Moi burnt ivory as a way of reaching out message to all poacher to stop killing and stop ivory trade.
Walking trails at hippo pools; Walking trails in Nairobi National Park takes you through interesting trails, following the Athi river banks. The route is patrolled by the Kenya Wildlife Service rangers, and the hiking is rewarding to large herbivores eland, zebra, buffalo many more.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage; This orphanage is located inside Nairobi National Park, a good rehabilitation center for wild animals like the cheetahs, lions, monkeys, which sometimes are threatened by the poachers.
Nairobi National Park acts as only remarkable park in the world that is so close to the city.
Black rhinoceros – which are endangered species.
It is the first park to be gazette in Kenya on December 16,1946.
Major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks.
Birdlife; Over 400 bird species and 20 out are seasonal European migrants.
Home to over 100 animal species, four of the Big 5 like Lion Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino.
Has a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration.
Large predators such as Leopard, lion, hyena and cheetah.
Home to large herbivores ; eland ,buffalo ,zebra and wildebeest
Ivory burning site monument
Walking trails at hippo pools
Nairobi safari walk and the orphanage
Excellent accommodating picnic sites.
What to pack with on safari to Nairobi National Park;
Useful essentials to pack include; drinking water, picnic items, binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a guidebook among others.
What is the best time to visit the park.
The best time to visit the park is all year around and the best time for your safari is during dry season -when animals can easily be observed around water sources, starts from the month of June to September. Although, wildlife is usually more difficult during the long rains of ‘’March to May and the short rains occurs ‘October to November’’. During these months, rainfall destructs game drives and the grass tends to be very high.
How to get there;
By road; The park takes a distance of 10kilometers south of Nairobi City Center.
By air; Tourists from other countries can land in from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airports. Fly from Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta to Entebbe International Airport Uganda. Then from the Entebbe Airport fly with a domestic flight to Bwindi or drive there which takes 8 to 9 hours -from Entebbe or Kampala capital city of Uganda.
Note; You can do combined safari tour Kenya Uganda safari itinerary – Do wildlife safari in Kenya with Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park or in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
