Nairobi National Park is a genuine, working game park with lion, rhino, giraffe, and buffalo, set close enough to the city that skyline views are visible from parts of the park — a strange and striking juxtaposition, and a practical way to fit a first game drive into an arrival or departure day without cutting into your main safari itinerary.
Quick facts
- Location: On the edge of Nairobi, roughly 20 minutes from the city centre
- Best known for: Genuine game viewing with the Nairobi skyline visible, black rhino population
- Typical visit length: A half-day, on an arrival or departure day
Why add Nairobi National Park to your itinerary
Most travellers land in Nairobi with time to fill before or after their main safari circuit; Nairobi National Park turns that otherwise dead time into a genuine game drive rather than an airport lounge wait. It's also home to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, commonly visited on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nairobi National Park worth visiting if I'm also doing the Masai Mara?
Yes, as a half-day activity on an arrival or departure day rather than a dedicated safari day — it doesn't replace time in the Mara.
Can I visit the elephant orphanage on the same day?
Yes, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is commonly combined with a Nairobi National Park visit on the same day.
A natural addition to any Kenya itinerary — see our Kenya safaris overview.