The Only National Park Inside a Capital City in the World

When you think of a safari, your mind might drift to the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara, or the iconic elephants of Amboseli. But what if we told you that one of the best wildlife experiences in the world is just 20 minutes away from a bustling capital city? Welcome to Nairobi National Park—the only national park in the world located within a capital city.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Nairobi or a seasoned traveler, this natural wonder offers an extraordinary fusion of urban life and untamed wilderness—right on the city’s doorstep.

 

A Wildlife Sanctuary in the City

Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s oldest national park and perhaps its most unique. Just seven kilometers from the heart of Nairobi, this 117-square-kilometer protected area is home to over 100 mammal species and more than 400 bird species. From towering giraffes and lions to black rhinos, cheetahs, and zebras, the park offers the chance to witness a thriving ecosystem—without ever leaving the city limits.

The most fascinating visual? A grazing herd of wildebeest or a lounging lion with the Nairobi skyline in the background—a surreal contrast that’s become an iconic image of Kenya’s capital.

What Makes Nairobi National Park So Special?

1. Accessibility

You can land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and be on a game drive within an hour. No connecting flights or bumpy drives—just a short ride from your hotel or airport, and you’re on safari.

2. Diverse Wildlife

The park is home to:

  • Endangered black rhinos

  • Lions, leopards, cheetahs

  • Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and hippos

  • Over 400 bird species, including ostriches and secretary birds

It’s one of the few places where you can spot the Big Four (minus the elephant) so close to an urban center.

3. Conservation Legacy

Nairobi National Park plays a crucial role in rhino conservation. The park includes a rhino sanctuary that has been instrumental in the successful breeding of black rhinos—some of the most critically endangered animals on the planet.

 

Things to Do in Nairobi National Park

🦁 Go on a Game Drive

The best way to experience the park is via a morning or evening game drive. You can either self-drive or book a guided tour for deeper insights into the ecosystem.

🦏 Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Located near the park’s main gate, this sanctuary is home to orphaned baby elephants. Guests can visit during specific hours to watch the elephants being fed and playing in the mud.

📸 Capture Iconic Photos

Photographers from around the globe flock here to capture rare scenes—wild animals roaming freely with Nairobi’s skyline towering behind them.

🐦 Bird Watching

If you’re a bird enthusiast, the park is a haven with hundreds of migratory and resident species. Bring your binoculars!

When to Visit

Nairobi National Park is open year-round, but the dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Travel Tips

  • Get there early: Mornings are best for spotting predators and getting great lighting for photos.

  • Pack snacks and water: There are picnic sites inside the park, like the popular Ivory Burning Site Monument.

  • Carry ID or passport: Required for entry at the main gate.

  • Stay nearby: Booking a hotel close to the park, like Red Ruby Hotel, means easy access for early game drives and sunset tours.

Hotels Near Nairobi National Park

Red Ruby Hotel is ideally located for visitors planning a day at Nairobi National Park. Enjoy the comfort of our modern rooms, 24/7 reception, and early breakfast options before you set off for your urban safari. Plus, we offer airport transfers and local tour connections to make your trip seamless.

Nairobi National Park is not just a park—it’s a symbol of coexistence. It reminds us that nature and city life don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In a world where green spaces are shrinking, Nairobi stands out as a global anomaly, preserving one of Africa’s most majestic ecosystems right next to highways, skyscrapers, and urban sprawl.So, whether you’re in Nairobi for business or leisure, carve out time to visit this gem. Because nowhere else in the world can you start your day in a city café—and end it with a lion’s roar echoing in the distance.