Nairobi National Park wildlife- “The World’s Wildlife Capital.” Compared to most African safaris, Nairobi National Park is the only wildlife safari park that is located within the reach of a capital city, about 7-10kms away from Nairobi Capital city of Kenya. Founded in 1946, Nairobi National Park is a stronghold of world’s most sought for species of wildlife including 4 of the big 5 game members.
While on Kenya safaris in Nairobi National Park, the wide array of wildlife to look out for include zebras, leopards, lions, buffaloes, cheetahs, and giraffes- these and more make up a total of 100 mammal species. There are elands, coke’s hartebeests, impalas, gazelles, rhinos, waterbucks and more.
At Nairobi Animal Orphanage, located within Nairobi N/Park, there are jackals, cheetahs, serval cats, baboons, warthogs, and several injured birds including parrots, guinea fowl, ostriches, crown cranes.
Birds- Nairobi National Park is an established birding destination with over 400 bird species. These include common moorhen, ostriches, black-headed heron, secretary bird, pallid harriers, blacksmith lapwing, long-tailed fiscal, kingfishers, fulvous-whistling duck, knob-billed ducks, Egyptian geese, white-faced whistling ducks, blue billed teal, garganey, spur-winged goose;
Northern shoveler, African black duck, crested francolin, shelley’s francolins, coqui francolin, helmeted guinea fowl, green-winged teal, Southern pochard, Northern pintail, scaly francolin, yellow-necked francolin, lesser and greater flamingos, red-eyed dove, lemon dove, ring-necked dove, rameron pigeon.
Other important birds that range within the habitats of Nairobi National Park include little grebe, eared grebe, kori bustard, black-faced sandgrouse, white-bellied bustard, great spotted cuckoo, levaillant’s cuckoo, white-browed coucal, Abyssinian nightjars, somber nightjars, Eurasian nightjars, mottled swift, African swift.
There are also lots of storks, darters, hamerkop, African spoonbill, ospreys, hadada ibis, glossy ibis, vultures, hawks, narina trogon, speckled mouse bird, Abyssinian scimitar bill, African gray hornbill, kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, barbet, cardinal woodpecker, Eurasian wryneck, African black-headed oriole, African golden oriole, brown crowned tchagra, African paradise flycatchers and more.
Floral species- Nairobi N/Park is dominated by vast grass plains and scattered acacia bushes and on the western side, there is a dry forest. The lower area is dominated by grassland; riverine vegetation/forest thrives along the permanent river on the Southern side of Nairobi N/Park. The other list of species of trees that are found within the park includes Newtonia species. Euphorbia, Apodytes dimidiata,
Best time to visit Nairobi National Park for wildlife viewing
Nairobi National Park is an all-year-round travel destination, however, the best time to enjoy birding here is from November to April. During these months, you have the opportunity to come across migratory birds especially the North African and European bird species plus several resident birds as it is a breeding season.
For game viewing safaris, consider visiting Nairobi National Park– (NNP) during the dry season which is from June, July, August, September to October, and December, January to February. When planning for the Nairobi National Park safari, the list of items to pack includes long-sleeved shirts, safari trousers/clothes, a good camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries, bottled drinking water, passport, safari shoes and more.
Where to stay
Nairobi National Park features a range of accommodation facilities meeting all travelers’ interests that is budget, midrange, and luxury. The budget options include the Lotos Inns and Suites Nairobi, Royal Tulip Canaan Nairobi, Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi, Double Tree by Hilton Nairobi, Town Lodge Uphill, Saab Royale Hotel, Fairview Hotel, and more.
Midrange accommodation options include Stardom Hotel, Bush House & Camp, Tawala Homes, Afrika Luxury Boutique Camp Nairobi while luxury expects to book African Heritage House, Ololo Safari Lodge, Ole Sereni Hotel or Nairobi Tented Camp.
Other attractions in Nairobi National Park
The Ivory burning site monument- wildlife conservation landmark where President Daniel Arap Moi burnt ivory as one way to fight against wildlife poaching and also to indicate the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation and zero tolerance to the ivory trade.
David & Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage- this is the rescue center for elephants plus other species of wildlife including rhinos. After some time, they are transferred to Tsavo Conservation Area. For elephant lovers, the Sheldrick elephant orphanage is the perfect spot to explore more about elephant behaviors and their conservation.
Impala observation point- considered to be one of the highest points known to provide visitors with jaw-dropping views of impalas in the vast plains. In addition, there is other diverse wildlife to see while at this point.
In general, Nairobi National Park is a place to visit! Contact us today, book your Kenya safari to Nairobi National Park and discover the hidden gem you will live to remember.