The things to do in Nairobi National Park go beyond a game drive to walks at Hippo Pools, picnics, birdwatching, events, and photography. You walk a marked riverside trail at Hippo Pools, an area KWS rangers patrol. The picnic sites are designated areas where you step out of the car. The park hosts sports, events, and group outings, and photography is allowed throughout, while drones need KWS approval.
What Activities Are On Offer?
The 6 activities on offer are game drives, walks at Hippo Pools, picnics, birdwatching, events, and photography. KWS describes the park as a hub for game drives, nature walks, fitness activities, and recreational outings (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2026):
Game drives on the marked circuits across the plains.
Nature walks on the marked trail at Hippo Pools.
Picnics at the designated picnic sites.
Birdwatching across more than 500 recorded species.
Events and group outings at the event sites.
Photography of wildlife against the city skyline.
Each activity follows the same park rules, so you stay in the vehicle outside designated areas such as picnic sites and the Hippo Pools trail. The rules in full sit in is Nairobi National Park safe.
Can You Walk at Hippo Pools?
Yes, you can walk the marked trail at Hippo Pools, along the Athi River and the riverine forest on the banks. The trail runs for about 1 km past pools where hippos and crocodiles rest, and KWS rangers patrol the area.
Marked barriers keep walkers back from the water. Allow about 45 minutes for the walk, and book a KWS ranger escort through KWSPay for a guided version.
Terrapins bask on the banks, and kingfishers and herons feed along the river. The walk gives you a break from the vehicle midway through a full-day drive.
Where Are the Picnic Sites?
The picnic sites are designated areas where you step out of the car, such as Kingfisher, Impala Point, and Hippo Pools. Kingfisher sits by the river, while Impala Point sits on a hill near the Main Gate with views across the plains.
Kingfisher, Impala Point, and Hippo Pools are designated picnic sites.
KWS asks visitors to carry out all trash (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2026). Pack food in reusable containers, because single-use plastic is banned.
Does the Park Host Events?
Yes, the park hosts sports, events, and group outings at designated event sites. Families, couples, and organised groups use the sites for fitness activities and celebrations.
Events running after 6:30 PM pay for a section of KWS rangers for security (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2025). Group transport sits on corporate car hire in Nairobi.
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Yes, photography is allowed throughout, while drones need KWS approval and a fee. KWSPay lists drone charges of KES 5,000 for citizens and residents and USD 500 for non-residents (KWSPay, 2026).
The first two hours after the 6:00 AM opening and the last two hours before closing give the softest light. A pop-up roof gives photographers a 360-degree view without stepping out. Vehicles with that roof sit on Land Cruiser safari van hire.
Yes, groups can book team-building days at the park’s event sites. Book through KWS in advance.
Do Activities Cost Extra?
Yes, some activities such as the Safari Walk charge separately from park entry. The Safari Walk costs KES 300 per East African adult, and a KES 500 package adds the Animal Orphanage (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2025).
Can You Bring Food?
Yes, you can bring food for the picnic sites and carry all trash out. Eat only at designated sites.
Is Single-Use Plastic Allowed?
No, single-use plastic is banned in all national parks. KWS declares every park a plastic-free zone.
Can You Bring a Speaker?
No, sound devices are used sparingly and only in designated areas. Noise distracts wildlife.
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