Nairobi National Park sits just 7 km from the city centre — the only national park in the world that borders a capital city, with lions and giraffes grazing against a backdrop of skyscrapers. A standard saloon manages the main circuit in dry season; a 4×4 is recommended for the River and Hyena Dam tracks after rain.
Key Takeaways
- Distance: 7 km from Nairobi CBD via Langata Road (Main Gate).
- Drive time: ~20 minutes from the city centre.
- Non-resident entry: USD 80 per adult per 24 hours, plus vehicle fee.
- Vehicle: saloon or SUV fine on the main circuit in dry season; 4×4 recommended for River and Hyena Dam tracks after rain.
- Highlights: lions, black rhino sanctuary, giraffes, over 400 bird species — all with the city skyline visible.
- Opens 06:00–19:00 daily; game drives are best at dawn or late afternoon.
What to See
- Black rhino sanctuary — one of Kenya’s most successful rhino breeding programmes, with regular sightings on the park’s southern plains
- Lions — several prides resident in the park, most active at dawn near the Athi/Empakasi plains
- The Nairobi skyline backdrop — the park’s signature photograph: giraffes or zebra grazing with the city’s skyscrapers behind them
- Ivory Burning Site Monument — commemorates Kenya’s 1989 ivory burning, a landmark in global conservation history
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Nairobi National Park?
USD 80 per non-resident adult for 24 hours, plus a vehicle entry fee. Payment is via KWS eCitizen — cash is not accepted at the gate.
Do I need a 4×4 for Nairobi National Park?
Not for the main circuit in dry season. A standard saloon or SUV is adequate. A 4×4 is recommended for the River and Hyena Dam tracks, which get soft after rain.
Can I self-drive without a guide?
Yes. Nairobi National Park is fully self-drive — no guide is required, though hiring one is available at the gate for those wanting expert wildlife spotting.
Can I hire a car in Nairobi for a visit to the park?
Yes. Barguts Tours provides saloon and SUV hire for Nairobi National Park visits. Contact Barguts Tours at carhirenairobi.co.ke or call +254 707 116 220.