Can You Stay or Camp in Nairobi National Park? Hotels and Campsites

Yes, you can stay in Nairobi National Park, because privately owned lodges operate inside the park and KWS runs public and special campsites. A tent at a KWS campsite costs a nightly campsite fee on top of park entry, plus a reservation fee for special campsites. Hotels such as Ole Sereni and Eka Hotel sit on Mombasa Road near the park’s northern edge. Overnight guests watch the park at dusk and dawn, while organised night drives still run with rangers.

Are There Lodges Inside the Boundary?

Yes, privately owned lodges operate inside and beside the park, as listed by KWS. KWS lists Ololo Safari Lodge and Emakoko Lodge among the privately owned lodges in the park, both on the southern side (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2026).

Lodge guests skip the morning drive from the city and reach the plains at first light. Packing for a stay sits in what to wear to Nairobi National Park.

Can You Pitch a Tent?

Yes, you can pitch a tent at KWS public campsites or book a special campsite in advance. Public campsites are shared, while a special campsite is reserved for one group.

KWS rules require campers to keep campfires attended at all times (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2026). Campers carry out all trash and bring no single-use plastic.

What Does Camping Cost?

Camping costs a nightly KWS campsite fee on top of park entry, plus a reservation fee for special campsites. KWS sets the fees per person per night by visitor category (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2025).

The table below shows the adult and child camping fees for parks outside the premium category, which includes Nairobi.

The special-campsite reservation fee is non-refundable. Book through KWS before you travel.

Which Hotels Sit Close to the Gates?

The hotels close to the gates include Ole Sereni and Eka Hotel on Mombasa Road, near the park’s northern edge. Both overlook or sit near the park boundary, between the city and JKIA.

Transfers from the airport sit on JKIA airport transfer to Ole Sereni and JKIA airport transfer to Eka Hotel.

Do Overnight Guests Get Dawn and Dusk Viewing?

Yes, overnight guests watch the park at dusk and dawn, while organised night drives still need rangers. Day visitors leave by 6:00 PM, so the evening hours belong to lodge and campsite guests.

After-dark drives with armed KWS rangers sit in night game drive in Nairobi National Park.

How Much Ground Does the Park Cover?

The park covers 117 square kilometres. Acres, hectares, and loop times sit in how big Nairobi National Park is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Campers Need Their Own Gear?

Yes, campers bring their own tents and supplies to public campsites. Carry enough water for the whole stay.

Are Campfires Allowed?

Yes, campfires are allowed but never left unattended, under KWS rules. Put fires out fully before you sleep.

Does an Overnight Stay Need a Second Ticket?

No, a one-night stay within 24 hours of entry needs no second ticket, because the KWS daily fee covers up to 24 hours. Longer stays add another day’s fee.

Is Booking Needed for Special Campsites?

Yes, special campsites need a reservation in advance. The reservation fee is KES 10,000 per week.

Do Lodge Rates Include Entry?

No, lodge rates usually exclude KWS park entry, so check before booking. Ask the lodge which fees the rate covers.