Capital city
National park
Nairobi National Park
Lions and rhinos with a city skyline behind them.
- Nairobi
- Best: Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$80
Overview
- Area
- 117 km²
- Gazetted
- 1946
- Bird species
- 400+
- From the city centre
- About 8–10 km
Nairobi National Park was gazetted in 1946 as Kenya's first national park. It covers 117 km² on the southern edge of the capital.
Despite the skyline on the horizon, it holds lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes and a black rhino sanctuary, with more than 400 bird species. Only elephants of the Big Five are missing.
The park includes the Ivory Burning Site, the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the Nairobi Safari Walk, and is easy to visit for a morning before a flight.
- Skyline safari
Wildlife photos with the city behind.
- Rhino sanctuary
One of the best places near a city to see black rhinos.
- Ivory Burning Site
Where Kenya burned its ivory stockpiles.
Things to do
- Game drives
Half-day drives from Main Gate.
- Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage
Boardwalk and rescued animals by Main Gate.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Good all year; mornings are best.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Good
- May: Good
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$80 | KES 1,350 | US$40 | KES 1,000 |
| Nairobi packageper adult: park, Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk | US$105 | KES 1,750 | US$55 | KES 1,300 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$80
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,350
- Rest of Africa
- US$40
- East African citizen
- KES 1,000
Children 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Nairobi packageper adult: park, Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk
- Foreign non-resident
- US$105
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,750
- Rest of Africa
- US$55
- East African citizen
- KES 1,300
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom Nairobi city centreAbout 20–40 minutes
Main Gate on Lang'ata Road.
- By roadFrom Jomo Kenyatta International AirportAbout 30–60 minutes
Traffic varies.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Arrive at opening time for the best sightings.
- Gates are cashless; pay through KWSPay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see lions in Nairobi National Park?
Yes. The park has several lion prides, and sightings are common on early-morning drives.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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