Game Drives in Nairobi National Park are some of the most thrilling things to do in the conservation area. The park is the country’s oldest national park and was gazette in 1946 as a way of protecting animal species from the pressure of the growing population of the city. The conservation area is one in East Africa that is tucked in the city area it is strategically located in the southern outskirts about 7 kilometres from the town centre occupying an area space of approximately 117 square kilometers. The park is an impressive destination depicting the perfect mix of modernity and wildlife.
The park boasts a savannah vegetation cover, acacia woodland, marshy swampy areas and a growing riverine forest along the southern banks of the National Park, these act as home to several animal species including the so-called big five of the wilderness(African elephants, lions, leopards, Rhinos, and buffaloes) and over 400 species of birds have been recorded here. The park is among the few places in the country to find large populations of black Rhinos. Adjacent to it is the animal orphanage which is a rescue point to orphaned animals and injured ones from other conservation areas.
Game drives in Nairobi National Park are conducted using 4×4 wheel car drives characterized by their open roof pop-up to enhance the guest experience on animal viewing, the drives are conducted in sessions beginning in the early morning time at 6:30 am afternoon at 2:30 am and evening time at 4:30 pm east African time, these go through the well-distributed trails of the ecosystem and bring you closer to animal species, the park is one of the few places where doing night game drives is allowed with the lead of an experienced guide. It takes 2-3 hours to do the activity however it can take up to the whole day depending on the guest’s preference. Expect to see animal species including zebras, elands, waterbucks, hartebeests, and wildebeests to mention a few.
Game drives in Nairobi National Park are best done during the dry season when the trails of the park are much drier and easier to access, the grasses thin out and animals gather around water sources. Nairobi National Park experienced 2 dry seasons in December – February and June – September. Despite this being said it is possible to do game drives in the wet season as well except that it comes with much difficulty and low chances of encountering most of the wildlife species.
What to pack on game drives in Nairobi National Park includes waterproof covers for phones and cameras, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellants, warm clothes for the wet season, sunscreen, safari shoes, and any other items of personal nature which you may require for your Kenya safari experience.
In conclusion, game drives in Nairobi National Park can be combined with other activities of the protected area for example birding, guided nature walks, visiting the monuments and the orphanage placed right adjacent to the park.