Nairobi National Park is one conservation area in East Africa located in the city, the lush green open savannah grassland and the backdrop of skyscrapers of the city are a unique match, the park was one of the first national conservation areas to be gazette in 1946, before protecting this land it’s in use by the local Masai People who were later evicted from the park for conservation purposes. It covers an area space of approximately 117 square kilometres and is home to several wildlife species including the so-called big five of the wilderness (African elephants, African buffaloes, lions, leopards, and Rhinos).
Nairobi National Park comprises a beautiful lush green open savannah vegetation, a woodland with scattered trees, thickets, marshy swampy areas, and a riverine forest along the southern border of the park on the permanent river trail. Several animal species present for example wildebeests, elands, zebras, hartebeests, Masai giraffes, cheetahs, waterbucks, bushbucks, common warthog, olive baboons, gazelles, vervet monkeys, hippos, crocodiles mention a few and over 500 species of birds like grey crowned cranes, Abyssinian thrush, Kori bustard, falcons, white-headed vulture, secretary birds and many more other species.
How to reach Nairobi National Park is just a few miles away from the city centre it is possible to use private means or public and train transfer to a bus stop after which you take 30 minutes to drive to the park entrance a walkable distance on a good day. On private driving, a tour operator will pick you up from your agreed point or at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer you to the national park through the streets of Nairobi. Expect to encounter the people of the safari city and super busy days of matatus and motorcycles.
Nairobi National Park is explored using a 4×4-wheel car drive despite it having well-maintained trails, you must hire a guide or use a ground handler for you to have a relaxed trip all the way. The safari cars being used are characterized by their pop rooftops for guests to have uninterrupted views of animal species. Things to do here include game drives, guided nature walks, and birding experiences among others.
How to reach Nairobi National Park passes through small towns scattered around the city center, to the many entry gates of the conservation area, for example, Masai Gate, Langata Gate, Banda Gate, and Kenya Wildlife Service Gate. The park is best accessed during the dry season between the months of December-February and June-September when the trails of the park are drier, it is also referred to as a peak green season in tourism. During this time, it is advisable to book tours in time. It is possible to visit the park during the wet season as well despite it not being as vibrant as the dry season.
In conclusion, Nairobi National Park is an exciting place, upon arrival expect to encounter many animal species, birds, and reptiles, there is available accommodation in the park ranging from the best budget facilities to luxury.