Nairobi National Park is a thrilling destination of Kenya also known as the “World’s only wildlife capital”, it was one of the first conservation areas to be gazetted in 1946 covering an area space of approximately 117 square kilometres to the southern part of Nairobi, it is home to abundant wildlife species including the so-called big five of the wilderness( African Buffaloes, lions, leopards and Rhinos), the conservation area is a habitat to orphaned animal species that are kept at the Nairobi Animal orphanage, the region was founded in 1963 and is placed adjacent to the Park. the park is elevated between 1500-1800 meters above sea level.
Nairobi National Park is mainly comprised of a unique vegetation cover dominated by open grassland, acacia woodland, and a highland dry forest, along the southern border of the park there is a permanent river along which is a growing riverine forest. These are habitats to wildlife species, for example, rhinos, gazelles, cheetah, grants Zebra, Masai giraffes, cape buffaloes, cokes hartebeests, hippos, elephants, gazelles, waterbucks, dik-dik, Kudus to mention a few, there are over 500 species of birds that have been recorded in the national park to date, some of which are endemics to the destination and the Somali Masai biome, example bird species include secretary birds, grey crowned cranes, falcons, white-bellied bustard, white-faced whistling duck, knob billed duck, Egyptian goose, helmeted guinea fowls, common quai among others.
Things to do in Nairobi National Park include game drives, which will lead you to view several wildlife species in the national park, there are over 100 mammal species that have been recorded here. The game drives are conducted using 4×4-wheel car drives which are characterized by their open rooftops, to enhance guest experience on animal viewing, the morning hour is the best time to see animals in the park. you will have a great time taking animal pictures, drives can last for 2-3 hours or the entire day.
Birding experience in the Nairobi National Park, the conservation area is a haven of birds, there are over 500 species of birds present in the ecosystem, and the best time to see birds here is in November and April when the park receives migratory species, example bird types include, Abyssinian ground hornbills, kori bustard, lesser Kestrel, martial eagle, secretary bird, white-bellied bustard among others.
Visit the Ivory burning site, this a monument that was built at the site where the president of Kenya burnt as a way of signaling to poachers to stop hunting and killing mammal species, 12 tons of ivory were burnt by the former Kenyan president Daniel ArapMoi, this was one of the ways to show the country’s commitment to conservation and sustainability.
Nairobi National Park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and it runs by several rules and regulations including driving to the park is allowed for only 12 hours, there is a speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour, feeding animals is not allowed, and all visitors should remain in their vehicles at all times.
Nairobi National Park can be accessed any time of the year but best during the dry season between the months of December-February and June -and September, it takes approximately 17 kilometres to the park from the city centre, and the best option how to reach the park is driving.
In conclusion, Nairobi National Park can be accessed anytime of the year depending on the guest like when they would like to reach out, there is available accommodation in the park and the outskirts of Nairobi ranging from the best budget to luxury accommodation.