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Best Way to visit the Nairobi National Park


 

The Nairobi National Park is famous for being the only park within a city and the oldest park in East Africa was gazetted in 1946. It is convenient for a perfect weekend or mid-week plan.

It is a short drive from the city, depending on the gate you intend to use, the main entrance is along Langata road.

The vast grass plain park has a perfect view of the Nairobi’s skyline, has scattered acacia trees and is home to numerous animals including the endangered black rhinos, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes and a large range of bird species. 

There are no elephants at the park but you can interact with the calves at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

To have the best experience at the park, here are some of the best ways to visit this park in the city.

1. Game Drive through an organized tour

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One of the best ways to enjoy your visit to the park is by driving to the park where wildlife can be viewed in their natural setting.

The park hires out land cruisers with a driver and a guide from the main gate of the park. 

Most game drives are enjoyed an early morning to catch the animals coming back from a catch. The drive lasts for three hours. 

There are evening and night game drives, an exciting way to discover and enjoy the sound of the wild in the dark. Get to see animals you cannot spot during the day.

One of the most affordable ways to experience the park is through using the Kenya Wildlife Service shuttle safaris. They run on weekends and public holidays and is open to all nationals, check here for the park fees. 

2. Self-drive through the park

Here is another best way to visit the national park; take a personal drive through the park. 

With the self-drive option; there is an electronic car pass issued at the gate that you pay for together with your park entrance fee and depending on the number of people in the car, they charge the car park fee according to the number of seats in the car.

The park rangers will then issue you with a map of the park at a fee for easy navigation and the best spots to view the animals. 

Should you need a guide for the tour, prior arrangements need to be done with the park management. You have to return the car pass issued as it expires once you leave the park.

3. Camping in the Park

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You can visit the national park and enjoy the sound and feel of the park at night in a pitched tent. 

Do not worry, it is safe and there are game rangers that patrol the park to keep away park animals that may wander your way.

Entry fees and camping fees apply.

The park has rents out tents, you will need to book them at the East Gate or the main gate along langata road. You will need to carry your sleeping bag or mattress.

The camping site offers basic facilities; water, toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens. Be prepared to pitch your tent.

There are evening game drives can also be arranged before heading back to the site for dinner. After which you can enjoy the quiet night by sitting around a bonfire.   

4. Picnic in the Park

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The park has designated picnic sites namely; Kingfisher, Impala, and Mokoiyet, where you can enjoy a bite and sip your drink while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

The picnic sites a favorite for sundowners while enjoying amazing views of the vast plains, with the city skyline in the background.

It is ideal for a relaxed evening or a weekend. The picnic sites have shades and picnic tables.

For a panoramic view of the park. The Impala observation point is the best. It has a stone-built hut with a picnic area with toilets. 

You can also picnic at the famous ivory burning site, this is a historical site where 12 tons of ivory was burnt in 1989 to show commitment to elephant conservation and banning ivory trade.

The Mokoiyet picnic site has a leopard cliff observation point overlooking the mbagathi river. 

There you have it, these are some of the best ways to visit the Nairobi National park to enjoy the ambiance of the wild outdoors while making memories.

There are attractions close to the park, check out our list of top ten things to do while in Nairobi to add more fun activities to your itinerary.