Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is located just south of central Kenya right next to and within the Nairobi city region. It’s probably the most unique national park in the world. There is nowhere else in the world where such a collection of wilderness and wildlife sits so adjacently to a major city. Only 7 kilometers separate the center of the city from the wildlife in the reserve.
The national park encompasses an area of 45.26 square miles (117.2 sq km) and was the first national park established in Kenya. The park is smaller than most Kenyan and other Africa national parks. Although it is so small, it is quite diverse in habitats. The majority of the habitats are dominated by open plains, grasslands and scattered acacia trees. Nairobi National Park does not disappoint with predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena. Other large mammal species include buffalo, black rhino, baboon, eland, gazelle, hartebeest, hippopotamus, impala, giraffe, wildebeest, and waterbuck. One of the missing species that most people hope to see is elephant. There is an abundance of about 520 bird species with the vulture and ostrich being two of the larger or more intriguing species. The ostrich is commonly seen along the plains. Other large species include Crowned Crane, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Egyptian Goose, and the Black-necked Heron. There are several songbirds which serve as a complementary experience for the birdwatchers. Activities in the park include game viewing, rhino tracking, bird watching, a visit to the Nairobi Safari Walk, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. The park is generally dry except during the rainy season. Average day time temperature is 22oC/72oF.The park is open year-round and always accessible. Visitors must enter the park in a vehicle. The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (July – March). The rainy season (April – June) presents some difficulties on the wet roads.