Travel Guide Nairobi National Park

This is without a doubt the most amazing park in Africa. Just a few minutes from the city center, and right next to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you find yourself in the savannah, among gazelles, giraffes, rhinos and lions. This small park (114 km²) was created in December 1946, which makes it the oldest animal sanctuary in Kenya. It welcomes about 120,000 visitors per year. It is fenced in on the north side, along the road that connects Nairobi and Mombasa, and on the west side, but it is open to the south to allow the animals to migrate. The animals are numerous and all species are present, with the exception of elephants, due to the lack of wooded areas During dry periods, the concentration of animals is much higher. The permanent waterholes in the south of the park attract a large number of herbivores (zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and elands arrive en masse in July and August). The proximity of Nairobi's skyscrapers and the partial fences could give the illusion of a large zoo. This is not the case. The park is indeed quite large and the very hilly landscapes give it a wild character.This park is not as spectacular as the Maasai Mara or Samburu, but it has charm and deserves a visit. For a first approach of the savannah, it is ideal. It remains nevertheless well threatened by the galloping urbanization of the city, the recent high speed train line which crosses today the park constitutes an additional threat for an already fragile ecosystem. The railroad is elevated, allowing animals to move around, but its construction has not been without disrupting the environment, the landscape is transformed and noise pollution will inevitably have an impact on the lives of animals. As elsewhere, let us hope that the cohabitation between man and animal will find a sustainable balance The best way to visit Nairobi National Park is to rent a car for a day or half day. The trails are good and the signage is correct. So you won't get lost. If you don't have a car, you can take a cab or simply contact one of the many agencies (and some hotels) that organize tours of the park. The tour usually lasts four hours. Entrance fee: US$ 43.