Go From City Streets to Big Game in Under 20 Minutes and Explore Untamed Kenya on a Full-Day Safari Right Here in the City.
This 1-Day Nairobi National Park full-day safari by NairobiPark.org offers one of Kenya’s most distinctive wildlife experiences: a private Land Cruiser tour through Nairobi National Park, where lions, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, and over 500 bird species roam freely against the backdrop of the Nairobi skyline.
🚙 The One Day Experience
This 1-Day Nairobi National Park Tour is designed to maximise your time in the wild, offering up to 10 hours of guided wildlife viewing with highly trained KPSGA-certified driver-guides. Built on a strong conservation ethos, the experience blends exceptional game viewing with a deeper understanding of the park’s ecological importance.
Over the course of the day, your guide will take you through Nairobi National Park’s most productive habitats — from the predator-rich Western Savannah and sweeping Athi Plains to the dramatic Leopard Cliffs and the protected Rhino Sanctuary (Kifaru Ark) — helping you appreciate not only the extraordinary wildlife, but also the conservation efforts that keep this urban-edge ecosystem alive.
You will spend the full day (most daylight hours) exploring Nairobi’s top wildlife zones in an open-roof 4×4 Land Cruiser, searching for lions at sunrise, black and white rhinos in mid-morning light, giraffes browsing in acacia woodlands, and hippos and crocodiles along the Mbagathi River.
Your guide navigates through landmarks such as the Ivory Burning Monument, Hyena Dam, Nagolomon Dam, King Fisher Track, and the scenic Southern Circuit with uninterrupted views of the city skyline. Midday brings the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed picnic at designated viewpoints like Mokoyiet or Impala Lookout, before venturing toward the woodlands, riverbanks, and highland edges where elephants occasionally wander in from outside the park boundaries.
From sunrise predator activity to golden-hour photography along the escarpment, this full-day game drive offers the richest and most complete Nairobi National Park experience possible—ideal for photographers, families, transit passengers, and wildlife lovers who want to see everything the park has to offer without leaving the city.
This tour is ideal for transit passengers, families, solo travelers, or visitors with a free day in Nairobi who want a genuine Kenyan safari experience without long travel distances.
🕕 Park Tour Schedule & Key Information
| Safari Component | Time Range / Details | Notes / Expert Information |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Pick-Up Time | 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM | Ensures entry at sunrise for best predator sightings (lions, hyenas, leopards). |
| Park Entry Window | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | Optimal lighting and wildlife activity; avoids mid-morning heat when animals rest. |
| Guided Game Drive Duration | Up to 10 hours | Extended hours allowed only if the tour still ends before 6 PM KWS closing time. |
| Typical Drop-Off Time | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Depends on traffic and add-on activities (Giraffe Centre / Sheldrick). |
| Park Operating Hours | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Mandatory exit by 6 PM—KWS strictly enforces this. |
| Driver Working Hours | Up to 12 hours total | Includes pick-up, park time, add-ons, and drop-off; ensures safety and compliance. |
| Ideal Wildlife Viewing Periods | 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM & 3:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Best for big cats, hunting activity, and dramatic lighting. |
| Mid-Morning Segment | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Excellent for rhino searching, plains game, and birdlife. |
| Lunch Break Options | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Picnic-style inside the park (designated sites) or lunch outside the park. |
| Photography Guidance | Best light: 6:00–8:00 AM & 4:00–6:00 PM | Midday sun is harsh; sunrise/sunset ideal for photos. |
| Traffic Considerations | Peak traffic: 7–9 AM & 4–6 PM | Drop-off times may vary depending on city congestion. |
| Regulatory Restrictions | No off-road driving; no drones; no feeding animals | Strict wildlife protection and safety guidelines enforced by KWS. |
| Weather Considerations | Dry season: clear visibility; Wet season: better greenery but slower roads | Vehicle choice matters more during rainy months (4×4 recommended). |
| Safety Protocol | Always remain inside the vehicle | Mandatory for all visitors, as predators roam openly. |
- We have designed the itinerary to include up to 10 hours of guided driving, with an additional 2-hour allowance if needed — provided the tour concludes before nightfall.
🚫 Driving guests at night is not permitted unless specifically pre-arranged and approved in advance.
📍 Pick-Up & Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off are available at:
- Hotels, residences, or Airbnbs within 30 km of Nairobi National Park gates (Langata, East Gate, or Main Gate)
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Wilson Airport
- Unfortunately, if you miss any planned activities due to a late start or delay on your part, we cannot be held responsible, and no refunds will be provided.
Pick-ups or drop-offs outside Nairobi city limits may attract an additional transfer fee.
💰 Safari Pricing (Full-Day Private Land Cruiser — Park Fees Excluded)
| Number of Guests | Price Per Person (USD) | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $220 | $220 |
| 2 people | $130 | $260 |
| 3 people | $110 | $330 |
| 4 people | $90 | $360 |
| 5 people | $80 | $400 |
| 6 people | $70 | $420 |
| 7 people | $60 | $420 |
💡 Rates include a private Land Cruiser, driver-guide, driver & vehicle park entry, bottled water, insurance, fuel, and government taxes.
Guest park tickets are not included and must be purchased on eCitizen before the safari. If you need assistance purchasing the tickets, you’ll need to send your ID/Passport along with the ticket fee before your arrival so we can purchase the tickets for you.Our 1-Day Nairobi National Park safari rates remain the same for all clients, regardless of nationality or residency. Citizens, East African residents, Africans, expatriates, and international visitors(non-residents) all pay the same Land Cruiser tour fee, which covers the private 4×4 vehicle, professional driver-guide, fuel, insurance, and all mandatory vehicle/driver entry costs.
🎟️ Park Entry Ticket Information
Guests are required to purchase their own tickets via the official Kenya Wildlife Service eCitizen portal before the trip.
If you’d like assistance purchasing tickets, please let us know at the time of booking — the ticket fee will be added to your initial 50% deposit payment, and we’ll process the tickets on your behalf.
- Before your game drive, please purchase your park entry ticket in advance through the eCitizen website at https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke/single-park-entry/nairobi-national-park/guests.
- When asked “Are you paying for vehicle?”, select “No”, as the vehicle entry fee is already covered in your booking.
- If you encounter any issues while booking your park ticket, please contact KWS directly at 0800 597000 or customerservice@kws.go.ke, as they are responsible for all ticketing inquiries and support.
- As of October 14, the new park entry rates are still reflected on the eCitizen platform, even though the court temporarily halted the fee increase on October 2. According to KWS, visitors should proceed to pay the new rates ($80 for non-residents), as the system has not yet been reverted to the previous rates pending further court determination.
- KWS has advised guests to book using the current displayed rates and then email customerservice@kws.go.ke to request a refund for the overpayment. Unfortunately, there isn’t an alternative at the moment since cash payments are no longer accepted at the park gate.
🧭 What to Expect – Full-Day NNP-only Safari Itinerary
Experience an unforgettable full-day adventure inside Nairobi National Park (NNP) — the only wildlife park in the world set against a modern city skyline. This comprehensive safari takes you through every corner of the park, from predator-rich savannahs to serene hippo pools and breathtaking cliff viewpoints. Perfect for photographers, wildlife lovers, and anyone seeking a truly immersive safari without leaving Nairobi.
🌅 6:00 AM – Pick-Up & Sunrise Park Entry
Your professional driver-guide will meet you at your hotel, residence, or directly at JKIA/Wilson Airport. After a short briefing, enjoy a scenic early-morning drive to the Main Gate (or East Gate if entering from JKIA).
As the sun rises over the golden plains, the park awakens — lions prowl, giraffes stretch in the dawn light, and the city skyline glows in the distance. It’s the most magical time to enter the wild.
🦓 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Western Savannah, Hyena Dam & King Fisher Track
Your game drive begins across the Western Savannah, a landscape alive with activity as nocturnal predators retreat and grazers emerge. Keep your camera ready for lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
Stop at Hyena Dam, a favorite birdwatching site teeming with egrets, Egyptian geese, and crowned cranes. Continue to King Fisher Track and Nagolomon Dam, a tranquil area often frequented by hippos and basking crocodiles — a perfect photo stop with the Nairobi skyline as your backdrop.
🏞️ 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Athi Plains & Leopard Cliffs Drive
Cross into the Athi Plains, a wide expanse dotted with herds of eland, hartebeest, ostrich, and zebra.
Next, ascend to the Leopard Cliffs, one of the park’s most dramatic viewpoints. These rocky escarpments overlook the Mbagathi River gorge and are a known habitat for leopards, klipspringers, and sunbathing rock hyrax.
🦏 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Rhino Sanctuary & Ivory Burning Monument
Enter Kifaru Ark, the park’s rhino sanctuary — home to one of Kenya’s most successful black and white rhino populations. Your guide will explain the conservation work that has made NNP a model for rhino protection.
Nearby, visit the Ivory Burning Monument, a solemn yet inspiring site where Kenya first burned confiscated ivory in 1989 to show the world its commitment to ending poaching.
🍴 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Midday Break & Lunch Stop
Pause for a relaxing lunch and reflection:
- 🧺 Picnic Option: Enjoy a packed meal at Mokoyiet or Impala Viewpoint, both offering panoramic views over the savannah.
- 🍽️ Restaurant Option: Step out to nearby favorites like The Carnivore, Rangers Restaurant, or The Emakoko Lodge (guest’s expense).
🐊 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Hippo Pools Nature Trail & Mbagathi River Walk
Stretch your legs on a short guided walk along the Mbagathi River at the Hippo Pools Nature Trail, one of the few areas in Kenya where walking inside a national park is permitted.
Spot hippos, crocodiles, kingfishers, and herons, and enjoy interpretive talks from rangers about riparian ecology and Nairobi’s unique conservation challenges.
🌳 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Acacia Woodlands & Narogomon Route
Continue your drive through Acacia Woodlands, a picturesque section favored by baboons, giraffes, bushbucks, and warthogs.
Your guide will share insights into how these woodland ecosystems support the park’s biodiversity, from pollinating insects to elusive leopards that hide in the thickets.
🌄 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Langata Southern Circuit & Viewpoints
Follow the Southern Circuit, tracing the edge of the Ngong Hills and Mbagathi River. Stop at a scenic lookout point to admire how Nairobi’s skyline rises dramatically beyond the savannah — a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between urban life and wild nature.
🐘 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Optional Add-On: Giraffe Centre or Elephant Orphanage
If you’d like to extend your adventure, you can add a visit to:
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (open 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Meet rescued baby elephants and learn about anti-poaching work.
- Giraffe Centre (open until 5:00 PM) – Feed and photograph endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
Entry fees apply and must be arranged in advance.
🚗 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Return Transfer
Conclude your safari with a leisurely drive back to your hotel, residence, or the airport. You’ll arrive around sunset — the perfect ending to a day spent exploring one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries.
6:00 AM – Pick-Up & Park Entry
Your driver-guide will meet you at yolect on a day filled with remarkable encounters and stunning views.
🌟 Highlights of This Full-Day Safari at Nairobi NP
- Private game drive through Nairobi’s top wildlife zones (Savannah, Rhino Sanctuary, Leopard Cliffs, Hippo Pools).
- Visit the Ivory Burning Monument, a key conservation landmark.
- Enjoy walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and cultural add-ons.
- Professional safari guide with deep knowledge of wildlife behavior and conservation.
- Ideal for travelers connecting through JKIA or Wilson Airport or staying within Nairobi city.
🦁 What to Expect to See During Your Full-Day Nairobi Park Tour
Very Likely Sightings (High Probability)
- Lions – Usually seen resting, hunting at dawn, or near plains around Ivory Burning Site / Savannah Grasslands.
- Buffalo – Common across wetlands and open plains; Nairobi Park has strong resident herds.
- Giraffes (Masai Giraffe) – Frequently encountered browsing on acacia woodlands.
- Plains Zebra – Abundant across the savannah; easy sightings throughout the day.
- Black Rhinos – Nairobi has one of Kenya’s highest densities of black rhino; sightings are often excellent on full-day tours.
- Hippos – Common around Hyena Dam and Athi Basin rivers.
- Ostrich (Masai Ostrich) – Frequently seen striding across open plains.
- Gazelles & Antelopes – Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, eland—very common.
- Warthogs – One of the park’s most common animals, often in family groups.
- Spotted Hyena – Regular sightings, especially early morning around dens.
Moderately Likely Sightings (Season & Luck Dependent)
- Cheetahs – Nairobi Park has a small but visible cheetah population; sightings improve with a full-day circuit.
- White Rhinos – Present around secure zones; sometimes seen at distance.
- Jackals (Black-backed & Side-striped) – Common but active mostly in mornings and evenings.
- Baboons & Vervet Monkeys – Around forested sections and picnic areas.
- Crocodiles – Occasional near Athi River or Hippo Pools.
- Large Python / Monitor Lizards – Occasionally encountered in rocky or riverine zones.
- Secretary Birds – Seen striding in open areas; iconic raptor of the park.
- Giraffe Calves & Young Lions – Seasonal, especially after rains.
Least Likely Sightings (Possible but Rare)
- Leopards – Extremely elusive; occasional sightings in forested ravines.
- Caracal & Serval Cats – Rare but present; sightings improve during early morning full-day tours.
- African Wild Dogs – Not resident; occasional transient sightings only.
- Albino / Melanistic Animals – Rare genetic cases occasionally reported.
Read about all Animals/Wildlife at Nairobi NP here.
Birdlife Highlights (Year-Round, Excellent on Full-Day Tours)
- Over 500 species recorded, including:
- Raptors: Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Augur Buzzard
- Waterbirds: Herons, Egrets, Egyptian Geese, African Jacana
- Grassland birds: Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Hartlaub’s Bustard
- Migrants (Nov–Apr): Pallid Harrier, European Roller, Steppe Eagle
✅ Inclusions
- Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking KPSGA-certified driver-guide
- Vehicle and driver park entry fees
- Fuel, comprehensive vehicle insurance & taxes
- Driver’s meals, wages, and accommodation (if needed)
- Drinking water (guests may bring their own)
- Up to 10 hours of guided game driving
❌ Exclusions
- Park entry tickets for guests (paid separately on eCitizen unless arranged with deposit)
- Meals and drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal expenses or souvenirs
- Optional add-on excursions (see below)
🧭 Planning Tips
- Combine Nairobi National Park + Sheldrick + Giraffe Centre for a wildlife-focused day.
- Add Bomas of Kenya or Karen Blixen & Kazuri Beads for cultural enrichment.
- Book Sheldrick in advance, as space is limited to one public hour daily.
- Allow for short transit times between sites, typically 15–45 minutes each.
🧍♀️ What to Carry
- Valid ID or Passport (required at park gate)
- eCitizen ticket confirmation (QR or printed copy)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Comfortable, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
- Closed shoes or sneakers
- Light jacket (for cool mornings)
- Camera or binoculars
- Personal drinking water or snacks, if preferred
⏰ Booking & Payment Details
- Cut-Off Time: Book at least 24 hours in advance (same-day requests subject to availability). Send us an email to bookings@nairobipark.org
- Deposit Required: A 50% deposit confirms your booking.
- Payable by bank transfer, MPesa, or secure online card payment.
- Balance Payment:
- By bank transfer – at least 7 days before tour
- By card – at least 1 day before tour or on the day of your safari
❌ Cancellation Policy
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 120+ days | 5% |
| 119–90 days | 10% |
| 89–60 days | 20% |
| 59–31 days | 30% |
| 30–0 days | 50% |
⚠️ Wire transfer charges ($25) are non-refundable.
If group size reduces, the policy applies to the canceled travelers, and per-person costs for remaining guests may adjust.
📩 How to Book
To reserve your 1-Day Nairobi National Park Tour, email us at:
📧 Bookings@NairobiPark.org.
Please include:
- Your preferred date
- Number of guests
- Pick-up location (hotel, residence, JKIA, or Wilson Airport)
We plan all safaris one day in advance and may not respond to same-day booking requests.
Payments are accepted by cash, MPesa, or card prior to departure.
🌍 Quick Summary
- Duration: 8 – 10 hours
- Vehicle: 4×4 Land Cruiser (private) with pop-up roof
- Park: Nairobi National Park
- Pick-Up & Drop-off Radius: 30 km from park gates
- Includes: Driver, vehicle, fuel, bottled water, insurance
- Excludes: Guest park entry, food, drinks, tips
