Nairobi National Park is not only a prime destination for wildlife safaris, but it is also surrounded by several fascinating attractions that offer enriching and memorable experiences. From conservation centers to cultural landmarks, these nearby attractions make for excellent additions to your Nairobi National Park itinerary. Below is an expert guide to the top attractions near the park.
Key Nearby Attractions
1. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust)
Distance from Nairobi National Park: ~20 minutes by car
Visiting Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (strict window, advance booking required)
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is one of Nairobi’s most famous conservation attractions. It rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants (and sometimes rhinos) from across Kenya, many of whom lost their mothers to poaching or human–wildlife conflict.
Why You Should Visit
- Baby elephant viewing: Watch young elephants being bottle-fed, rolling in mud, and interacting with their keepers.
- Conservation learning: Hear directly from staff about anti-poaching, rewilding, and the long process of returning elephants to the wild.
- Impactful tourism: Your entry fee supports ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Elephant Orphanage entry: Adults: $20 | Children: $5
- NNP / KWS access fee (if applicable to that section): Non-resident Adults $80, Children $40
(Note: Some visitors pay combined Nairobi National Park + Sheldrick costs when packaging activities together.)
Pro Tip:
This stop works perfectly right after a morning safari. Plan your Nairobi National Park drive to exit by around 10:30 AM and reach Sheldrick by 11:00 AM.
2. Giraffe Centre (Rothschild’s Giraffe Conservation)
Distance from Nairobi National Park: ~30 minutes by car
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Giraffe Centre is a beloved conservation and education site dedicated to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Elevated platforms let you feed giraffes at eye level, making it a favorite with families and photographers.
Why You Should Visit
- Close-up giraffe encounters: Hand-feed giraffes and take iconic photos from the viewing decks.
- Conservation education: Learn how Rothschild’s giraffes are being protected in Kenya and beyond.
- Nature trail: Some itineraries include a short nature walk in the nearby woodland.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Adults: $15–20
- Children: $7.50–10
Pro Tip:
This pairs well with Sheldrick and Karen Blixen Museum on the same day, especially if you are based in the Karen area.
3. Nairobi Safari Walk & Animal Orphanage
Location: Adjacent to Nairobi National Park
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a raised boardwalk and trail system that offers a curated introduction to Kenya’s major ecosystems and species. It’s set up as an interpretive, family-friendly experience, and the nearby animal orphanage houses rescued lions, cheetahs, primates, and other animals that cannot easily be reintroduced to the wild.
Why You Should Visit
- Close-up viewing: See lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, and primates at closer range than you typically would in the wild.
- Educational displays: Learn about Kenya’s habitats, endangered species, and ongoing conservation work.
- Family-friendly: Ideal for children and those who prefer shorter walks.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Adults: $25
- Children: $15
Pro Tip:
This is a great mid-morning or early-afternoon stop after a morning game drive, especially for families with young kids.
4. Karen Blixen Museum & Kazuri Beads Centre
Distance from Nairobi National Park: ~35–40 minutes by car
The Karen Blixen Museum is the former home of the author of Out of Africa, set at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The house, grounds, and original artifacts offer an evocative glimpse into colonial-era Kenya. Close by, the Kazuri Beads Centre showcases hand-crafted ceramic beads and pottery made by local women artisans.
Why You Should Visit
- Literary & historical interest: Explore Blixen’s former home, study, and gardens while learning about her life and legacy.
- Beautiful grounds: The gardens make a calm, shaded retreat after a busy morning in the park.
- Local craft: At Kazuri, watch beads being made, glazed, and fired, and purchase high-quality souvenirs with a strong social impact.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Karen Blixen Museum: Adults $12–15, Children $6
- Kazuri Beads: Free entry & guided tour; you only pay for items you purchase.
Pro Tip:
Combine Nairobi National Park + Sheldrick + Giraffe Centre + Karen Blixen / Kazuri for a classic, high-value full-day Nairobi itinerary.
5. Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park
Distance from Nairobi National Park: ~25 minutes by car
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
The Nairobi National Museum is Kenya’s flagship national museum, covering everything from early human evolution and archeology to ethnography, art, and natural history. The adjacent Snake Park features live displays of snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and other reptiles.
Why You Should Visit
- History & culture: Learn about Kenya’s diverse ethnic communities, historical events, and artistic traditions.
- Fossils & origins: Explore exhibits related to early hominids and the famous paleoanthropological discoveries from the Rift Valley.
- Reptile education: The Snake Park is ideal if you’re curious about Kenya’s snakes, lizards, and amphibians in a safe, controlled environment.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Museum only: Adults $12, Children $6
- Combined Museum + Snake Park: Adults $15, Children $10
Pro Tip:
Best visited late morning or afternoon, especially after a shorter morning game drive.
6. Bomas of Kenya
Distance from Nairobi National Park: ~25–30 minutes by car
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural centre showcasing traditional homesteads (bomas), music, and dance performances from Kenya’s diverse ethnic groups.
Why You Should Visit
- Cultural immersion: Experience traditional dances, drumming, acrobatics, and storytelling.
- Architecture & homesteads: Walk through reconstructed traditional houses that represent different Kenyan communities.
- Great for groups: Ideal for school groups, families, and anyone wanting to add culture to a wildlife-focused day.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Adults: $20
- Children: $10–12
Pro Tip:
Schedule Bomas in the late afternoon after a busy morning of wildlife viewing — performances typically run in the afternoon.
7. Karura Forest Reserve
Distance from Nairobi National Park: ~30–40 minutes by car
Karura Forest is a large urban forest reserve offering walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, streams, caves, and shaded picnic spots — an ideal way to unwind after an early start in Nairobi National Park.
Why You Should Visit
- Nature walks & cycling: Well-marked trails suitable for different fitness levels, with bike rentals available at some gates.
- Cool, shaded environment: A refreshing contrast to the open savannah of Nairobi NP.
- Birdwatching & biodiversity: Home to forest birds, monkeys, butterflies, and indigenous trees.
Entry Fees (Approximate, USD)
- Adults: $10
- Children: $5
Pro Tip:
Perfect for a late afternoon wind-down after a morning or half-day safari.
8. Utamaduni Craft Centre & Nairobi Art Scene (Karen Area)
Location: Karen suburb, often combined with other Karen-based stops
Utamaduni Craft Centre, along with nearby galleries such as Matbronze Wildlife Gallery, Banana Hill Art Gallery, and One Off Contemporary Art Gallery, offers a high-quality shopping and art experience.
Why You Should Visit
- Curated shopping: Find ethically sourced, well-made crafts, jewelry, textiles, and carvings.
- Wildlife-inspired art: Sculptures, paintings, and photography rooted in Kenyan landscapes and species.
- Relaxed lunch stops: Many have on-site cafés or are close to notable restaurants.
Entry Fees
- Typically free entry; you only pay for shopping or dining.
9. Other Optional Nairobi Add-Ons
You can also combine NNP with more niche or family-oriented stops:
- Talisman Restaurant / Karen Coffee Garden / House of Waine
- Excellent lunch options in garden or boutique hotel settings (meals approx. $20–30 per adult).
- Nairobi Railway Museum
- Explore old locomotives and colonial-era rail history (approx. $10 per adult).
- Uhuru Gardens National Monument
- Kenya’s independence monument and history displays (modest entry fee, around $5).
- Oloolua Nature Trail
- Forest walk with waterfall and cave near Karen — great for hikers and nature lovers (small entry fee).
- Panari Ice Skating Rink / The Hub Karen
- Family recreation, shopping, and entertainment (approx. $10–15 per person).
- Maasai Market (rotating locations)
- Open-air craft market where you can buy beadwork, textiles, carved animals, and souvenirs (free entry, pay for what you buy).
Summary of Entry Fees for Popular Add-On Excursions (Approximate, USD)
| Attraction | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) | Experience Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park (guest ticket) | 80 | 40 | Wildlife / Safari |
| Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage | 20 (+ NNP fee if applicable) | 5 | Wildlife rescue & education |
| Giraffe Centre | 15–20 | 7.5–10 | Animal interaction & education |
| Nairobi Safari Walk & Animal Orphanage | 25 | 15 | Family wildlife experience |
| Bomas of Kenya | 20 | 10–12 | Culture, dance & performance |
| Karen Blixen Museum | 12–15 | 6 | History & literature |
| Kazuri Beads Centre | Free | Free | Art & craft shopping |
| Nairobi National Museum + Snake Park | 15 | 10 | Heritage, history & reptiles |
| Karura Forest Reserve | 10 | 5 | Nature, recreation & birdwatching |
| Nairobi Railway Museum | ~10 | Reduced | Transport heritage |
| Oloolua Nature Trail | ~5 | Reduced | Forest walk, waterfalls, caves |
(Exact fees may change; always check current pricing at time of booking.)
Suggested Pairings & Timing with a Nairobi National Park Day Tour
Use this as a practical planning grid to build your own full-day itinerary:
| Destination | Ideal Time to Visit | Approx. Adult Fee (USD) | Experience Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 20 + NNP fee | Baby elephants, rescue & rehabilitation |
| Giraffe Centre | Morning or afternoon | 15–20 | Giraffe feeding, conservation education |
| Bomas of Kenya | Afternoon | 20 | Cultural performances, traditional villages |
| Karen Blixen Museum / Kazuri Beads | Midday / early afternoon | 12 (Kazuri free) | History, literature, artisan ceramics & crafts |
| Nairobi Safari Walk & Orphanage | Mid-morning / early PM | 25 | Family-friendly close-up wildlife encounters |
| Nairobi National Museum + Snake Park | Late morning / afternoon | 15 | Natural history, culture, reptiles |
| Karura Forest Reserve | Afternoon | 10 | Walking, cycling, waterfalls, birdwatching |
| Utamaduni / Matbronze / Art Galleries | Midday / early afternoon | Free entry | Shopping, art, sculpture, lunch in a garden setting |
| Talisman / Karen Coffee Garden | 1:00–2:30 PM | Meal ~20–30 | Fine dining or relaxed garden lunch |
| Nairobi Railway Museum | Morning or midday | ~10 | Vintage trains, colonial railway history |
| Uhuru Gardens National Monument | Afternoon | ~5 | Independence monument, national history |
| Oloolua Nature Trail | Late afternoon | ~5 | Forest walk, waterfalls, caves near Karen |
| Malls & Family Spots (Hub, Panari) | Afternoon or evening | 10–15 | Shopping, ice skating, entertainment |
Example 1–2 Day Itinerary Ideas
Day 1 – Wildlife & Conservation Focus
- Early Morning: Nairobi National Park game drive
- Late Morning: Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (11:00–12:00)
- Afternoon: Giraffe Centre, optional Karen Blixen Museum or Kazuri Beads
Day 2 – Culture, History & Nature
- Morning: Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park or Karura Forest
- Afternoon: Bomas of Kenya, Utamaduni Craft Centre, or Oloolua Nature Trail
Why Add These Attractions to Your Nairobi National Park Safari?
Combining Nairobi National Park with nearby attractions transforms a simple game drive into a well-rounded Nairobi experience that blends:
- Big game viewing (lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, cheetahs)
- Conservation impact (Sheldrick, Giraffe Centre, Safari Walk)
- Culture and heritage (Bomas, Karen Blixen, Nairobi Museum)
- Urban green spaces and art (Karura, galleries, craft centres)
For visitors with only 1–2 days in Nairobi, this is one of the most efficient and rewarding ways to experience Kenya’s wildlife, culture, and history without long overland travel.