Hyena Dam is one of the most popular and picturesque spots within Nairobi National Park (NNP), offering a prime location for both wildlife viewing and scenic beauty. Situated in the southern part of the park, the dam is a waterhole that attracts a wide variety of animals, making it a top destination for visitors eager to witness the park’s diverse wildlife in action.
Wildlife Hotspot
As a vital water source, Hyena Dam is a hub of activity, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate in large numbers. Visitors can often spot:
- Hippos cooling off in the water or lounging along the banks.
- Birdlife, including African Fish Eagles, herons, and pelicans, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
- Predators like lions and hyenas often frequent the area, attracted by the herbivores that come to drink.
- Giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and other grazing animals commonly gather at the dam for water, offering visitors excellent game viewing opportunities.
Ideal for Photography
The serene setting of Hyena Dam, with its calm waters and surrounding acacia trees, provides an excellent backdrop for photography. The reflections on the water during the early morning and late afternoon light offer stunning photographic opportunities. The area’s open terrain also ensures that visitors have unobstructed views of the animals.
Ecological Importance
Hyena Dam plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem, especially during dry periods when water becomes scarce. The dam supports a wide range of species and helps maintain the park’s ecological balance by providing a reliable water source for both herbivores and predators.
Visitor Experience
- Location: Hyena Dam is easily accessible on a game drive through Nairobi National Park and is a recommended stop on any half-day safari.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit, as this is when wildlife activity is at its peak.
- Facilities: Though there are no specific visitor facilities at Hyena Dam, it serves as a fantastic viewing spot where visitors can park and watch the wildlife unfold.
Conservation Message
The presence of diverse wildlife at Hyena Dam underscores the importance of preserving such water sources within protected areas. As poaching and habitat loss threaten water-dependent species like elephants, rhinos, and lions, places like Hyena Dam become even more critical in Kenya’s broader conservation efforts.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply a nature lover, Hyena Dam is an essential stop in Nairobi National Park that showcases the park’s thriving ecosystem in a beautiful, tranquil setting.
Directions to Hyena Dam from Nairobi National Park Main Gate
Hyena Dam is located Northeast of the Nairobi National Park Main Gate, and the journey covers 7.6 km, taking about 18 minutes by car. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the route:
- Start at Nairobi National Park Main Gate:
- From the Nairobi National Park Main Gate, head north on Magadi Rd (C58) toward Seminary Rd for about 650 meters.
- Roundabout at Langata Rd:
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit to merge onto Langata Rd.
- Continue along Langata Rd for 1.6 kilometers.
- Second Roundabout on Langata Rd:
- At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit and continue straight along Langata Rd for another 300 meters.
- Enter Nairobi National Park:
- After continuing along Langata Road, turn left into the park entrance and begin your drive towards Hyena Dam.
- Driving Within the Park:
- After entering the park, drive straight, taking a slight right after 71 meters, and continue for 1.8 kilometers along the internal park road.
- Keep right at the next fork and drive for 1 kilometer.
- Final Turn:
- Turn left, passing by the park on the right for about 1 kilometer, and the destination will be on the left.
You will now arrive at Hyena Dam, a prime wildlife viewing spot in the southern part of the park, perfect for observing hippos, birdlife, and various grazing animals that frequent the area.
This route, though scenic, also provides opportunities for wildlife sightings along the way, making the drive itself part of the overall safari experience.
- The drive toward Hyena Dam passes through some of the park’s open savannahs, which provide early chances to spot wildlife, including giraffes, buffalos, and zebras.
- Following the Park Map: The Nairobi National Park map provided at the gate will show marked routes, including the road leading directly to Hyena Dam. As you navigate deeper into the park, signage will guide you towards the dam.
- Terrain and Road Conditions: The roads leading to Hyena Dam are gravel and dirt tracks, typical of game parks. During the dry season, the roads are easily navigable by most vehicles, though a 4×4 is recommended for comfort. In the rainy season, the tracks can become muddy, and a 4WD vehicle is highly advised to ensure access.
Scenic Drive
The journey to Hyena Dam also takes visitors past several other notable features of the park, including open plains, Acacia woodlands, and additional waterholes. Wildlife encounters are frequent on this route, with sightings of lions, rhinos, and wildebeests being common, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Proximity to Other Attractions
Hyena Dam is relatively close to other key landmarks within Nairobi National Park, making it an ideal stop on a longer game drive. For example:
- Leopard Cliffs are located further east from the dam.
- Ivory Burning Site is accessible to the north, which visitors can visit before or after the dam.
This convenient location makes Hyena Dam a must-visit destination, easy to reach from the park’s entrance and ideally situated for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore Nairobi National Park’s diverse habitats.