Experience an Authentic Kenyan Wildlife Safari Just Minutes from the City
Few places in the world offer such a rare and thrilling experience as Nairobi National Park — the only national park located within a capital city. Just 10 km south of Nairobi’s center and 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), this compact but wildlife-rich park is home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds.
A half-day Nairobi National Park safari is ideal for travelers short on time — layover visitors, business travelers, or anyone seeking a genuine wildlife encounter without leaving Nairobi. Picture this: lions stalking prey on open plains, rhinos grazing beneath acacia trees, giraffes silhouetted against the skyline, and hippos resting by the river — all within sight of the city’s skyscrapers.
🚙 The Experience
Your safari is conducted in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser equipped with a pop-up roof for panoramic game viewing. You’ll be accompanied by a professional, English-speaking driver-guide with deep knowledge of the park’s routes, wildlife behavior, and conservation history.
Whether you choose a morning or afternoon departure, your adventure promises close encounters with Kenya’s famous wildlife — including lions, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and gazelles — all living freely within this extraordinary urban wilderness.
Pick-up and 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.
🌅 Typical Departure Options
| Safari Option | Departure Time | Return Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Safari | 6:00 AM | 11:00 AM | Best for spotting predators like lions and hyenas at sunrise |
| Afternoon Safari | 1:00 PM | 6:00 PM | Excellent for photography and birdwatching in golden light |
The safari start and end periods can be customized to fit your schedule.
💰 Safari Pricing for Half-Day (Private Land Cruiser with Driver-Guide)
| Number of Guests | Price per Person (USD) | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $180 | $180 |
| 2 people | $90 | $180 |
| 3 people | $80 | $240 |
| 4 people | $60 | $240 |
| 5 people | $55 | $275 |
| 6 people | $50 | $300 |
| 7 people | $45 | $315 |
💡 Prices include a private 4×4 Land Cruiser, driver-guide, vehicle park entry fees, insurance, fuel, and bottled water.
Park tickets for guests are purchased separately on eCitizen prior to the tour.
🗺️ NNP Sample Itinerary – Half-Day Safari (4–5 Hours)
6:00 AM – Pick-Up & Drive to Nairobi National Park
Your guide will meet you at your hotel, residence, or the airport (JKIA or Wilson) for a short 20-minute drive to the Main Gate (East Gate) of Nairobi National Park. Enjoy the transition from the city’s bustle to the peaceful savannah as you enter the park.
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Western Savannah & Hyena Dam
Your adventure begins along the Western Savannah Route toward Hyena Dam, a prime early-morning spot for predators. Watch for:
- Lions and hyenas completing their early hunts.
- Buffaloes, zebras, impalas, and giraffes gathering at the waterhole.
- Birdlife such as African fish eagles, herons, and egrets.
This area offers excellent photography opportunities with the city skyline in the background.
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Ivory Burning Site & East Gate Plains
Continue toward the open East Gate Plains, one of the park’s most scenic areas.
- Stop at the Ivory Burning Monument, a historic site where Kenya publicly burned tons of ivory in 1989 to mark its stand against poaching.
- Spot herds of giraffes, ostriches, and gazelles moving gracefully through the savannah.
- Learn about Kenya’s pioneering conservation legacy from your guide.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Athi Basin & Rhino Sanctuary (Kifaru Ark)
Drive south toward the Athi Basin, a lush, wildlife-dense area known for its rhino population — Nairobi National Park hosts Kenya’s largest concentration of black and white rhinos.
Athi Basin is the southern part of the Park that makes up part of the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem.
You may also see hippos, warthogs, baboons, and, with luck, a leopard resting in the shade. Your guide will explain the park’s anti-poaching efforts and rhino translocation programs that help repopulate other reserves in Kenya.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Leopard Cliffs & Return Drive
Return via Leopard Cliffs and Leopard Gorge, rocky outcrops where leopards and cheetahs are sometimes spotted. On your way out, keep watch for ostriches, elands, jackals, and hartebeests grazing in the plains.
Enjoy final photo stops at scenic viewpoints before exiting the park and returning to your hotel or airport around 11:00 AM.
🐘 Key Highlights of the Half-Day Safari
- The Big Four (lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard — elephants absent)
- Over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles, kori bustards, and secretary birds
- Visit to the Ivory Burning Monument and Hippo Pools Nature Trail
- Incredible skyline-meets-savannah photography opportunities
- Rich conservation insights from expert guides
- Chance to see endangered black rhinos up close
🧭 About Nairobi National Park
- Established: 1946 – Kenya’s oldest national park
- Size: 117 km² (one of the smallest but most biodiverse in East Africa)
- Location: Just 10 km south of Nairobi city center
- Altitude: 1,533–1,760 m above sea level
- Ecosystems: Open grass plains, riverine forest, acacia woodland, and wetlands
- Notable Features: Leopard Cliffs, Hyena Dam, Ivory Burning Site, Mbagathi River, and the Nairobi skyline views
Inclusions and Exclusions for Half-Day NNP Tour
✅ Inclusions
- Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Vehicle and driver park entry fees
- Fuel and comprehensive insurance
- Hotel / Airport pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi
❌ Exclusions
- Guest park entry tickets (purchased via eCitizen – use this link and read these notes about purchasing a ticket)
- Meals, drinks, and snacks
- Tips and gratuities
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Optional add-ons (e.g., Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage)
👨👩👧 Family & Group Friendly
This safari is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and small groups.
Children especially love spotting giraffes and zebras up close — and shorter, flexible routes ensure they stay engaged throughout the drive.
For groups of 4–7 people, the shared Land Cruiser makes this the most affordable and comfortable private safari option in Nairobi.
📸 Pro Tips for an Amazing Short Safari
- Arrive early: Morning drives offer the best wildlife activity and cooler weather.
- Dress smart: Neutral-colored clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes.
- Bring: A camera with zoom lens, binoculars, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
- Stay hydrated: Complimentary bottled water is provided.
- Book early: Advance booking ensures confirmed vehicle allocation.
🧍♀️ 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
❌ Cancellation Policy
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 120+ days | 5% |
| 119–90 days | 10% |
| 89–60 days | 20% |
| 59–31 days | 30% |
| 30–7 days | 50% |
| 6 – 0 day | 100% |
⚠️ Card fees (5%) and 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.
💳 Booking & Payment Information
To make a booking, please email Bookings@NairobiPark.org with:
- Preferred date and time
- Number of guests
- Pick-up location (hotel, residence, or airport)
Payment can be made securely via online Pesapal link, card, or MPesa, and must be completed before the start of the safari.
Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email with the details of your assigned vehicle and driver. Please note that, on occasion, the assigned driver or vehicle may be subject to change based on availability.
Pick-ups or drop-offs outside Nairobi may attract a small additional fee.
Additional Booking info
- Cut-Off Time: Book at least 6 – 12 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 preferably using Pesapal’s online payment platform. For same day booking(with 24 hours, you’ll need to pay the whole amount – no deposit payments).
- Balance Payment:
- Payable preferably via Pesapal as well but can let us know if you strongly prefer other methods. We can accept MPesa, or bank transfer.
🌍 Why Choose NairobiPark.org
- Private & Personalized: Each safari is exclusive — no mixing with other groups.
- Expert Local Guides: Certified, conservation-minded professionals with years of experience.
- Premium Vehicles: Clean, well-maintained 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for comfort and visibility.
- Reliable & Transparent: Fixed rates, no hidden costs, and full pre-trip guidance.
🏁 Conclusion
A half-day Nairobi National Park safari is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Kenya’s capital.
In just a few hours, you can see the Big Four, witness rhino conservation in action, and photograph wildlife roaming free beside a world-class city skyline.
Whether it’s your first safari or a quick weekend adventure, this tour delivers the magic of Africa — effortlessly, accessibly, and sustainably.
Please fill out the form below or email us at bookings@nairobipark.org to receive a quick quote or make a booking. Unfortunately we may not respond to same-day bookings as game drives are planned the day before the tour.
