Nairobi National Park (NNP) saw significant changes in visitor numbers and revenue generation from 2012 to 2018, especially in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a breakdown of the park’s visitation trends and revenue growth:
Here is a table showing the percentage annual growth in revenue and non-resident visitors for Nairobi National Park from 2012 to 2018:
Here is a table for Nairobi National Park visitation and revenue (2012-2018):
| Year | Citizen | Resident | Non-resident | Total visitors | Revenue (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 93,137 | 16,785 | 37,574 | 147,496 | 205,469,190.00 |
| 2013 | 90,370 | 17,209 | 42,412 | 149,991 | 216,103,136.00 |
| 2014 | 74,404 | 15,504 | 37,470 | 127,378 | 250,680,162.00 |
| 2015 | 76,399 | 15,721 | 36,968 | 129,088 | 279,778,790.00 |
| 2016 | 85,032 | 16,850 | 51,639 | 153,521 | 324,456,224.00 |
| 2017 | 91,287 | 17,690 | 58,644 | 167,621 | 321,885,169.00 |
| 2018 | 102,576 | 18,941 | 74,981 | 196,498 | 429,672,423.00 |
This table provides a comprehensive view of the number of visitors and revenue generated at Nairobi National Park from 2012 to 2018, with a clear breakdown of citizens, residents, and non-residents.
| Year | Revenue Growth (%) | Non-resident Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | N/A | N/A |
| 2013 | 5.18% | 12.88% |
| 2014 | 16.00% | -11.65% |
| 2015 | 11.61% | -1.34% |
| 2016 | 15.97% | 39.69% |
| 2017 | -0.79% | 13.57% |
| 2018 | 33.49% | 27.86% |
This table highlights the fluctuations in revenue and non-resident visitors, with 2016 and 2018 being particularly strong growth years for both categories.
Visitor Trends:
- Citizens: The number of citizens visiting the park remained the highest, growing steadily from 93,137 in 2012 to 102,576 in 2018. This segment experienced a consistent growth rate, with a notable increase of 11% from 2017 to 2018.
- Residents: The number of residents remained relatively stable, ranging between 15,000 and 19,000 over the years. However, growth in this segment was slower compared to other groups.
- Non-residents: The most significant change occurred in the non-resident category, with a sharp rise in numbers from 37,574 in 2012 to 74,981 in 2018. This segment more than doubled in size, reflecting a growing interest in NNP among international visitors.
Revenue Growth:
- Revenue grew from Ksh 205 million in 2012 to an impressive Ksh 429 million by 2018, driven primarily by increased international tourist numbers. The revenue growth rate peaked in 2018, reflecting increased park fees for non-residents and a rise in global tourism interest in Nairobi’s wildlife.
Summary:
- Overall, non-resident visitation has been a key driver of revenue growth for Nairobi National Park.
- Despite fluctuations in resident numbers, citizens continued to make up the majority of visitors, supporting the park’s sustainability.
- The park’s total visitor count grew by 33% over the six-year period, with revenue more than doubling during this time.
Possible Reasons for the Sharp Rise of Non-Resident Visitors at NNP from 2012 to 2018;
The high growth in non-resident visitors to Nairobi National Park (NNP) between 2012 and 2018 can be attributed to several key factors:
1. Increased Global Awareness of Kenyan Wildlife
Kenya’s international profile as a premier wildlife destination has grown significantly in recent years. Nairobi National Park, with its unique location near a capital city, offers a convenient and accessible opportunity to experience African wildlife. This makes it particularly attractive for international visitors with limited time who still want an authentic safari experience.
2. Proximity to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
NNP’s location close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is a major driver of non-resident visitation. The park’s accessibility for layover tourists or travelers on short visits to Nairobi offers an unparalleled opportunity to go on a wildlife safari without needing to venture far from the city.
3. Growth of Eco-Tourism
The global rise in eco-tourism and increasing awareness of conservation efforts have attracted international tourists to Nairobi National Park. As a key player in rhino conservation and a symbol of wildlife preservation, NNP has become a destination for environmentally conscious travelers who want to support conservation efforts.
4. Improved Infrastructure and Accessibility
Kenya has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure, including better roads, enhanced facilities, and more accessible parks. The development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the growth of the tourism industry in Kenya have made visiting NNP more convenient, particularly for non-resident tourists. The ease of arranging guided tours, including quick day trips, has made the park more appealing to foreign visitors.
5. International Marketing and Promotions
Kenya’s aggressive marketing campaigns by tourism bodies such as Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), combined with global partnerships, have helped position Nairobi National Park as a must-visit attraction. International campaigns promoting Kenya’s safaris, along with travel partnerships, have increased awareness of the park among potential non-resident visitors.
6. Increased Tourism from Emerging Markets
Beyond traditional markets in North America and Europe, Kenya has seen a rise in tourism from emerging markets such as China, India, and the Middle East. Many tourists from these regions are interested in Kenya’s wildlife, and Nairobi National Park offers a gateway to experiencing the country’s biodiversity.
7. Unique Urban Wildlife Experience
Nairobi National Park’s one-of-a-kind location — a wildlife park adjacent to a bustling capital city — sets it apart from other parks in Africa. This distinctive urban safari experience, where one can spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes with a city skyline in the background, has captured the imagination of international visitors.
8. Digital Nomads and Short-Stay Travelers
With the rise of digital nomadism and more flexible work arrangements, Nairobi has attracted a growing community of short-stay international visitors. The ease of access to NNP allows these visitors to incorporate a wildlife experience into their stay, contributing to the rising number of non-resident tourists.
I managed to get a hold of data from 2019 to 2021 from great analysis done by Wilson Waweru. Scroll below to see the figures.
