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Nairobi is the safari capital of East Africa with an array of safari parks. It is a superb base for a day or overnight excursions to witness wildlife. Just a few hours away and Nairobi welcomes you to forest-cloaked volcanoes, shady gorges, a flamingo-filled lake and popular game reserves that breathe wildlife. We put together the must-see safari park Nairobi destinations, in and around the safari capital. Read on to know more about where, when to visit and smart safari tips.
Top Safari Park Nairobi and Other Wildlife Centres
1. Nairobi National Park
This gorgeous one-of-a-kind park is a full-fledged national park with a backdrop of Nairobi city. The hilly grasslands with patches of woodland make the park one of the best attractions in East Africa. There is an abundance of wildlife of buffalos, impalas and wildebeest. This is a great choice for a half-day or so visit, and as part of a longer Kenyan safari. The Nairobi Tented Camp within the park is a genuine bush experience that is a must-try.
Location: Education Centre, Karen KWS Safari Walk, Animal Orphanage Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Activities: Safari Boardwalk, Animal Orphanage, Game Drives
2. Hells Gate National Park
Dark striped zebras, huge baboons, tall giraffes, and more wander the savannah grasslands of the park. The famous wildlife park is an excellent overnight excursion in Nairobi. You can walk or cycle throughout the park that makes it a unique safari park Nairobi experience. Peddle past a group of buffalos or participate in some rock climbing opportunities. All in all, this place is a weekend getaway adventure to be amid deep gorges and plenty of plains wildlife.
Location: North West of Nairobi, Kenya
Activities: Cycling, Rock Climbing, Walking, Nearby Lake Naivasha Boat Safaris, Bird Watching
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
This is like the twin sister of Nairobi National Park right at the doorstep of the popular Nakuru city. You are guaranteed to see black and white hippos, baboons and if you are lucky lions famous for their tree-climbing skills. This rewarding park packs in a lot of glam where thousands of enchanting flamingos cover the surface of the lake. There are several upmarket choices of stay within the park to be amidst avian life.
Location:180 km from Nairobi, Nakuru, Kenya
Activities: Safari Drives By Vehicle, Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site, Menengai Crater Climbing
4. Mt Longonot National Park
Take a day trip west out of Nairobi to the green agricultural land and forest. Suddenly the land tumbles down to the dry floor of the Rift Valley with volcanic craters and sparkling lakes. The giant Mt Longonot is a dormant volcano and a perfect escape from Nairobi. This is where one falls in love with Africa, a national park that offers rewarding trekking trails. The steep volcanic slopes are covered with thick forests where birds and monkeys are common. The view from the crater summit is nothing short of extraordinary. Stay at the basic campsite at the park entrance and have a great time.
Location: 83 km from Nairobi, Kenya
Activities: Mt Longonot Trek, Camping Experiences
5. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
Take a tour of the centre and learn about the conservation efforts of two famous animals in Kenya. The safe and contained environment focuses on rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Baby elephants who are orphaned are rescued from the wild and the Sheldrick Elephant Trust takes care of the animals. Watch as the elephants play and drink milk from a giant bottle from the keepers. The Giraffe Centre is where Rothschild Giraffes are protected. The centre rescued and released some 500 orphaned endangered Rothschild giraffes since its opening in 1979.
Location: Nairobi National Park, Nairobi, Kenya
Activities: Excursion Tours, Giraffe and Elephant Feeding Adopting Baby Elephants, Luxury Safari at Giraffe Manor
6. Nairobi Safari Walk
The Bonpa Excursion or Nairobi Safari Walk is a thrilling experience. The safari walk showcases Kenya’s Park and Reserves as you discover wildlife. The elevated wooden boardwalk takes you on a winding route through the safari park Nairobi. Lions, bongos, albino zebras, cheetahs, rhinos, leopards and other wildlife roam freely. You get a piece of good knowledge about the animals and their habitat from the guide. The Safari Walk allows you uninterrupted views of the animals and visitors can understand what to expect across the country’s reserves.
Location: Karen, Langata Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Activities: Safari Walk, Guided Tours, Nature Walks, Walking Trails at Hippo Pools, Ivory Burning Site Monument, Children’s Museum
Safari Park Nairobi: Tips
- Do plenty of research and compare costs of tours before deciding on a Nairobi safari park adventure.
- If you are a visitor from outside Africa, make sure that the tour agency’s website is secure, professional and uses https in the web address bar.
- Read a lot of reviews and social media posts by other travellers who have experienced the activity.
- Don’t agree to any advance payment requests via Western Union.
- Make a list of potential travel companies to hire and pay a little extra rather than relying on touts.
- Be aware of safari scams that are common in Nairobi and don’t fall prey to cut-prices and bad deals.
- Understand the type of accommodation offered, food served and the number of occupants in a jeep during a safari tour.
- Respect the privacy of wildlife and be cautious of unpredictable animals.
- Don’t feed the animals without the supervision of the guide.
- Stay in your vehicle and keep below the speed limit of 40 kph.
- Be at a minimum distance of 20 meters while viewing wildlife.
- Stay over or leave the safari park before dusk at 6:00 pm unless staying overnight.
Safari Park Nairobi: Best Time To Visit
The best time to go on a safari to Nairobi is during the dry months between July to October. The season has unlikely rains and the temperatures are pleasant. Wildlife viewing is at its finest during the dry season and it is the best time to visit Nairobi.
Also Read: Best African Safari Lodges In Kenya That Are Among The Top 10
