Nairobi National Park is located in Kenya, in the centre of the country’s capital, Nairobi. This is one of the few national parks in Africa that is located within the city. The park was founded in 1946. Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s oldest protected area, located just 7 kilometres south of the capital city of Nairobi.
Known as the world’s only wildlife capital, the park’s short open grass allows even city dwellers to enjoy free game viewing from the comfort of their homes. Permanent residents, including four of Africa’s big five mammals (the only exception being elephants), reside in the park’s various vegetation covers, dotted with Acacia trees and some woods. Nairobi National Park features around 400 bird species, including forest birds, savannah birds, and waterbirds, as well as over 100 animal species.
The Nairobi National Park encompasses an area of 117 square kilometres, making it one of the smallest parks in Kenya and Africa as a whole. The park boasts the most black rhinos in Africa and the globe. The park received the nickname “Kifaru Ark” as a result of its outstanding rhino conservation efforts. The park contains around 50 black rhinos and a high-profile anti-poaching squad, yet in August 2013, poachers got in and murdered one rhino, and another in January 2014.
The Nairobi National Park has the most successful game drives compared to other parks since visitors may easily observe lions and hyenas as rangers monitor the movements of lions around the park to avoid human conflicts with the big animals. This has made it easier for people to see the lions, but seeing the timid leopards and, sometimes, cheetahs requires patience and luck.
Attractions in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park offers a variety of attractions, and the park’s overall forest cover has played an important role in its development. Mammals are among the main attractions. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals, including four of Africa’s big five (the lone exception being elephants). Other creatures in the park include giraffes, elands, zebras, gazelles, waterbucks, hippos, and many more.
Birds
The national park is home to about 400 bird species, including migratory birds that visit during the rainy season to breed and then return afterward. There are also permanent residents who depart the park at certain times. The park categorizes the bird species into three distinct habitats. The southern part of the park, covered in forests, is home to forest birds, while the majority of species, including Ruppells Vulture, secretary bird, ostriches, Long-tailed Fiscal, bustards, and many others, are found in the open savannah. Nairobi National Park’s marshes also support waterbird species. Common Moorhen, Black-headed Heron, Blacksmith Lapwing, and others are among the waterbirds.
Predators
Nairobi National Park has a good concentration of predators, which are plainly seen. The rangers follow and monitor the movements of lions, making it easy for tourists to spot them during game drives. Other predators include leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
Activities at Nairobi National Park
As a result of the park’s numerous attractions, a variety of activities have emerged. The following are the main activities that are done at the park:
Birding
Nairobi National Park offers one of Kenya’s top birding safaris, second only to Masai Mara National Reserve. You can engage in birding throughout the year, with the rainy months of March through May and November serving as the peak season. These are nesting seasons, and migratory birds, particularly those from European countries, are present.
Game viewing
Despite being one of Kenya’s smaller parks, Nairobi National Park offers a superb game viewing experience. Four of Africa’s big five are visible. These include rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. Other big game in the park include hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, gazelles, zebras, and many more. Game drives can be full-day with packed lunches or half-days, depending on the guest’s availability.
Rhino Trekking
Many people consider the park to be the best national park in the world for black rhino conservation. There are more than 70 black rhinos in the park. Rhino trekking is one of the main activities available in Nairobi National Park.
City Tour: The magnificent views of Nairobi National Park, situated in the heart of the city, perfectly complement the Nairobi city tour. After a day in the bush, visitors can unwind in the town suburbs. You can conduct city visits in the afternoon following a game drive in the bush.
You can visit Nairobi National Park within one day of your business appointments in Kenya. Nairobi National Park offers short yet enjoyable safari expeditions. Looking for any activity to augment your stay in the Kenyan capital? Look no further. Nairobi National Park will provide the ultimate experience.
Nairobi National Park is one of the parks you might visit while on business in Nairobi. One can enjoy a full-day safari at Nairobi National Park, which is rich in wildlife.
