1 Day Safari at Nairobi National Park
1 Day Safari at Nairobi National Park. Experience the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife just a stone’s throw from the bustling capital city of Nairobi. Nairobi National Park is the only wildlife park located within a capital city, making it a perfect destination for a quick but unforgettable safari.
Itinerary Overview
Morning:
- 6:30 AM: Start your day early with pick-up from your hotel or residence in Nairobi. Drive to Nairobi National Park, located just 15 minutes from the city center.
- 7:00 AM: Begin your game drive as the park opens. Explore the vast savannah, acacia woodlands, and riverine habitats. Spot a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The park is also home to over 400 bird species.
- Visit the ivory burning site monument, a historic reminder of Kenya’s fight against poaching.
Midday:
- Take a break at a designated picnic site within the park, where you can enjoy light refreshments or a packed breakfast while soaking in the scenery.
- Continue your game drive, focusing on areas around the Mbagathi River and the open plains where animals graze freely against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Optional visit to the nearby David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage) or the Giraffe Centre for an up-close experience with rescued elephants or feeding giraffes.
- 2:00 PM: Head back to your hotel or residence, arriving by mid-afternoon.
Key Highlights of Nairobi National Park
- Unique Setting: Wildlife in a city setting with Nairobi’s skyline as a backdrop.
- Wildlife: Home to lions, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and more.
- Birdlife: Excellent for birdwatching, with ostriches, vultures, and secretary birds.
- Scenic Landmarks: The ivory burning site monument and the diverse landscapes of savannahs, forests, and wetlands.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning Hours: Animals are most active in the early morning, making it the best time for game viewing.
- The park is accessible year-round, though the dry season (June to October) offers easier wildlife spotting.
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable outdoor clothing and closed shoes.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Binoculars and a camera.
- Drinking water and light snacks.
Inclusions
- Park entry fees.
- Transportation in a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Professional driver/guide.
- Bottled water during the game drive.
Exclusions
- Lunch or additional refreshments.
- Entrance fees to optional visits (e.g., David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or Giraffe Centre).
- Tips for the guide/driver.
Conclusion
This 1-day Nairobi National Park safari is a perfect blend of adventure and convenience, offering a chance to see Kenya’s iconic wildlife without leaving the city.