The Nairobi National Park - Enjoy Kenya Wildlife in the City
Nairobi National Park is
the oldest of all Kenya's national parks. It is known for its Black Rhino
Sanctuary and, despite bordering the city, it is home to lions, leopards
and hyenas as well as many other Kenyan animals
With the exception of
zoos, there are few places on earth that put visitors face-to-face with wild
animals in urban settings. This is what makes Nairobi National Park, the first
game reserve in Kenya, so unique. Located just a few kilometers south of the
city, this national park is the only protected area in the world that sits so
close to a nation’s capital. Visitors are likely to spot black rhinos, lions,
giraffe and zebra, as well as some of the 400 birds that make Kenya a
destination for birders.
Nairobi National Park
was established in 1946. It gives visitors a chance to indulge in pure African
safari at the footsteps of a major urban center. It is tiny in comparison to
many of Kenya's other national parks, and shows how Kenya was in its natural state,
when the City of Nairobi was just becoming established over 100 years ago.
Nairobi National Park
covers just 117km² (44 square miles), and consists of typical, original Kenyan
landscape such as plains, forests, steep gorges and lush vegetation along the
banks of the Embakasi River. It has a high-altitude, savannah landscape with
acacia trees dotting across the open plains. The park is located just outside
of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, and its boundary adjoins the
city's industrial area.
The protection of
animals such as lions, leopards and rhinos, as well as the black rhino
conservation program, so close to a major city sometimes results in conflicts
between the local Maasai tribe and the city's four million inhabitants. There
are further problems as development continues and air pollution from the nearby
industrial area increases. It is quite odd to see a giraffe grazing against the
distant backdrop of high-rise buildings!
Nairobi National Park is
perhaps best known for its significant black rhino sanctuary. This is
the best place to see these endangered animals in their native environment.
There are no elephants in this national park, but four of the "Big
Five" can be seen here (lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos). Other
wildlife commonly seen in the national park include giraffes, elands, zebras
and wildebeest. As well, hippos and crocodiles can often be spotted along the
Embakasi River.
Nairobi National Park
attracts over 150,000 visitors who come to the park every year to see the native
African wildlife. Carry a notebook and a spotter's guide, as well as plenty of
water when you go on safari.
Nairobi
National park - weather and climate
The best season for
visitors to Nairobi park is from July through March when the climate is mainly
dry and sunny. The rainy season is from April through June. During this time,
transport is difficult and it is nearly impossible to view the animals on
safari. There may also be some rain from October to December.
There is no
accommodation or lodges in the park, but lodging is plenty in Nairobi city
which is less than 10 KM away from the park. Check out this list of great
hotels where you can stay in Kenya including high end to budget hotels in
Nairobi.
High season is July
through March when over 100,000 visitors enjoy seeing the Kenya wildlife in its
natural habitat. Avoid the rainy months of March through May. The best times
for viewing are early and late in the day, as animals tend to sleep in the hot
midday sun.
Park tariffs and
entrance fees
E.A Citizens (KES)
|
E.A Residents (KES)
|
Non- Residents (USD)
|
|
Adults
|
150
|
300
|
20
|
Children/Students
|
50
|
150
|
10
|
No comments