Nairobi National Park is remarkable in that it is the world’s only protected area with such a diverse range of animals and birds so close to a big city. It is a major attraction for visitors to Nairobi, and it serves a large number of local residents.
Nairobi National Park is situated immediately south of central Kenya, adjacent to and inside the Nairobi metropolitan area. Visitors landing at Nairobi International Airport can physically view the park and potential wildlife as they fly over and land. There is no other place on the planet where such a diverse variety of nature and species is so close to a large city. The core of the city is only four miles (6.4 kilometers) from the reserve’s fauna.
The national park, which covers 45.26 square miles (117.2 square kilometers), was the first to be formed in Kenya. The park is smaller than the majority of Kenyan and African national parks. Despite its diminutive size, it has a wide range of habitats. The broad plains, meadows, and scattered acacia trees occupy the majority of the ecosystems.
Being a successful rhino sanctuary, the park has a good track record of supporting and nurturing the species until they are re-located to their previous territory and other forthcoming sanctuaries. As a result of its success, it is one of the few parks where visitors may be confident of viewing a black rhino in its native habitat.
Nairobi National Park is a 117-square-kilometer area with a broad range of habitats and a wealth of flora and fauna. There are enormous swaths of open grass plains dotted with acacia shrub. On the western side of the park, there is a highland dry forest, while to the south, there is riverine woodland and a permanent river.
There are also stretches of broken bush, as well as deep, rocky valleys and gorges covered with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams have produced additional ecosystems, which have attracted specific avian and aquatic life species. The dams also attract water-dependent herbivores during the dry season.
Almost everyone who travels to Africa hopes to witness a predator animal. Predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, abound in Nairobi National Park. Buffalo, black rhino, baboon, eland, gazelle, hartebeest, hippopotamus, impala, giraffe, wildebeest, and waterbuck are among the other large animal species. The elephant is one of the creatures that most people wish to see but have never seen.
The ungulates are the most numerous species. Impala, wildebeest, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, and eland are among the species. Any of these species can be expected to be seen during a visit. The increased number of ungulates also makes predator species happy because it makes their hunt easier.
There are several bird species, with the vulture and the ostrich being two of the larger or more intriguing. The ostrich is a common sight on the plains. The Crowned Crane, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Egyptian Goose, and Black-necked Heron are among the other large species. There are various songbirds that provide an additional experience for birdwatchers.
HIGHLIGHTS
Nairobi National Park is dedicated to rhino conservation, and its efforts are among the most successful in Africa. Seeing these gorgeous creatures is undoubtedly a highlight. The proximity of this animal collection to Nairobi’s industrial city is a source of attraction for many individuals.
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a terrific way to get some fresh air and see the wildness that is literally next door to one of Africa’s most industrial towns. Aside from that, most people are perplexed by the abundance of wildlife that is so easily accessible so close to such a huge metropolis.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Black rhinoceros
- Diverse birdlife
- Large predators: lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah
- Large herbivores: eland, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest
- Ivory Burning Site Monument
- Walking trails at hippo pools
- Nairobi Safari Walk and the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Nairobi Tented Camp – an authentic under-canvas safari experience
