Nairobi National Park spans 117 square kilometres.
This protected area is located approximately 7 kilometres south of Nairobi's Central Business District.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages the park.
Its unique position on the edge of a major urban centre offers an accessible safari experience.
Wide-open grass plains define the park, set against a backdrop of city skyscrapers.
A scattered acacia bushland also features within the park.
These environments serve as critical habitats, supporting various wildlife species.
Effective planning requires current information regarding entry fees and national travel authorisations.
Confirm all logistical arrangements before your visit.
This ensures smooth entry into both the country and the park.
Nairobi National Park holds the classification of a KWS Premium Park.
The fee structure outlined below applies for 2026.
Payments are cashless.
Visitors must make payments using M-Pesa, VISA, or MasterCard.
All fees remain valid for a 24-hour period.
| Category | 2026 Rate (High Season) | 2026 Rate (Low Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Non-Resident) | USD 100 | USD 80 |
| Child (Non-Resident) | USD 50 | USD 40 |
| Adult (East African Citizen/Resident) | KES 2,000 | KES 1,000 |
| Child (East African Citizen/Resident) | KES 500 | KES 500 |
International visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure.
This system replaces the former visa process.
Applicants submit their request via the official government portal.
Apply at least 72 hours before travel to accommodate the processing window.
The eTA is a prerequisite for boarding your flight to Kenya.
Multiple routes and transport methods provide direct access to the park from key points within Nairobi.
Travel times depend on traffic conditions.
These conditions vary significantly by time of day.
Several gates provide access to the park.
Primary routes originate from Nairobi's Central Business District.
The main public entrances include the Langata Road Gate and the East Gate.
| Route | Key Roads | Target Gate | Distance (km) | Est. Time (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | Uhuru Highway (A104), Langata Road | Langata Road Gate | 9.7 | 20-30 minutes |
| Route 2 (Expressway) | Uhuru Highway (A104), Nairobi Expressway, Mombasa Road (A104) | East Gate | 10.8 | 15-25 minutes (Toll applies) |
| Route 3 | Ngong Road, Kabarnet Road, Langata Road | 9.9 | 25-40 minutes |
Nairobi National Park features three distinct ecosystems.
Open short-grass savanna forms the primary habitat.
This savanna supports large grazing herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo.
Acacia bushland complements this habitat, providing cover for predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
A permanent river with riverine forest runs along the southern boundary.
This creates a vital habitat for hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
The park functions as a designated rhino sanctuary.
It hosts one of Kenya's most significant populations of the endangered black rhinoceros.
A visit to Nairobi National Park combines well with stops at several significant conservation and heritage sites.
These sites are located in the immediate vicinity.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates a nursery for orphaned elephants and rhinos.
This facility is located adjacent to the park and is widely recognised for its work.
The facility opens to the public for one hour daily.
Visitors can observe the feeding and mud-bathing of the young animals.
During this time, they also learn about the trust's conservation initiatives.
The Giraffe Centre serves as the public-facing arm of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.
It focuses on conserving the Rothschild's giraffe.
Visitors interact with and feed the giraffes from a raised observation platform.
This provides an educational experience focused on conservation.
The Ivory Burning Site Monument lies within the park's boundaries.
This location marks the spot where Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi ignited 12 tonnes of confiscated ivory in 1989.
This event was a pivotal moment in the global campaign against the ivory trade.
The site features monuments and interpretive displays.
These explain its historical significance in wildlife conservation.