To ensure a rewarding visit to Nairobi National Park, visitors must understand the strict operational hours.
This detailed schedule helps structure a successful itinerary, allowing you to maximise wildlife viewing and adhere to park regulations.
All times are specified in East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3.
Nairobi National Park offers an exceptional urban safari, safeguarding endangered species amidst the city skyline.
Its accessibility means visitors must follow a precise daily schedule to protect both the wildlife and fellow visitors.
The park's main gates open at dawn and close at dusk, following a strict schedule.
Entry is not possible after the designated closing time, and all vehicles must exit the park by 19:00 EAT to ensure park regulations are met.
| Location / Attraction | Opening Time (EAT) | Closing Time (EAT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | 06:00 | 19:00 | Last entry is typically 18:00. All vehicles must exit by 19:00. |
| Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery | 11:00 | 12:00 | Strictly one hour for public viewing. Advance booking is mandatory. |
| Nairobi Safari Walk | 09:00 | 17:00 | Last entry is 16:30. |
For a comprehensive exploration of the park's main circuits, a game drive typically requires a minimum of four to six hours.
This timeframe provides ample opportunity to navigate the varied habitats and spot key species at a comfortable pace, enhancing your viewing experience.
As a globally significant sanctuary, the park plays a crucial role in conserving the critically endangered black rhino, serving as the main breeding and restocking source for other Kenyan parks.
The operational hours are carefully set to minimise disturbance to the delicate ecosystems that support not only rhinos but also lions, giraffes, leopards, and over 400 bird species, ensuring their well-being.
Accessing the park involves several key entry points.
Visitors commonly use the KWS Headquarters Gate off Lang'ata Road, the Cheetah Gate, and the Banda Gate.
Within the park, you can visit notable landmarks such as the Ivory Burning Site Monument, which serves as a historical testament to Kenya's wildlife conservation efforts, alongside various picnic sites like Mokoiyiet, ideal for a break.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) manages an elephant and rhino orphan rescue and rehabilitation centre situated next to the main park.
Access to this facility is carefully regulated and restricted to a specific daily timeframe.
The nursery opens its doors to the public for precisely one hour daily, from 11:00 to 12:00.
This viewing period offers the chance to observe the calves during their daily milk feeding and mud bath, which are essential for their social development and engaging for visitors.
Securing entry for the 11:00 public viewing session requires mandatory advance booking via the SWT official website.
A minimum donation fee ensures your reservation, as visitor numbers are strictly controlled to minimise any stress on the young animals.
Please note, spontaneous arrivals cannot be accommodated, so plan your visit ahead.
The Nairobi Safari Walk provides a unique facility where you can observe wildlife on foot from a raised boardwalk.
This offers a structured, educational experience, allowing you to see Kenya's diverse ecosystems up close.
The Safari Walk operates daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
The final admission is at 16:30, ensuring visitors have sufficient time to complete the circuit and enjoy the full experience before the facility closes.
A complete tour of the Nairobi Safari Walk generally takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
This duration allows for a relaxed pace to observe the animals within their semi-wild enclosures and to engage with the educational signage, enhancing your understanding.
All visitors are required to pay entry fees, which are determined by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Nairobi National Park holds a classification as a Premium Park, reflected in its fee structure.
Payments are exclusively cashless, typically accepted via M-Pesa, debit, or credit card directly at the gate, streamlining your entry.
| Category | Nairobi National Park Fee | Nairobi Safari Walk Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 100 | USD 25 |
| Non-Resident Child | USD 50 | USD 15 |
| East African Resident Adult | KES 2,000 | KES 500 |
| East African Resident Child | KES 500 | KES 300 |
| Kenyan Citizen Adult | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenyan Citizen Child | KES 200 | KES 125 |
Note: Vehicle entry fees apply separately and vary based on the vehicle's seating capacity.
International visitors are required to secure travel authorisation before their arrival in Kenya.
All visitors should carefully plan their route to the appropriate entry gate, ensuring it aligns with their planned itinerary.
Kenya now operates a digital travel system.
International visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before their departure.
The typical processing time for an eTA is 72 hours.
An approved eTA is a mandatory requirement for boarding flights and for successful entry into the country.
To combine visits to the park's various attractions effectively, precise timing is essential, particularly due to the fixed schedule of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.