The Nairobi National Park is located only 7km from Nairobi, making it the only park in the world near a major city. The park is relatively smaller than other parks in the country but hosts lots of wildlife species and has vast activities to enjoy. Its nearness to the city and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport makes it an ideal option for a perfect day trip for local and international tourists. Here are some facts you need to know about the park.
Giraffes in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is the Oldest National Park in Kenya
The Nairobi National Park was gazette in 1946 before Kenya gained independence. The park is free-range and fenced on the areas that are near the city to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. Before getting well-established, there were constant human-wildlife conflicts that made city residents walk around with weapons at night for protection. Herbivorous animals such as giraffes would destroy flower beds and vegetable gardens, and this later made the colonial government define the area as a game reserve.
The park Hosts the Greatest Number of Black Rhinos
Rhinos on city view
During your morning or evening game drive, you may not fail to spot the rhino. The Nairobi National park has more than 70 black rhinos and a few white rhinos. These critically endangered species were brought to the park to protect them from poachers. The black rhinos carry their heads high, are bush-browsers with triangular mouth and their upper lip is hooked up.
Nairobi National Park Has no Elephants
The only national parks in Kenya with no elephants are the Nakuru National Park and Nairobi National Park. The elephants were moved from Nairobi National Park to minimize the human-wildlife conflicts since the park is quite near places of residence. The rest of the big four including leopards, rhinos, lions, and buffalos can be found here.
The Park Hosts Two Other Animal Sanctuaries
Crocodile in a cage
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has created the animal orphanage and the safari walk within the park. The animal orphanage serves as a rehabilitation and treatment center for animals such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, leopards, warthogs, Sokoke cats, buffalos, and baboons. You can also view various birds including guinea fouls, parrots, ostriches, and crowned cranes. The Nairobi safari walk, a wooden boardwalk, provides a highlight of animals and plants you can find in Kenya and how they influence the country’s population.
A Tented Camp Located Within the Park
The Nairobi National Park has unique accommodation for those who wish to have a more diverse wildlife experience in the city. This self-contained camp can give you a wilderness escape and a great camping experience in the thick bushland as you wake up to an early morning game drive. It is also an ideal accommodation option if you plan to visit other tourist attractions located near the park.
The Nairobi National Park is the place to be for any tourist wishing to enjoy a holiday in the city. You can learn more about the history and formation of the oldest park in the country as you enjoy a close view of the black rhinos. The animal orphanage and Nairobi safari walk is an amazing treat for all age groups and can provide great learning and fun experience. More importantly, the unique tented camp accommodation may give you a memorable experience of a “stay with nature”.
