Best for
A first or final stop, conservation visits, city culture
Best time
Year-round; Jun – Oct and Jan – Mar for the clearest viewing
Ideal stay
1 – 3 nights
Wildlife
Black and white rhino, lion, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, eland and 500+ birds
Location
South-central Kenya; the park gate is a short drive from the city centre
Nairobi is far more than a stopover. It is a remarkable city where wildlife, culture, conservation and world-class dining come together — the only capital in the world with a national park on its doorstep, and a sophisticated first or final stop on any Kenyan safari.
Few cities anywhere let you watch rhino graze with a skyline on the horizon. Nairobi National Park runs right up to the southern edge of the city, and around it sit the elephant orphanage, the giraffe sanctuary and the leafy Karen district — so a night or two here adds real wildlife and real conservation to a journey rather than just an airport transfer.
Lion, rhino, giraffe, buffalo and zebra on open plains, minutes from the centre of a capital city.
The elephant orphanage and the giraffe sanctuary are both a short drive away, and both put your visit to work.
Meet giraffe at eye level, learn how they are protected and see why they are the city's best-loved residents.
On the ground
Extraordinary wildlife just minutes from the city.
Get up close to Kenya's gentle giants.
Visit rescued elephants and support conservation.
Step into history in Nairobi's elegant Karen district.
Vibrant markets, galleries and world-class restaurants.
Game drives in Nairobi National Park
Head out in the morning or afternoon to spot rhino, lion, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and incredible birdlife.
Feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Meet and feed these graceful animals and learn about their conservation.
Black rhino country
Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya's most important black rhino sanctuaries, and sightings are common on a morning drive.
Wildlife you can expect
Black & white rhino — One of Kenya's densest rhino populations, on the city's edge.
Lion — Resident prides hunt the open plains below the skyline.
Giraffe — Maasai giraffe across the park; Rothschild's at the Giraffe Centre.
Buffalo & zebra — Common throughout the open grassland.
Eland & antelope — Eland, impala, Thomson's gazelle and waterbuck.
Birdlife — Over 500 species recorded, including seasonal migrants.
Where to stay
A few of the properties we book here. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match the camp to the journey.
An iconic stay with resident giraffes and timeless elegance.
Modern luxury, exceptional service and stunning views.
A boutique lodge on the edge of Nairobi National Park.
A stylish retreat with art, gardens and personalised hospitality.
“Nairobi works beautifully as a destination in its own right and also as a sophisticated first or final stop on a Kenyan safari. It is ideal for 1–3 nights, combining incredible wildlife, meaningful conservation experiences and city elegance — all with minimal transfer time.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
Nairobi is a year-round destination. Give it a full day if you can — the park in the morning, the orphanage at feeding time and the Karen district in the afternoon.
Warm days, clearer skies and excellent wildlife viewing.
Greener scenery during the rainy season. Fewer crowds and a different, lush perspective.
Dry season with the best wildlife viewing and clear skies.
Lush and green with fewer crowds. A great time to visit.
Tell us what excites you
Our safari designers will build a tailor-made journey around it — the right camp, the right season and the right pace.
