NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK

The establishment of Nairobi National Park was the best idea ever, brought to fruition by a knowledgeable visionary in 1966 after displacing the Maasai people, who are believed to be the original inhabitants of the land. The Maasai have a strong attachment to their culture, and their lifestyle has attracted many historians, researchers, and tourists. This majestic national park is located south of the center of Nairobi. Though setting up a park near the capital seemed, to some extent, like a bad idea, it was done to address the ongoing conflict between humans and wildlife. Some carnivores encroach on human land and prey on livestock, prompting retaliatory killings.
The park hosts a wide variety of species, including lions, leopards, tigers, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, antelopes, wild foxes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, impalas, monkeys, baboons, gorillas, and various bird species, such as ostriches, red-eyed doves, gray crowned cranes, Namaqua doves, secretary birds, laughing doves, and white-browed coucals, to mention but a few.
The attractions at Nairobi National Park include:
Impala Observation Point: This area is ideal for picnics with food, drinks, and sometimes simple tables or mats laid on the ground. Tourists can enjoy the fresh air and spot animals on the ground and birds in the sky.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage: This sanctuary provides refuge to various wildlife, including cheetahs, buffaloes, cats, warthogs, baboons, and monkeys. It also houses different bird species such as parrots, ostriches, crowned cranes, and guinea fowls. The orphanage serves as a healing center for injured animals.
The Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area: The Ivory Burning site is a historical location established by former President Daniel Arap Moi on July 18, 1989. It is the site where over 2000 elephant tusks weighing 12 tonnes were set ablaze to punish poachers. The ashes of the ivory serve as a monument that tourists can visit. The site includes beaches and lavatories for picnics.
The best seasons to visit the park are during the dry season when animals gather around waterholes and rivers to drink. During June and September, tourists can even spot shy and rare animals.
Accommodations at Nairobi National Park are top-notch, attracting a significant number of customers due to their strategic locations. Most tourists, after disembarking from planes, choose road transport to their booked lodges. These lodges offer private balconies, clean washrooms, and comfortable bedrooms. The hotels include Ololo Safari Lodge, The Emakoko, Masai Village Lodge, The Last Village Lodge, Nyati Hill Cottages, Osoita Lodge, The Boma Nairobi, The Nairobi Safari Club, Weston Hotel Nairobi, The Tamarind Tree Hotel, Eka Hotel Nairobi, Panari Hotel Nairobi, Ole Sereni Airport Hotel Nairobi, Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport, to mention but a few.
Tourists access the park premises after paying a specified fee at the entrance. Trackers should possess a permit to prove that they are part of an environmental organization. Foreigners pay in dollars, while locals pay in Kenyan shillings. In most cases, children under the age of five enter for free. The fees are as follows:
Adults (citizens) pay 400 Kshs, and children pay 215 Ksh.
Residents pay 400 Ksh, and children pay 215 Ksh.
Non-residents or foreigners pay 35 US$ for adults and 20 US$ for children. A visa is mandatory before entering Kenya, along with a valid passport with blank spaces and a national ID for easy identification.
Tourists can engage in various activities, such as:
Walking Safaris: Tourists get an opportunity to enjoy an aerial view of the spectacular landscapes and take part in exciting activities. During this activity, one is advised not to stray from the group and into the bush, as it may result in unexpected animal encounters. Always seek permission from the designated official if you want to do something unusual.
Game Drives: Visit the park to view the endangered black rhino, herds of buffaloes, towers of giraffes, and prides of lions in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Photography is a common pastime during these drives. Littering is forbidden to protect the wildlife from ingesting plastic.
Birdwatching: Bird enthusiasts are encouraged to visit during the breeding wet season when migratory birds are present. Some notable bird species include black-headed herons, Somali ostriches, blacksmith lapwings, Somali bee-eaters, African jacanas, bustards, eagles, to mention but a few.
Hot Air Balloon Trip: This activity, with its bubble shape and hot air gas propulsion, is an attraction for both young and old visitors. Tourists get to fly with the birds and enjoy the area’s breathtaking landscapes.
Nairobi National Park is a haven for travelers who have a passion for adventure, including filmmakers who appreciate its scenic beauty. This national park offers something special for everyone.