Experience Nairobi National Park and Elephant Orphanage: A Private Wildlife Safari Near Nairobi

Nairobi National Park sits just outside Kenya’s capital, blending urban views with wild encounters. This private tour immerses travelers in close-up sightings of lions, rhinos, and baby elephants at the renowned orphanage. Explore a rare urban wilderness where nature and city life collide.

Nairobi, null•

6 hours total

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

Just eight miles from Nairobi’s relentless cityscape, Nairobi National Park challenges expectations with its vibrant pulse of untamed life. Here, the urban skyline dares to intrude on vast savannahs—where lions lounge beneath acacia trees and rhinos wander across open plains framed by distant skyscrapers. This private tour offers an intimate journey through Kenya’s first national park, crafted for travelers who seek undistracted encounters with iconic wildlife.

Before You Go

Dress for variable weather

Morning game drives can be chilly; layered clothing helps you stay comfortable as temperatures rise after sunrise.

Stay hydrated throughout the tour

Carry a refillable water bottle to keep hydration steady during game drives under the African sun.

Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting

A good pair enhances your ability to observe distant animals without disturbing their habitat.

Charge your camera batteries fully

The park provides ample photo opportunities; having reliable equipment ensures you don’t miss key moments.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•The lesser-known rocky valleys offer excellent spots for spotting elusive leopards.
•Early morning at the park’s highland forest section rewards birdwatchers with sightings of rare species like the crowned crane.

Wildlife

•African elephant (especially at the orphanage)
•Secretary bird among the park's diverse avian life

Conservation Note

The park supports endangered species like black rhinos through stringent protection and collaborates with the elephant orphanage to rehabilitate calves for wild release.

Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s oldest national park and uniquely located within an urban area, illustrating early conservation efforts balancing development and nature.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Early morning, Golden hour, Late afternoon

Key viewpoints:

• Open plains near the Nairobi skyline for city-wildlife contrast
• Rocky valleys for landscape shots
• Elephant orphanage viewing platform

Subjects to capture:Lions and other large mammals, Elephant calves at the orphanage, Bird species in flight

What to Bring

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Lightweight layersEssential

Facilitates comfort during cool mornings and warmer afternoons.

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Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)Essential

Protects against strong equatorial sun exposure during daytime drives.

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Comfortable closed-toe shoesEssential

Provides traction and protection when entering park grounds or walking short distances.

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Binoculars

Useful for enhanced viewing of distant wildlife from the safari vehicle.

Common Questions

Is this safari suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children are allowed; they can ride in strollers and must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Are park entry fees included in the tour price?

Park fees are paid separately through the Kenyan government’s e-citizen platform; assistance with this process is provided by the tour operator.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

You’re likely to see lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species, along with over 300 bird species.

How is this safari different from other Nairobi National Park tours?

This is a private tour offering a personal experience with a dedicated professional guide and a custom 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for better game viewing.