Nairobi National Park Safari: Urban-Edge Game Drive with Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
Experience a rare urban-edge safari where open savanna meets a city skyline. This full-day outing combines an early game drive in Nairobi National Park with visits to the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.
The Experience
Before You Go
Aim for an early start
Depart at first light for the best predator activity and cooler temperatures; traffic from Nairobi can add time to transfers.
Bring binoculars
Good optics reveal distant cats, rhinos, and detailed bird ID that the naked eye can miss.
Stay inside the vehicle
Do not exit vehicles in the park; guides will advise safe viewing distances to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Carry sun and hydration essentials
Kenyan sun is strong—pack sunscreen, a hat, and at least one liter of water per person despite bottled water often being provided.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning birding along the riverine groves where quiet channels attract mixed species flocks
- •A calm overlook on the park’s northern boundary that offers unobstructed skyline-plain contrasts at sunrise
Wildlife
- •African lion
- •Rothschild's giraffe
Conservation Note
Urban expansion and habitat fragmentation are ongoing pressures; Kenya Wildlife Service and local conservancies run protection and education programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict and safeguard rhino and elephant populations.
Gazetted in 1946, Nairobi National Park was set aside to protect wildlife on grasslands adjacent to the rapidly growing capital, a rare example of urban-proximate conservation.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Improves wildlife and bird viewing across the park’s open plains.
Wide-brim hat and sunscreenEssential
Protects against intense sun during mid-day hours.
Light layersEssential
Morning chills give way to hot afternoons; layers manage temperature changes.
Camera with zoom lens
A telephoto lens captures distant mammals and wildlife behavior without disturbing animals.
Common Questions
How long is the full tour?
Expect a 6–7 hour outing that includes transfer, a game drive inside the park, and visits to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.
Will I definitely see the Big Five?
Sightings cannot be guaranteed; Nairobi National Park offers strong chances for lions, buffalo, and giraffe, while rhino and leopard sightings are less common but possible.
Is the Elephant Orphanage suitable for children?
Yes — the orphanage is family-friendly and scheduled feeding times are a highlight, though children should be supervised and follow staff guidelines.
Are park entrance fees included?
Most organized tours include the park entrance fee and conservation levies; confirm on booking and carry local currency for incidental purchases or donations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–7 hours
Location
Nairobi, Nairobi County
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Low physical demand; comfortable for most fitness levels as activity is primarily vehicle-based with short, guided walks at conservation centers.
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