The Cost of a Game Drive in Nairobi National Park

A game drive in Nairobi National Park costs approximately USD 130 per day. Game drives offer visitors the opportunity to see various species of wildlife in their natural habitat, set against the backdrop of the city’s skyline. These drives typically last several hours and may take place in the morning, afternoon, or even at night. In some cases, additional costs may be incurred for transportation to and from the park, especially if you hire a tour operator.

Nairobi National Park is one of the few wildlife parks in the world located within a major city. Covering an area of 117 square kilometers, it offers a unique wildlife experience just seven kilometers from Nairobi’s bustling city center. This guide provides details on the cost of a game drive, entry fees, payment methods, wildlife you can expect to see, accommodation options, and the park’s regulations.

Entry Fees to Nairobi National Park

The cost of entry into Nairobi National Park varies depending on your residency status and the time of year you visit. There are three categories of park visitors: East African Citizens, Residents, and Non-Residents.

• East Africa Citizens: This group includes Kenyan citizens with valid national IDs or passports, as well as citizens of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan who possess valid passports.
• Residents: Refers to people of any nationality who live in Kenya and have proper documentation from the Kenyan government.
• Non-Residents or Foreign Tourists: This category applies to all foreign visitors who do not live in Kenya.

Entry Fees for Non-Residents:

• Low Season: The entrance fee is USD 40 per adult and USD 20 for children under 12 years of age.
• High Season: During peak times, the entry fee increases to USD 60 per adult, while the fee for children remains at USD 20.

Please note that the above fees are subject to change without notice. It’s advisable to confirm the rates with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) before visiting.

Cash payments are not accepted at Nairobi National Park. Visitors can pay using Visa and Mastercard, or through the local Mpesa phone payment system. Kenyan citizens and residents must carry identification and proof of residency to qualify for the lower rates.

Nairobi National Park Game Drive Experience

Nairobi National Park is a mere seven kilometers from Nairobi’s bustling city center. It is a unique wildlife refuge where you can see four of the Big Five (excluding elephants) and other exotic animals. The park features diverse landscapes, including forests, stretches of shrubbery, steep valleys, and gorges with scrub and tall grass, making it a great location for game drives.

The park’s roads are generally passable by 2WD vehicles, but it’s recommended to use a 4WD, especially during the rainy season when the roads can become challenging.

Best Time for Game Drives

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. These early and late hours are optimal for game viewing, as animals are usually most active during these times. Temperatures are ideal for the animals, and it’s also when most are out hunting or grazing.

Night game drives are available after 7 p.m., where high-powered lights on the vehicles ensure you can still observe wildlife. These drives offer a different experience, allowing visitors to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.

Wildlife in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park, despite being small, is home to a variety of wildlife. Due to urban encroachment, animal migration is no longer possible, but you can still see a rich assortment of animals during your visit.

Big Cats: Lion prides are frequently spotted in different areas of the park. Though leopards and cheetahs also inhabit the park, they are rarely seen during the day.

Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos live in the park, and because they are accustomed to vehicles, it’s not uncommon to see them up close, often with their young.

Other Wildlife: The park is home to a range of herbivores, including giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, zebras, hartebeests, and dik-diks. You’ll also find baboons, vervet monkeys, ostriches, and hippos near ponds. Crocodiles can also be seen in these water bodies.

Bird Species: Nairobi National Park is a haven for bird lovers, with many species inhabiting the grasslands, forests, and ponds.

Accommodation in and Around Nairobi National Park

If you wish to stay overnight in Nairobi National Park, there are a few accommodation options. The park has three public campsites, each equipped with power, hot water bathrooms, and kitchens. Tents are available for rent if you don’t have your own.

The Nairobi Tented Camp is the only permanent accommodation within the park. Located on the park’s western side, it features nine luxury tents. Guests can enjoy meals under the stars or in a dining tent, making it a unique wilderness experience.

For more luxurious stays, you can choose to stay in the nearby suburbs of Langata and Karen. These areas offer a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to five-star hotels. One of the most notable options is Giraffe Manor, located in Langata. This hotel provides an extraordinary experience, allowing guests to interact with the Rothschild giraffes that roam freely on the property.

Park Regulations

To ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife, Nairobi National Park has strict rules in place. Visitors are expected to follow these guidelines at all times:

• The speed limit is 50 km/h, except for Nyerere Park, where the limit is 25 km/h.
• Animals always have the right of way.
• Do not feed the animals, as it can disrupt their diet and make them reliant on humans.
• Stay on designated tracks and avoid venturing off-road.
• Picking, cutting, or damaging plants is prohibited, as is removing any biological objects such as eggs, bones, or trophies.
• Camping and picnicking are only allowed in designated areas.

Additional Information

While planning a game drive, it’s essential to factor in costs beyond park entrance fees, such as transportation and food. There are several tour operators who offer day-to-day game drives in the park, and it’s advisable to book in advance for a more streamlined experience.

If you’re driving yourself, note that apart from the main entrance, there are other gates on Magadi Road and Athi River. The Athi River gate is particularly useful for travelers heading toward Mombasa, Amboseli, or the Tanzanian border.