It is sometimes hard to put into words how adventurous Nairobi National Park is. Because who could have imagined African wilderness so close to the city that its skyline is highlighted by skyscrapers. The strategic location of Nairobi National Park, just a stone’s throw from the capital city, Nairobi, makes it a unique discovery. As it easy noticed, Nairobi National Park was named after the capital Nairobi. This was due to the national park’s proximity to the capital, earning it the name.
It is on rare occasions that national parks or other protected areas are this close to the busy and commercial center of a nation. It is such uniqueness that hits visitors differently upon visiting this national park. Other than the sight of the city in the distance, Nairobi National Park makes you totally forget about the busy city life. A visit to this park is a total detachment from the modern world.
At 117 square kilometers, this national park is a giant in terms of its distance it is from the capital. In a short distance of about 8 kilometers, one can access this national park from the city center of Nairobi. Therefore, there is no reason for one to miss a chance to explore the Nairobi National Park. This park is manned by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
This park has a series of vegetation types ranging from the thick savannah grassland to scattered woodlands of acacia trees. These vegetation zones scrabble along the uneven terrain of hills and valleys, stretching the horizon. In 1946, Nairobi National Park was designated as a national park and added to the long list of other protected areas in the country.
What to see in Nairobi National Park? – Attractions
Attractions of this national park strike a significant balance, like any other popular African wilderness. Some of these attractions or the things to see in this park include the following.
Wildlife
The wildlife in this park qualifies as one of the major attractions. It is estimated that over 100 mammals walk the perimeters of this park. Among these are the Big 5, which are highly sought after. Just because the park is close to the city does not mean it is short of adventures. The wildlife in the park offers a unique experience from daily city life. Grant’s gazelle, impala, wildebeest, Hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, cheetahs, hippos, waterbucks, common warthogs, jackals, and elands, among others, can also be spotted alongside the Big 5.
In addition, there are also primates spotted across the savannah in this park. The common primates spotted include olive baboons, colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among others.
Birdlife
For birders and other nature lovers, the lineup of bird species is quite remarkable, with over 500 commanding the skyline. The common resident endemic birds are the custodians of the park, however allowing in some European migratory species that seasonally come in. These account for over 20 species among the total birds in this park. Some of these bird species in the park include American Sparrows, laughing thrushes, Monarch flycatcher, Kori bustard, cuckoo shrike, buphagidae, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and old world orioles, among others.
Kifaru Ark
Nairobi National Park is at the center of conservation as it has a protection program for the black rhinos. At Kifaru Ark, this conservation of rhinos is overseen, as this Ark is a sanctuary that assures the protection of these rhinos. This sanctuary is one of the highly visited attractions in the park. The Kiswahili word for rhino is kifaru. This sanctuary earned its name from the local word. Over 90 rhinos roam the vast savannah grasslands of this park, and this is all thanks to the incredible conservation efforts of Kifaru Ark.
What to do? – Activities
With a vast number of attractions, this calls for proper activities in place to explore these lands for a memorable adventure. The following are some of these activities in Nairobi National Park.
Game viewing
The park’s large number of wildlife calls for a decisive game drive experience to unmask these wildlife species at a safe and comfortable distance from a safari vehicle. Game drives are the major tourist activity in this park. This activity gives visitors a much-needed insight into the wilderness and an understanding of the wildlife species.
Birding
The 500 bird species in this park are better spotted on a birding or bird watching adventure. Bird species are an important addition to the vast attractions in this park. This birding experience takes visitors along the designated trails that nest some of the unique birds in the park. This birding experience can be done on foot or in a safari vehicle, with emphasis put on these flying beauties.
The migratory European species spotted commonly in the wet season offer a glimpse into the exotic bird species. From the Abyssinian ground hornbill to the laughing dove and giant herons, among others, can be encountered during this adventure.
Walking safari
Unlike the game drive safari that happens using a safari vehicle, the walking safari gives a more realistic adventure. During this walking safari, visitors explore the savannah plains of Nairobi National Park on foot. Guided by professional armed rangers, visitors come at a safe distance to spot some of the wilderness custodians. This experience offers both a challenge and an adventure like no other by coming close to the wild.
In conclusion, Nairobi National Park offers a wide range of attractions and activities that are up for discovery and adventure on a Kenya safari. The dry season holds the key to an exciting adventure since it’s the best season for outdoor activities. Birding, however, begs to differ as the park sees an introduction of European bird species for breeding. Contact us at Monteero Safaris for a splendid time in this park.