Nairobi National Park Tour: Half-Day Game Drives from the City
Nairobi National Park was established in 1946 and is Kenya’s first national park. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), it lies about 8 to 10 km from the city centre, which makes it the easiest game drive to fit into a short stay.
Nairobi National Park tour at a glance
| Best months | Open all year. The drier months of June to October and January to February usually give the easiest viewing. |
|---|---|
| Typical trip length | Around half a day for the game drive, or a full day with the elephant nursery and Giraffe Centre |
| Start point | Nairobi, with timings agreed around your hotel or flights |
| Gate hours | 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (KWS) |
| Vehicle options | 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari minivan with a pop-up roof |
| Comfort levels | Private vehicle and driver-guide, arranged on request; no fixed group departures |
| Who it suits | Travellers with a free morning, layover passengers, families, and guests starting or ending a longer safari |
Safaris to pair with a Nairobi National Park game drive
We do not sell this as a fixed package. Tell us your dates and we will quote a private drive, or add it to the first or last day of a longer trip such as these:
- 3-Day Masai Mara 4×4 Fascinating Safari Spectacle – three days in the Masai Mara by 4×4, starting from Nairobi.
- 4-Day Naivasha & Masai Mara Wonders – four days combining Lake Naivasha with the Masai Mara.
To check availability, request a quote or contact our Nairobi office.
What will you see on a Nairobi National Park game drive?
A Nairobi National Park game drive offers four of the Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. KWS states that elephants are absent from the park.
The park protects black rhinos in a sanctuary, and KWS lists more than 400 bird species. Open grass plains with the city skyline behind them make it an unusual setting for photographs. You can also stop at the historic ivory burning site.
Sightings are never certain. Lions and leopards are present but can stay hidden, so treat every drive as a chance, not a promise.
What time do the Nairobi National Park gates open?
The gates open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service park page. Day visitors must be out by closing time.
Early morning is usually the most rewarding time, because predators are more active before the day warms up. A late-afternoon drive is the next choice. Nairobi traffic can be slow at both ends of the day, so allow a margin.
How much are Nairobi National Park entry fees?
At the time of writing (November 2026), the adult entry fees published by KWS for Nairobi National Park range from USD 40 to USD 80 for international visitors, depending on citizenship. Citizens of other African countries pay the lower rate and other non-residents the higher one. East African citizens and Kenya residents pay between KES 1,000 and KES 1,350. Children are charged about half the adult rate.
Vehicle and guide costs are separate. KWS revised its fees in October 2025 and the new schedule was challenged in court, so confirm the rate that applies on your date with KWS before you travel. Ask us whether your quote includes park fees.
Can you do a Nairobi layover safari between flights?
Yes, a Nairobi layover safari is possible when you have a long daytime gap between flights. KWS names Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport as the nearest airports to the park.
The limits are practical. You need time for immigration, the road transfer, the drive itself and check-in for your onward flight. Leaving the airport means entering Kenya, so check the entry rules for your nationality in our Kenya eTA guide. Send us your flight times and we will tell you honestly whether it is workable.
Can a Nairobi day tour include the elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre?
Yes. A full Nairobi day tour often pairs a morning game drive with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant nursery and the Giraffe Centre in Lang’ata.
The nursery’s public visit runs from 11 am to 12 noon every day except 25 December, and access is strictly by advance booking with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Entry is through the KWS Mbagathi gate on Magadi Road, and KWS park fees apply as well as the Trust’s own entry donation. Same-day bookings are not accepted, so reserve well ahead.
At the Giraffe Centre, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, visitors feed Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform. The KWS Nairobi Animal Orphanage and Nairobi Safari Walk, on Lang’ata Road at the park, suit families with young children.
Why book with Ramja Safaris
- Nairobi-based safari operator, licensed by Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority.
- More than 10 years of planning guided safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
- Your choice of 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari minivan.
- Office: Internet Business Centre, Building No. 22, Plums Lane off Ojijo Road, Parklands, Nairobi.
- Open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 7 pm (EAT). Phone or WhatsApp +254 758 156 046, or email sales@ramjasafaris.com.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Nairobi National Park tour take?
Most visitors allow around half a day for the game drive, including the transfer from a city hotel. Adding the elephant nursery and the Giraffe Centre turns it into a full day. We agree the timings with you when you enquire.
Are there elephants in Nairobi National Park?
No. The Kenya Wildlife Service states that elephants are absent from the park. Orphaned elephants can be seen at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery, which is visited separately by advance booking.
What are the Nairobi National Park opening hours?
The gates open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm every day, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the most productive times for wildlife.
Do I need a Kenya eTA for a layover game drive?
Leaving the airport means entering Kenya, so most travellers need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation unless their nationality is exempt. Apply only on the official site, etakenya.go.ke, and check the rules for your passport before you book.
Does Ramja Safaris run a daily group tour of the park?
No. We arrange the game drive on request, either as a private tour or as an add-on before or after a longer safari. There is no fixed timetable or published price, so please request a quote with your dates.
Related safaris and guides
- Big Five safari in Kenya
- Kenya Masai Mara safari packages from Nairobi
- All African safari tours
- Safari Land Cruiser vs minivan
Last updated: 11 November 2026 · Ramja Safaris planning team, Nairobi.
