Nairobi National Park is a unique and fascinating wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. It is the only national park in the world that is situated within a capital city. The park covers an area of over 45 square miles and is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and many more.
The location of Nairobi National Park makes it a convenient destination for tourists who want to experience a safari without having to travel far from the city. The park charges an entry fee for visitors, which is used to maintain the park and its facilities. Safari tours are available for those who want to explore the park and see the animals up close. The park also has special features such as picnic sites, walking trails, and a wildlife orphanage that visitors can enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- Nairobi National Park is a unique wildlife sanctuary located in Nairobi, Kenya.
- The park is the only national park in the world located within a capital city.
- Visitors can enjoy safari tours, picnic sites, walking trails, and a wildlife orphanage.
Location of Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is located in the southern part of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The park covers an area of 117 square kilometers (45 square miles) and is situated only 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the city center. It is one of the few national parks in the world located within a capital city.
The park is bordered by the Nairobi River to the south and the Athi-Kapiti Plains to the west. It is situated at an altitude of 1,600-1,800 meters (5,200-5,900 feet) above sea level. The location of the park makes it easily accessible to both local and international visitors.
Nairobi National Park is located in an area that was once a vast savannah ecosystem. However, due to urbanization and human encroachment, the park now serves as a refuge for a variety of wildlife species that have adapted to living in close proximity to human settlements. The park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalos, and giraffes, as well as over 400 bird species.
The location of Nairobi National Park is significant because it offers visitors the opportunity to experience a wildlife safari without having to travel far from the city. The park is also a vital ecosystem that plays a crucial role in conserving Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
Charges and Entry Fees
Nairobi National Park charges an entry fee for all visitors, including both domestic and international tourists. The park management sets the entry fees, which vary depending on the visitor’s nationality and residency status. According to a study published in the Tourism Analysis journal, the cost of entry fee is among the factors that influence domestic tourism for urban and semi-urban populations around Nairobi National Park, Kenya.
The park management offers reduced entry fees for residents in parks, hotel concessions for local tourists, free entrance on certain days, and discounts for group tours. The entry fees charged to Costa Rican residents to enter national parks in developing countries are determined using the Contingent Valuation Surveys method, as per a study published in the Environment and Development Economics journal.
Visitors can access the park using their private vehicles or through tour vans. Nairobi National Park tour van charges vary depending on the operator and the tour package. Tour van charges may include the entry fee, guide fees, and transportation costs. Visitors are advised to book their tour vans through licensed operators to avoid fraud and ensure their safety.
In conclusion, Nairobi National Park charges an entry fee for all visitors, which varies depending on the visitor’s nationality and residency status. The park management offers reduced entry fees for residents, hotel concessions for local tourists, free entrance on certain days, and discounts for group tours. Visitors can access the park using private vehicles or tour vans, with tour van charges varying depending on the operator and the tour package.
Safari and Tours
Nairobi National Park offers an incredible safari experience to visitors. The park is located just a few kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The park has a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and many more. Visitors can enjoy game drives in the park, which can be done in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park, which is an excellent way to learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. The tour guides are knowledgeable and experienced, and they provide visitors with a wealth of information about the park. The tours can be customized to suit the visitor’s preferences, and they can be done in a group or individually.
For those who want a more unique experience, Nairobi National Park offers walking safaris. This is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the wildlife and experience the park’s natural beauty. The walking safaris are led by experienced guides who ensure the safety of the visitors and provide them with interesting information about the park.
Nairobi National Park also offers night game drives, which are a unique and exciting way to experience the park. Visitors can see nocturnal animals that are not visible during the day, such as hyenas, civets, and genets. The night game drives are led by experienced guides who use special equipment to spot the animals in the dark.
Overall, Nairobi National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience to visitors. The park’s proximity to the city center makes it easily accessible, and the wide variety of wildlife and safari options ensures that visitors have a unique and exciting experience.
Special Features
Nairobi National Park is a unique conservation area in the world due to its location within a half-hour drive from the city center. This special feature makes it a popular destination for both local and international tourists. The park covers an area of 117 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species.
One of the most notable special features of Nairobi National Park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which was established in 1964. The orphanage provides shelter and care for young animals that have been orphaned, abandoned, or injured. Visitors to the park can see various animals up close, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards.
Another unique feature of Nairobi National Park is the Ivory Burning Site Monument. The monument commemorates the ivory burning ceremony that was held in the park in 1989 to raise awareness about the poaching of elephants for their tusks. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all over the world, including the late President Daniel Arap Moi.
Nairobi National Park is also home to the Nairobi Safari Walk, which is a raised boardwalk that allows visitors to see various animals up close. The walk is an excellent opportunity to learn about the different habitats and ecosystems within the park, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect the wildlife.
Overall, Nairobi National Park is a unique conservation area that offers visitors an opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat, just a stone’s throw away from the city center. Its special features, such as the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Ivory Burning Site Monument, and Nairobi Safari Walk, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and nature.
Map and Navigation
Nairobi National Park is a vast wildlife reserve located in the south of Nairobi, Kenya. The park’s size is approximately 117 square kilometers, and it is surrounded by human settlements. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and many more.
Visitors to the park can navigate the park using a variety of methods. The most common method is by car, as the park has well-maintained roads that allow visitors to drive through the park. The park’s entrance is located on Langata Road, and visitors can access the park using this road. The park also has several gates, including the Main Gate, Mbagathi Gate, and Cheetah Gate, which visitors can use to enter the park.
The park provides visitors with a map that shows the park’s roads, gates, and other important landmarks. The map is available at the park’s entrance, and visitors can also download it from the park’s website. The map is essential for visitors who want to explore the park on their own, as it helps them navigate the park’s roads and locate the park’s different attractions.
In addition to the map, visitors can also use GPS devices to navigate the park. GPS devices are particularly useful for visitors who want to explore the park’s remote areas, as they can help visitors locate specific landmarks and navigate through the park’s rugged terrain. Visitors who want to use GPS devices should ensure that their devices are fully charged and have the latest maps of the park.
Overall, Nairobi National Park is an incredible destination for visitors who want to experience Kenya’s wildlife. With its well-maintained roads, gates, and maps, visitors can easily navigate the park and explore its many attractions.
Wildlife and Animals
Nairobi National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife and animals, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and giraffes. Visitors can also spot zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, elands, impalas, gazelles, and many other species.
The park is also home to over 400 species of birds, including ostriches, eagles, vultures, and storks. The park’s diverse habitats, which include forests, grasslands, and wetlands, provide a perfect environment for birds to thrive.
One of the most iconic animals in Nairobi National Park is the wildebeest. The park used to be part of the wildebeest migration route, but due to human encroachment, the migration has shifted to other areas. However, visitors can still see large herds of wildebeests in the park during the dry season.
Another popular attraction in the park is the Ivory Burning Site Monument, which marks the spot where over 12 tons of ivory were burned in 1989 to protest the ivory trade and poaching.
Visitors are advised to be cautious when viewing the animals and to follow the park’s rules and regulations. It is important to respect the animals and their habitats and to avoid any actions that may harm them.
Overall, Nairobi National Park’s diverse wildlife and animals provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park is unique in that it is the only national park in the world located within a city. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and even a visit to the nearby animal orphanage.
Is it worth going to Nairobi National Park?
Yes, Nairobi National Park is definitely worth a visit. It offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat without having to travel far from the city. The park is well-maintained, and the guides are knowledgeable and informative.
How much is entry fee to Nairobi National Park?
The entry fee for Nairobi National Park varies depending on your nationality and whether you are a resident of Kenya. For non-residents, the fee is currently $43 per adult and $22 per child. For residents, the fee is Ksh 1,200 per adult and Ksh 300 per child. Additional fees may apply for guided tours and other activities.
What are the Big 5 in Nairobi National Park?
The Big 5 refers to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. Nairobi National Park is home to four of the Big 5: lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos. Unfortunately, elephants are not found in the park.
What are some things to do in Nairobi National Park?
There are several activities to enjoy in Nairobi National Park, including game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching. Visitors can also visit the animal orphanage, where they can see baby elephants, rhinos, and other animals up close. Additionally, there are picnic sites and campsites available for those who want to spend more time in the park.
What is the contact number for Nairobi National Park?
The contact number for Nairobi National Park is +254 20 6008000. Visitors can call this number to make reservations, inquire about park information, or ask any other questions they may have.
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