Nairobi National Park safari at a glance
A Nairobi National Park safari is a vehicle trip on the park's existing roads. You can join a half-day tour, hire a driver or guide, or drive yourself. The park lies on the southern edge of the city, so a drive can start in the morning and end before lunch. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) allows visitors from 06:00 to 18:00, with an exception for overnight guests.
Lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo live in the park, and there are good chances of seeing some of them, though never a guarantee. Elephants do not live here. For them, see the elephant orphanage.
Our picks: game drive tours
For a drive in the park only, the half-day option is the plainest. If you also want the elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, the six-hour combination or the shared tour covers both, and the shared one starts very early, between about 5:20 and 6:00.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Park drive, elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Pop-up roof safari vehicle
- Pickup and return
- Guide and water
One tour covers the park and both animal stops. The park ticket and the entries to the orphanage and the Giraffe Centre are paid on top.
Check availability →
Park game drive with the elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Hotel transfer
- 4.5-hour game drive
- Open-roof jeep or van
A shared tour that combines the park with the elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, depending on the option. The park fee and the entries to the orphanage and the Giraffe Centre are extra.
Check availability →Half-day game drive in Nairobi National Park
- Hotel transfer
- Open-roof van or safari jeep
- Guide and water
The vehicle depends on the option you choose. The park ticket is not included and is bought online.
Check availability →Nairobi National Park game drives and half-day tours
Guided game drives and half-day safaris from Nairobi, with live prices and availability. Check whether park entry is included in the offer.
Nairobi National Park tour options
Four ways to see the park, and what each one needs.
| Option | How it works | What you pay besides the tour | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided half-day tour | Operator vehicle and driver or guide | Park entry, unless the offer includes it | First visits and short stays |
| Self-drive | Your own vehicle on existing roads, no off-road driving | Park entry and a vehicle fee | Travellers with their own car who want to set the pace |
| Driver or guide in your vehicle | A qualified guide joins your car | Park entry, vehicle fee and the guide's rate | Visitors who want local knowledge but flexible timing |
| Ranger-guided security tour | Rangers accompany the group, minimum two | Per ranger, KES 2,000 up to 4 hours | Groups that want a ranger escort |
For most visitors without their own car, a guided half-day tour is the simplest choice: pickup, gate formalities and the drive are handled for you. See the entry fee page for park and vehicle rates.
Half-day tour planning
A half day is a planning format, not an official route.
KWS does not set a standard half-day route or length. Operators build their own, so ask what the tour covers. Allow time for pickup, the queue at the gate and the drive to the animals, and remember that sightings depend on the day. A morning start fits the 06:00 opening and leaves the afternoon free for a neighbouring sight such as the Giraffe Centre.
After heavy rain some inner roads can be hard to pass. Ask your driver about current conditions, and read the weather page for the rainy seasons.
Game drive rules in the park
These rules apply to every vehicle.
Speed and distance
The limit is 40 km/h. Keep at least 20 m from wildlife, and do not drive closer to get a better view.
Stay in the vehicle
You remain in the vehicle except at designated points. Stay on existing roads and tracks and never drive off-road.
No feeding, no horn
Do not feed animals and do not use the horn. Single-use plastic is banned in the park.
Night drives
Night drives need a permit and notice in advance. KWS lists them only in selected parks and reserves, so ask your operator before you plan one.
Walking
Do not expect an unaccompanied walking safari. The Safari Walk is a separate boardwalk facility, not a trail through the park.
Game drive wildlife: what to expect
Lions, rhinos, giraffes and many more.
KWS names lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and leopards among the park's animals, and over 100 species and over 400 bird species in total. A game drive passes grassland, river woodland and dry forest, so you may see zebras, antelopes and ostriches as well. The skyline of Nairobi often stands behind them. Read more on the animals page.
A longer safari with overnight stays starts elsewhere. Masai Mara safaris have their own guide, and the day trips page covers closer options.
Before you set off
Four things to sort out the day before.
Pay the park fee early
Park fees go through the eCitizen portal and are cashless. Keep the confirmation on your phone.
Carry the right ID
Your passport, national ID or residence permit decides your fee category, so bring the document that matches your ticket.
Bring a reusable bottle
Single-use plastic is banned in the park, so take water in a refillable bottle and bring any rubbish out with you.
Confirm gate and pickup
Main Gate is on Lang'ata Road, and some operators use East Gate on the airport side. Ask which gate your driver uses.
Nairobi National Park safari: frequently asked questions
How long is a Nairobi National Park game drive?
There is no fixed official length. A half-day tour is a common planning format, but operators set their own routes. Ask for the start time, the meeting point and the length before you book.
Can I drive myself in Nairobi National Park?
Yes, KWS lists self-drive as a game-drive option. You pay park entry and a vehicle fee, stay on existing roads and follow the 40 km/h limit. General KWS driving rules apply.
Will I see lions?
There are good chances, but no guarantee. Lions live in the park, and so do rhinos, giraffes and buffalo. Sightings depend on the day and on your driver.
Can I get out of the vehicle?
Only at designated points. Otherwise you stay inside, and you keep at least 20 m from wildlife.
Can I do a night drive?
Night drives need a permit and notice in advance, and KWS lists them only in selected parks and reserves. Ask your operator whether one is possible for your dates.
Is this the official park website?
No. This is an independent travel guide and is not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service or by any tour operator.