The Nairobi Safari Walk at a glance
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a managed display and education facility run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). A raised boardwalk leads through recreated wetland, savanna and forest habitats, and animals live in enclosures along it. It lies on Lang'ata Road next to the Main Gate complex, about 8 km from the city centre.
It is not a walk through Nairobi National Park. For wildlife in open country, take a Nairobi National Park game drive. The Safari Walk suits a shorter visit and a close look at animals that are hard to find in the park.
The boardwalk and its habitats
Three recreated environments along one route.
Wetland
The boardwalk crosses a recreated wetland. Being raised, it keeps you above ground level and gives views over the enclosures below.
Savanna
The savanna section recreates open grassland. Viewing huts with thatched roofs stand along the boardwalk.
Forest
The forest section recreates wooded habitat. Viewing platforms look out over a wooded valley.
The facility is a display and education site, so animals are kept in enclosures and are easy to find. Animals cannot be promised on any given day, and some may be out of sight.
Our pick: the boardwalk with the Giraffe Centre
This is the tour that visits the Safari Walk boardwalk, together with the Giraffe Centre.
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.
Nairobi Safari Walk and national park tours
Half-day tours and day trips that include the park, the Safari Walk or neighbouring animal sights, with live prices and availability.
Animals at the Nairobi Safari Walk
The species KWS lists for the facility.
KWS names white rhinoceros, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hyena, crocodile, pygmy hippopotamus, antelopes and primates. Not all of them are on show every day. For the species of the free-roaming park, see the animals page. The neighbouring Animal Orphanage keeps rescued animals and uses the same ticket structure.
Nairobi Safari Walk entry fees 2026
Per person, adult / child. The single ticket covers the Safari Walk only.
| Category | Single ticket | Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage | Park, Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African citizen (KES) | 300 / 200 | 500 / 300 | 1,300 / 700 |
| Kenyan resident (KES) | 405 / 300 | 675 / 500 | 1,750 / 950 |
| Non-resident ($) | 25 / 15 | 40 / 20 | 105 / 55 |
| Other African citizen ($) | 15 / 10 | 25 / 15 | 55 / 20 |
For most visitors who also go to the Animal Orphanage, the combined Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage ticket is the better value. Visitors who also want the park pay less with the full Nairobi Package. The entry fee page lists every ticket and the vehicle fees.
Safari Walk or game drive?
Two different ways to see animals.
| Safari Walk | Game drive | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Elevated boardwalk with animals in enclosures | Vehicle trip on dirt roads through the open park |
| Price for a non-resident adult | $25 | $80 for the park, plus a vehicle fee |
| Wildlife | Animals kept on site, easy to find | Free-roaming animals, good chances but no guarantee |
| On foot | Yes, on the boardwalk | No, you stay in the vehicle |
| Skyline views | – | Often behind the animals |
For most first-time visitors, the game drive is the main experience and the Safari Walk is a short add-on. If your time is very short, the boardwalk alone gives a reliable look at animals.
Visiting tips
Practical points before you go.
Check the opening time
General KWS rules give 06:00 to 18:00 for the park. The boardwalk can have its own hours, so confirm at the entrance and arrive well before closing time.
Pay without cash
Tickets go through the eCitizen portal. Keep your confirmation on your phone and carry the ID that matches your ticket category.
Wear comfortable shoes
The route is a raised boardwalk with steps and viewing platforms, so flat shoes work best.
Combine with the orphanage
The Animal Orphanage is on the same road, so the two fit into one morning. See the getting there page for gates and routes.
Getting to the Safari Walk
On Lang'ata Road, next to Main Gate.
The Safari Walk stands in the Main Gate complex on Lang'ata Road, roughly 8 km from the city centre. Allow for city traffic and do not rely on the distance alone. Tell your taxi or driver that you want Main Gate on Lang'ata Road, and not the Mbagathi Gate used for the elephant nursery. The getting there page explains the gates and the routes from the airport.
Plan the rest of your visit
Nearby sights and tickets.
Nairobi Safari Walk: frequently asked questions
What is the Nairobi Safari Walk?
It is an elevated boardwalk through recreated wetland, savanna and forest habitats, with animals in enclosures. KWS runs it as a display and education facility.
How much is the Safari Walk ticket?
A non-resident adult pays $25 and a child $15 in 2026. East African citizens pay KES 300 and KES 200, and Kenyan residents KES 405 and KES 300.
Is the Safari Walk the same as walking in the national park?
No. It is a separate facility with its own ticket. It does not give walking access to the park, and you stay in the vehicle on a game drive.
Does the park ticket include the Safari Walk?
No. The single park ticket covers the park only. The Nairobi Package covers the park, the Safari Walk and the Animal Orphanage.
What are the opening hours?
Confirm them at the entrance. General KWS park rules give 06:00 to 18:00, and the boardwalk can differ, so arrive early rather than late.
Is this the official Safari Walk website?
No. This is an independent guide and is not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service.