How To Get To Nairobi National Park!!!
How To Get To Nairobi National Park!
Nairobi National Park is one of the few wildlife sanctuaries located a few minutes’ drive off the busy streets of Nairobi city. Whether you intend to go on a Kenya safari or a day trip to see wildlife without having to go far off the capital, the park is your ideal getaway. The park has its sweeping savannahs, black rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more than 400 species of birds, and this mixes the urban convenience with the raw safari. Learning the best way to travel to Nairobi National Park will save you time, money and most importantly, get the best wildlife experience.
Entry Gates and Location
The Nairobi National Park is approximately 7 kilometres south of the city centre of Nairobi. There are various gates to the park, the main gate being the Nairobi National Park Main Gate, which is along the Langata Road, about 10km away from the CBD. The other gates are the East Gate and Maasai Gate, which offer another gate of access depending on where you are and the traffic situation in the city. Visitors arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Mombasa Road usually use the East Gate, whereas the Maasai Gate is convenient to visitors arriving at Rongai.
The Road Transport To Nairobi National Park
By Private Car:
The best, convenient and flexible mode of accessing Nairobi National Park is driving. In Nairobi, CBD, drive to Uhuru Highway, then turn to Nyayo Stadium, and turn left to Langata Road, and follow the signage to the park. The commute is approximately 30 minutes based on traffic that may be congested during rush hours in the morning and evening.
A personal car will enable you to travel freely around the park during game drives, rest at designated picnic areas such as Impala Observation Point, and visit the major attractions in the park at your leisure. Your vehicle should be 4×4 or in good condition because some internal roads are rough, particularly during the rainy season.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps:
In case you do not have your vehicle, you can travel to the gates of Nairobi National Park using ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, or Little Cab. Enter your destination as Nairobi National Park Main Gate, and the fare to the CBD will be about KES 500- 800, depending on traffic and pick-up point. Always ensure that you ask your driver whether he or she is comfortable dropping you at the gate and picking you up after your safari.
Using Public Transport:
When you are low on budget, you can get near the park by using matatus and buses in Nairobi. Board a matatu bound to Langata or Rongai at the matatu stage near the Nairobi Railway Station and get off at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters or the closest stage to the gate. Here, you might have to go on a short bodaboda (motorbike taxi) ride to the entrance.
The arrival is at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
In case of your arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and you want to proceed to the Nairobi National Park, the East Gate is the closest entry point, which is about 15 km away. You can pre-book a taxi or a private transfer to the park depending on the time you arrive. Most local tour operators will also provide airport pick-up and a half-day game drive in the Nairobi National Park, which is a good option in case you are pressed for time and wish to make the most of your layover in Nairobi.
The Use Of Tour Operators To Visit Nairobi National Parks
The other convenient means of reaching Nairobi National Park is through booking with a local tour operator. Most companies that conduct safaris in Nairobi have half-day or full-day tours where they pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or at the airport. This will free you of the logistics of organising transport and park entry, and you also have the advantage of a professional safari driver who knows the best wildlife viewing areas in the park.
The common tours are the morning game drives that begin at 6.30 am when the animals are at their peak, and the afternoon game drives that are best suited when you arrive in Nairobi early in the morning. A guide also gives you a better chance of seeing lions, rhinos, buffalo, and other animals when visiting the Nairobi National Park.
Entry Fees and Timings at the Park
Prior to visiting Nairobi National Park, one must be aware of the prevailing entry fees charged by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Entry fee to non-residents is $43 per adult and $22 per child. The residents pay KES 430 to adults and KES 215 to children. One can pay through M-Pesa, Visa or MasterCard, and no cash is accepted at the gates.
The park is open between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, and the final entry is at 5:00 pm. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended in order to see the wildlife and to avoid the heat in the middle of the day.
When To Visit Nairobi National Park
Although Nairobi National Park can be visited throughout the year, the wildlife viewing is best during the dry seasons of July to October and January to March, when the animals congregate around water holes and the grass is shorter, making game easier to see. Nevertheless, the park is also good to go bird-watching even in the green season, and you can observe wildlife as well.
Conclusion
It is easy to get to Nairobi National Park either by driving, hiring a taxi, or booking a guided safari tour. The park is an exclusive chance to have a true safari within a very short distance of the capital city of Kenya, and thus is a must-see in case you have little time to spend in Nairobi. You will have a smooth and unforgettable visit to the park by organising your transport, arrival time, and safari logistics in advance.
When you are all set to spend a day in the wilderness and yet remain close to the city, call us your favourite Nairobi safari operator today and book your Nairobi National Park game drive or do a self-drive safari to discover the Kenyan wildlife at your own time.
