The Picnic Sites In Nairobi National Park
The Picnic Sites In Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is the only national park located in a capital city, but not only the place where one can observe wildlife and take a game drive. To the tourists who want to have a quiet getaway in the hectic beats of Nairobi, the picnic sites in the park offer a quiet place to have a picnic, watch wild animals and take in the panoramic savannah scenery as they have a meal in the wild. This paper will discuss the picnic spots within Nairobi National Park and will assist you in organising a great day out and enriching your Kenya safari experience.
Why go to Nairobi National Park to have a Picnic?
Nairobi National Park is located just 20 20-minute drive away from the city centre, making it one of the most accessible wildlife parks in Kenya. The park has lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and a variety of more than 400 species of birds, making it a real safari park despite its close location to the city. When you decide to picnic within the park, you can take a break from your game drive with a relaxed, beautiful lunch, which usually has wildlife grazing around you, and this is a perfect family activity in Nairobi.
Top picnic places in Nairobi National Park
There are a number of picnic sites in Nairobi National Park, and each one of them gives you different views and experiences, but you are safe in the park. These are Kingfisher Picnic Site, Observation Point at Impala, Mokoiyet Picnic Site and Picnic Area Ivory Burning Site.
Kingfisher Picnic Site
Kingfisher Picnic Site is close to the wooded part of the park and is perfect for bird watchers and anyone who needs a cool, quiet place. Tables, benches and simple facilities are available in the area where visitors can enjoy a packed lunch as they listen to the sounds of nature and watch different species of birds, such as African fish eagle and kingfisher, after which the site is named.
Impala Observation Point
Impala Observation Point is the place to go in case you desire panoramic views of the park. The location ionin a high platform, which gives a panoramic view of the savannah and the Nairobi skyline in the background, which makes a beautiful contrast between the wilderness and the city. It is a great place to take photos for those who love photography and want to take a picture of the landscape of the Nairobi National Park. Animals such as impalas, zebras and buffaloes are likely to be roaming near the place so that you have the feeling that your picnic is a natural continuation of your game drive.
Mokoiyet Picnic Site
Mokoiyet Picnic Site is a picnic site that accommodates families and has shaded sitting areas, toilets, and open areas where children can run around under parental supervision. It is situated along the Mbagathi River, and the visitors usually spot hippos and crocodiles in the area. The site is a favourite destination of group picnics and bush breakfasts, and it is the most recommended picnic site in Nairobi National Park to tourists who want a compromise between comfort and a wild ambience.
Ivory Burning Site Picnic Area
The Ivory Burning Site Picnic Area should be visited by people who are interested in the history of the conservation of Nairobi National Park. This is where the former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi burnt 12 tonnes of ivory in 1989 as a symbol of Kenya against poaching. The picnic area is large with big shaded grounds, tables and toilets, where you can reflect on the work being done on the conservation of the environment as you have your picnic. It is also near a waterhole where animals such as giraffes, antelopes and warthogs can be found, and this gives an extra wildlife viewing experience.

What to carry to your Nairobi National Park Picnic
When you are going on a picnic in Nairobi National Park, pack light but smart. Bring picnic food, drinking water, picnic mats, biodegradable garbage bags and sun protection such as sunscreen and hats. Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts should carry binoculars with them, and a camera with a good zoom lens will enable you to capture beautiful moments in the park. Insect repellent is also important to take with you, particularly in the rainy seasons when insects are more active.
When to go on a Picnic to Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is best visited during the dry seasons (June to October and January to February) to have a picnic. Animals can be seen more easily near waterholes, and the picnic areas are more accessible because of the dry roads. The coolest times of the day are early mornings and late afternoons when there is a higher possibility of encountering wildlife near the picnic areas. Nevertheless, the park also provides green views and less traffic, even in rainy seasons, so it is a suitable choice for people who want to experience a quiet nature trip.
Picnicking in Nairobi National Park: Safety Tips
The first thing you should consider when going on a picnic in Nairobi National Park is safety. Picnic areas should always be used, and they are secured and frequently checked by the park rangers. Never feed or get close to wildlife; this is not only unsafe but also not allowed in the park. Seal your food and clean up well after your picnic so that animals are not attracted to your food. When picnicking with children, make sure you monitor them and keep them in the area at all times. It is also recommended that when transferring between picnic sites, you should stay in your vehicle and talk to rangers concerning the presence of wildlife before you establish your picnic.
Including a Picnic in Your Nairobi Safari Journey
A picnic as part of your visit to the Nairobi National Park will enhance your safari, as you will have an opportunity to stop and bond with nature. On a morning game drive, on a photography tour or a family day out, a picnic is the best time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the unique wildlife haven of Nairobi.
In case you are planning Kenya safaris, picnic sites that are found in Nairobi National Park are a good addition to your itinerary. You may include your picnic with a morning or afternoon game drive, a visit to the Nairobi Safari Walk, or a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants.
To get further advice on how to plan Nairobi National Park safaris, picnic experiences or Kenya safari packages, you are welcome to contact us and have your Nairobi adventure commence.
