Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world on the edge of a capital city. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo roam in front of the city skyline, a short drive from the centre. It is on the map.

Fees

The daily conservation fee for an adult in 2026 is:

  • Non-resident: US$ 80.
  • Kenyan and East African citizens: KES 1,000.
  • Kenya residents (with a permit or foreigner certificate): a shilling rate between the two.

Children and students pay less, and young children are free. Vehicles pay an extra entry fee. Check the current schedule on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website.

Paying

The park is cashless. Pay through KWSPay on eCitizen before you arrive, or at the gate by card or M-Pesa. Bring your passport, ID or resident card - the rate you pay depends on it.

Gates and hours

  • The Main Gate is on Lang’ata Road, next to the KWS headquarters, about 20 to 30 minutes from the CBD outside rush hour.
  • The park opens around 6am and closes around 6pm. You must be out by closing.
  • Early morning is best for predators, and cooler.

How to visit

  • Self-drive. You can drive your own or a hired car. Many tracks are fine in an ordinary car in the dry season; after rain, a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is much better. Stay in your vehicle except at marked picnic and walking sites.
  • A half-day tour. Many operators run morning and afternoon game drives with a guide and a pop-up-roof vehicle, often with hotel pickup. Compare what the price includes - park fees are often extra.
  • KWS vehicles - KWS also runs its own shuttle tours; ask at the Main Gate.

What you can see

Lions, cheetahs, black rhinos (the park is an important rhino sanctuary), giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, many antelope and over 400 bird species. There are no elephants.

Nearby

Combine a visit with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage (pre-booked, late morning), the Nairobi Safari Walk and animal orphanage at the Main Gate, or the Giraffe Centre in Karen. See Things to do in Nairobi.

Tips

  • Binoculars and a long camera lens make a big difference.
  • Don’t feed or approach animals, even monkeys at the picnic sites.
  • Carry water and snacks; there is little inside the park.
  • Ask other drivers what they have seen - it is how many people find lions.

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