Nairobi National Park: Home of wildlife in city

Maasai giraffes graze at Nairobi National Park on June 17, 2015 PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The park covers 117.2 square kilometres and is small compared to other national parks in Kenya and Africa.
  • The park also has conservation and education centres where lectures and video shows are presented on wildlife.

Ever wondered what it would be like to be enjoy a game drive without having to leave the city? Then, Nairobi National Park is your answer.

Perfectly nestled within Nairobi and located on Lang’ata Road, is the world’s only national park within a major city and the city scape background can be viewed from almost any side of this magnificent place.

The park is about seven kilometres from Nairobi central business district.

Because it is among the few in the world where visitors are assured of seeing black rhinos in their natural habitat, it has, therefore, been sometimes referred to as Kifaru Ark - meaning rhino sanctuary.

The park covers 117.2 square kilometres and is small compared to other national parks in Kenya and Africa.

But, it still lives up to its strategic location, with guided tours of the park and the orphanage.

Started in 1946, it became the first national park in Kenya. Its first director was Mervyn Hugh Cowie, a conservationist who held the position until 1966.

He championed the protection of wildlife and development of tourism in East Africa.

Once inside the park, you would be forgiven to think you are on a beautiful drive miles away from the city.

The park is home to various animals including buffaloes, baboons, giraffe, gazelles, hippopotamuses, leopards, lions, snakes and zebras. Bird watchers will find the park thrilling.

Near the main gate, is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhino calves run by the David Sheldrick Trust.

The park also has conservation and education centres where lectures and video shows are presented on wildlife.

For those with a special interest in wildlife conservation, a visit to the park would not be complete without making a tour to the Ivory Burning Site Monument.