Nairobi
Wildlife. Landscapes. Nairobi.
Nairobi is a core Kenya safari destination, known for black rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, more than 400 bird species.
Use this page to plan how long to stay, when to go and how it fits a wider Kenya itinerary.
- Location the capital’s southern edge
- Size 117 km²
- Best For black rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo,…
- Best Time to Visit July–October migration of plains game from Athi; year-round for rhinos
- From Nairobi 20–45 minutes from central Nairobi depending on traffic
- Nearest Airstrip Wilson Airport adjacent for safari air connections
Overview
Nairobi lies in the capital’s southern edge and remains one of the parks we use most often on tailor-made Kenya safaris.
Expect black rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, more than 400 bird species, with game-drive time paced to the season and your lodge location. We will advise how many nights to stay and which parks to pair it with.
- Habitat Savannah and mixed Kenya wildlife country
- Park Entry Gates Main Gate, East Gate, Maasai Gate
- Typical Stay 2–3 nights
Top Things to Do in Nairobi
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Game Drives
Morning and afternoon drives are the core of a stay, timed to light, wildlife movement and how busy the park is.
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Wildlife Viewing
Guided viewing focused on black rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, more than 400 bird species, with time to stay with a sighting rather than rushing a checklist.
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Photography
Open habitats and vehicle-based viewing suit first-time safari photographers as well as more serious shooters.
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Guided Walks
Where conservancies or park rules allow, walking adds tracks, birds and a slower reading of the land.
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Cultural Visits
Optional community visits can be added around many Kenya parks — we only include them when they are well run.
Popular Nairobi Safaris
View All Safari Packages-
6 Days Ol Pejeta Samburu and Aberdare Safari
A 6 day Kenya journey connecting Nairobi, Ol Pejeta, Samburu or Buffalo Springs and Aberdare.
Aberdare, Nairobi, Ol Pejeta
View Safari -
6 Days Mount Kenya Trek on the Sirimon Route
A guided Mount Kenya journey with a Nairobi arrival night, a Sirimon ascent, an acclimatisation day and a…
Mount Kenya, Nairobi
View Safari -
15 Days Kenya Reserves Lakes and Southern Parks
A 15 day Kenya journey connecting Nairobi, Ol Pejeta, Samburu or Buffalo Springs, Solio, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara,…
Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru
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6 Days Nairobi Amboseli Tsavo West and Taita Hills
A 6 day Kenya journey connecting Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo West and Taita Hills or LUMO.
Amboseli, Nairobi, Taita Hills
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7 Days Maasai Mara Lake Naivasha and Amboseli Safari
A 7 day Kenya journey connecting Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli.
Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara
View Safari -
11 Days Amboseli Tsavo and Watamu Beach
A 11 day Kenya journey connecting Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East and Watamu.
Amboseli, Nairobi, Tsavo East
View Safari
Wildlife & Birds
The wildlife story here is black rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, more than 400 bird species. We plan drives around the habitats that hold animals in your travel month, not around a generic Big Five promise.
Best Time to Visit
July–October migration of plains game from Athi; year-round for rhinos
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Drier months
Usually easier driving, more concentrated wildlife and clearer photography light.
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Greener months
Fewer vehicles and lush scenery; some tracks can be slower after rain.
How to Get There
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By Road
20–45 minutes from central Nairobi depending on traffic
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By Air
Wilson Airport adjacent for safari air connections
Where to Stay
Lodges and tented camps range from simple to very high-end. We match location, vehicle access and budget rather than sending every guest to the same property.
View Nairobi LodgesTravel Tips
- Fewer parks with more nights usually feels better than a rushed circuit.
- Keep international arrival and departure days separate from your first and last game-drive days.
- Ask us to confirm current park fees, flight schedules and conservancy supplements before you lock dates.
FAQs
How many nights should I spend in Nairobi?
Two or three nights is the usual recommendation. One night is rarely enough after a road transfer.
What is the best time to visit?
July–October migration of plains game from Athi; year-round for rhinos
Let’s Plan Your Nairobi Safari
Talk to our safari experts and get a customized itinerary built around your dates, pace and the parks you most want to see.
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