Doing a Nairobi safari is a fascinating experience just 10 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, perfect if you find yourself with a few hours to spare on a Nairobi airport layover in Kenya. If you want to experience African wildlife, Nairobi National Park, spanning 45 square miles, is not only conveniently located but also has a variety of safari favorites roaming about including lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, hippos, and wildebeests.
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I was lucky enough to visit the Nairobi National Park on my layover between Madagascar and Dubai, and it was one of my favourite airport layover experiences!
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Planning Your Nairobi Safari
To make the most of your limited time, it’s advisable to pre-book a driver or a tour guide who can pick you up directly from the airport and take you on a Nairobi Safari. Tailoring the trip to fit within your layover duration (and keeping plenty of time spare to get back to the airport) ensures a stress-free adventure.
The cost for a private, guided tour generally starts at around $200 USD for a four-hour trip. This provides a personalized experience allowing you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, if you prefer a more spontaneous approach, securing a Nairobi Safari tour directly from the airport upon arrival is also an option, though pre-booking is recommended for better rates and guaranteed availability.
Nairobi National Park Entry and Costs
Visitors can drive any car into the park, including a taxi, which adds flexibility depending on your preference and budget. Entry fees for international visitors range from approximately $35 to $60 per person, varying with the season, in addition to fees for your vehicle and driver. Keep in mind, you’ll also need a transit visa to leave the airport, which costs about $20 per person.
Nairobi Safari Experience and Duration
Four hours in the park is enough time to explore and spot a number of Safari animals. However, you will likely still see a wide range of animals on even shorter tours.
The National park has a really unique backdrop, where natural landscapes meet the urban skyline of Nairobi. It creates a surreal experience that combines the wild with the cityscape.
It’s essential to carry water and have a meal at the airport before heading out, as there are no food facilities within the park itself.
Tour Options and Recommendations
If you prefer to have everything arranged beforehand (which we recommend), several reliable tour operators offer various Nairobi Safari packages that cater to different needs and preferences, and can do pick ups at the international airport or your hotel:
Kenya Bush Expeditions:
- Price: From $52 USD.
- Options: Half-Day Private Tour in Van, Group Tour, 4×4 Safari Jeep Tour.
- Includes: Bottled water, local guide, hotel pickup, and drop-off, drive in an open-roofed van for optimal game viewing.
Half-Day Nairobi National Park Safari:
- Price: From $44 USD.
- Options: 4×4 With Land Cruiser Jeep, Morning Game Drive Joining Tour, Half-Day Private in Tour Van, National Park Evening Game Drive.
- Includes: Driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, safari van (4X4) with open roof, bottled water.
Nairobi National Park Full or Half-Day Tour with Guide:
- Price: From $70 USD.
- Options: Half-Day Tour, Afternoon Game Drive with Dinner and Dance Show, Full-Day Tour with Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant.
- Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, guide, visits to the giraffe center and Karen Blixen center (if full-day tour option chosen), game drive.
Nairobi National Park Animals
When you visit the park, you have a good chance to encounter a diverse array of animals in their natural habitat.
As you explore the park on your Nairobi Safari, keep an eye out for giraffes and zebra, which are commonly seen grazing around the park’s grasslands. The park is renowned for having a large amount of white rhinos, making sightings of these beautiful animals a high probability. Wildebeest roam freely, and various antelope species such as impalas and gazelles add to the rich biodiversity of the area.
Spotting hippos and the park’s resident lions are occasional, however they provide thrilling experiences when they do appear. It’s quite rare to spot hyenas, leopards, the elusive black rhino and cheetahs, however, if you are lucky you may spot one. To note – there are no elephants at the Nairobi National Park.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park welcomes visitors year-round, offering a unique safari experience. However, the best time to spot wildlife is during the dryer months from June to October. During this period, the sparse vegetation and the tendency of animals to gather around water sources significantly increase the probability of seeing wildlife. The reduced foliage not only makes animals easier to spot but also more predictable in their movements, particularly around waterholes.
Maximizing a Long Layover in Nairobi Airport
Experiencing a Nairobi Safari on your layover is an amazing option, turning a few spare hours between flights into an unforgettable adventure. I loved that I could take a quick drive to a safari park and spot some of the big 5 safari animals, instead of spending hours idling in the airport lounge.
Whether you opt for a private tour to enjoy at your own pace or join a group for a more social experience, Nairobi National Park offers a convenient yet comprehensive safari experience that is hard to match anywhere else in the world.
Photos from Nairobi Safari
