Which Is The Oldest National Park In Kenya?
Which Is The Oldest National Park In Kenya? Nairobi National Park is the oldest national park in Kenya and surprisingly its the only national park located very closed to the country’s capital city- Nairobi. The national park was gazetted as in 1946 and it covers an area of approximately 117 square kilometers. The park is the only protected part of the Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem, making up less than 10% of this ecosystem. The park has a diverse range of habitats and species. The park is compressed of grass plain with scattered acacia bushes with a large and diverse wildlife population. Species found in the park include lion, leopard, African buffalo, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, blue wildebeest, plain zebras, impalas, warthog, and Nile crocodiles among others. This incredible park also houses over 520 different species of birds, making it the ideal destination for Kenya birdwatching tours.
Nairobi National Park has a cool and temperate climate. Temperatures are reasonably constant year-round, and it cools off considerably at night. There is very little rain in the Dry season (June to October). The Wet season (November to May) has two periods of rain. The short rains are heaviest in November, and the long rains are at their peak in April.
Amazing things to do while on a Nairobi National Park wildlife safari
Game drives
Nairobi National Park is well-known for its exciting game drives, where visitors can take guided tours to explore the stunning landscape of the Kenyan wilderness. During these drives, you might see a variety of amazing animals, including lion, Grant’s gazelle, common warthogs, plain zebras, leopard, hippos, buffalo, elephant, blue wildebeest, cheetah, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and waterbucks. You could also spot common eland, impalas, black-backed jackal, common ostrich, hartebeest and olive baboons among others. Nairobi National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the Dry season which runs from June to October. during these months, animals tend to gather around remaining water sources, making its easily to spot them.
Birding tour
Birding tours is also another sought-full adventure activity in Nairobi National Park. the park is home to a variety of birding habitats which harbors more than 510 different species of birds. Some of these birds are seasonal visitors from Europe, and the artificial habitats created by the dams also provide homes for various aquatic birds and species. During your birding tour, you will have the chance to spot bird species such as Ostriches, secretary birds, bustards. Martial Eagle, African crowned Eagle, Nairobi pipit, Desert cisticola, violet wood-hoopoes, Sandle-billed stork zebras waxbill, Croaking Cisticola, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Super starling, Lilac-breasted roller, Southern ground hornbill, African Quail-finch, Grey Crowned Crane, Secretary birds, Spikes weaker, Northern pied babbler, lesser Kestrel, Basra reed warbler, Red-Throated Tit mentioned but few. Nairobi National Park offers good bird watching throughout the year, but the best time is November to April when the migrants from Europe and North Africa are present. Many species are nesting at this time as it coincides with breeding season.
Black rhino tracking
Nairobi National Park is a hotspot for black rhinos, boasting the largest group of these magnificent creatures in the world. Among its varied wildlife, the park is also home to a notable number of southern white rhinos and the Eastern Browse (Black) Rhino, scientifically named Diceros bicornis michaeli. With around 50 critically endangered black rhinos roaming its lands, this park offers one of the best opportunities in Kenya to see these animals up close. This park is one of the most accessible destinations for rhino adventures and guaranteed a chance to observe eastern black rhinos, of which only 700 remain after poaching decimated them. This successful refuge helps breed and protect these incredible animals. While on your black rhino tracking tour, you will have the chance to observe how these incredible rhinos conduct their self in the wild, feed and carrying for their young ones.
Guided nature walks
For those interested in exploring the hidden beauty of the park on foot, Nairobi National Park also offers unique walking tours. These experiences allow you to delve into Kenya’s rich park’s ecosite including wildlife, plants and the culture. Guided nature walks here takes you through the hidden gems of the park which you might have left out during a traditional game drive. During your guided nature walk tour, you’ll have the chance to see different species up close such as animals, plants, plants among others. This walk can also take you to the nearby villages where you will have the chance to marvel and learn the Kenya’s rich customs, traditional foods, and even local dances and ceremonies
A visit to Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Another must-visit in the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, where wounded or orphaned wild animals receive care and rehabilitation. During your visit here, you’ll have the chance to see animals like cheetahs, lions, and monkeys up close. Once they recover, these animals are often returned to the wild. The orphanage provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in a more intimate setting compared to a typical game drive.
Best accommodation facilities in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park offers a wide range of accommodation facilities for group travelers. These accommodations ranges from luxury, midrange and budge such as, Leleshwa Gateway, The Emakoko, The Panari Hotel Nairobi, Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport, Red Buffalo House Hotel, Eka Hotel Nairobi, Lukenya Motorcross, Nairobi Tented Camp, Twiga Campsite, Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm among others.
How to get
To get to Nairobi National Park, you can land at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Wilson Airport, or even Kilimanjaro International Airport. What makes this park special is its location right in the middle of Nairobi, making it the closest national park to a city anywhere in the world. Visiting the park offers a wonderful adventure, especially if you love birds, as you can appreciate the park’s beautiful landscapes while also taking in the impressive views of the Nairobi skyline.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the oldest national park in Kenya and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the country.
