Nairobi National Park safari drive: Lions, rhinos & giraffes

Lions, rhinos, leopards and 400 bird species inside a half-day game drive from the city

A half-day game drive through Nairobi National Park, a 117-square-kilometer wildlife reserve just 7 kilometers from Nairobi's city center, with a professional English-speaking guide and hotel or airport pickup. You spot lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs and over 400 bird species across open grasslands and woodlands without leaving the city. The park's diverse habitats and convenient location make it ideal for travelers short on time in Kenya.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 99 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center, plus a short game drive in Nairobi Park 6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 13:00 Guide in English Pickup is included

Private Van 6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 13:00 Guide in English Private van option, pickup is included

Jeep 6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 13:00 Guide in English Jeep option, pickup is included

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari drive in Nairobi National Park

• Receive free company t-shirt
• Depart for Nairobi National Park
• Enjoy game drive spotting wildlife
• Return to hotel or airport

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• hotel or airport pickup and drop-off.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• free company t-shirt before the tour starts.

Times

• Every day 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 13:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Private 7 group tours ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (9 and older) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Infant (under 5)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Public transport nearby

Operated by STORKSTEP EXPEDITIONS

Prices and times updated today

Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by email›

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 27 verified traveler reviews 100% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 27

4 ★ 0

3 ★ 0

2 ★ 0

1 ★ 0

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

Nairobi National Park sits on the edge of the city yet feels entirely separate from it. The reserve spans 117 square kilometers of open grasslands and woodlands where lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and cheetahs roam in their natural habitat. A professional guide leads the game drive, pointing out wildlife and explaining the park's ecosystems as you move through the different terrain. You'll also spot over 400 bird species across the day: a detail that transforms what sounds like a quick safari into something with real depth.

The drive itself takes roughly six hours from pickup to drop-off, which includes the travel time to and from your hotel or airport. That timeline means you can fit a genuine safari experience into a morning or afternoon without sacrificing the rest of your day in Nairobi. The park's location (just 7 kilometers from the city center) is what makes this possible. You're not traveling hours into the bush, but you're seeing the same wildlife you'd encounter on a longer safari. Open grasslands give way to woodlands as the route moves through the reserve, and each habitat shift brings different animals into view.

You choose between a private van, a shared jeep, or a combination that includes the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center alongside the park drive. A professional guide speaks English throughout, and the vehicle carries bottled water and WiFi on board. You'll receive a free company t-shirt before the tour starts. Hotel or airport pickup is included, so the logistics of getting to the park entrance are handled. You just need to be ready at your accommodation.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 8 years); Infant (under 5).

What animals will I actually see on the Nairobi National Park game drive?

Nairobi National Park is home to lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs and over 400 bird species. The reserve's mix of grasslands and woodlands means different animals appear in different zones, so the guide can adjust the route based on recent sightings and the habitats you're moving through.

How far is Nairobi National Park from the city, and how long does the drive take?

The park sits just 7 kilometers from Nairobi's city center, which is why the full experience (including pickup, the game drive and drop-off) takes about six hours. The short distance to the park entrance means more time actually inside the reserve spotting wildlife rather than traveling.

Can I choose between a shared jeep and a private van for this safari?

Yes. You can book a private van, a shared jeep, or select an option that combines the park drive with visits to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center. Each option is priced separately at checkout.

What's included in the tour, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off, bottled water, WiFi on board, and a free company t-shirt. The entrance fee to Nairobi National Park is not included and is paid separately. Tips for the guide are also at your discretion.