Zoo in Nairobi Kenya: A Wild Safari in the Heart of the City

Nairobi is an example of the few cities where people and animals live together. The city also provides the actual safari experience within the capital as compared to other traditional zoos. In case you are seeking a Zoo experience in Nairobi Kenya, then you will find wildlife that is spread in the park, conservation area and open place where the animals can roam freely.

The city, with its majestic lions contrasted against skyscrapers as well as giraffes grazing along highways, is an unusual combination of nature, culture and modern city life that seems almost magical.

Zoo in Nairobi Kenya: Park Overview

The Park is only a few minutes outside the city center thus providing an exclusive wildlife experience within a capital city. Possessing the area of 117 square kilometers, it hosts lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and hundreds of birds.

It is contrary to the normal zoos because animals here live freely in their natural habitat. It turns the Zoo experience in Nairobi Kenya, into a real safari with beautiful scenery of the wildlife in the backdrop of the city skyline.

Park Location

Nairobi National Park is located 7 kilometers south of Nairobi city therefore, it is one of the nearest safari parks in Africa. It is almost at the heart of the city and thus any visitor can not only enjoy having fun in the wildlife exploration but also tour the city.

Wildlife in the City

Another most interesting fact about the city is the way the urban environment is well integrated with wildlife. Rhinos grazing by the sides of roads, lions lying in the open plains, herds of antelopes, more than 400 types of birds, which move across the grasslands are some of the things that can be spotted in early morning game drives near the city buildings.

Operating Hours

The Park is available throughout the day and night (6:00 AM-6:00 PM). 

Park Entrance Fees

When one goes to see the Park, he/she is linked to entry fees that vary between the local and international visitors. Approximately, the daily charge for adults and children is the following:

The East African Citizens / Kenyan Residents:

• Adult: About KES 430-500
• Child (3-18 years): About KES 215-250

The Case of Non-Residents: (International Visitors):

• Adult: Around USD 43
• Child (3-18 years): Around USD 22

Top City Attractions

The city does not just have wildlife to offer, but also must-visit attractions as:

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: This is a famous elephant orphanage where one can pet baby elephants.
  
• Giraffe Centre: Tour Rothschild giraffes and even feed them.

• Karen Blixen Museum: Visit the house of the renowned author of the book, Out of Africa.

• Nairobi National Museum: Introduction to Kenyan culture, history and natural heritage.

• Bomas of Kenya: Visit the ancient Kenyan villages, music performances, dance performances.

• Kazuri Beads Factory: Watchmakers create beautiful and hand-made beads and pottery.

City Tours & Excursions

In addition to the national park, the city has numerous game-oriented tours. The city Safari Walk offers a high-rise walking path through the natural wildlife where visitors can view the animals at close distance. Close to it, there is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage which is a rehabilitation facility for injured or orphaned animals.

These attractions are supplementary to the national park experience and provide an educational value to conservation and preservation of wildlife.

Things to Do in the Park

The Park has several activities besides the game drives.

• Game Drives: Game drives can be done with lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and the backdrop being the city skyline.
  
• Guided Walks: Have a closer look at the wildlife, plants and conservation.
  
• Birdwatching: The park has hundreds of bird species.
  
• Photography Tours: Take an incredible scenery and wildlife tour in pictures.
  
• Safari Walk and Orphanage: Visit rescued animals and display exhibitions.
  
• Picnics and Scenic Views: Take a rest at specific locations as you observe wildlife.

Nairobi National Park Accommodation

Luxury Lodges & Hotels

• Ole Sereni Hotel: The hotel is a quality hotel with an overview of the park, the rooms, fine dining services, spa and beautiful wildlife that can be seen within the premises of the hotel.
  
• Emakoko Lodge: This is a luxury safari lodge which is still within the boundaries of the park, and has been used as an icon to its luxurious design, personalized services and immersion into nature.

Mid-Range Lodges & Hotels

• Tamarind Tree Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel which is not too small or too big, has good eating establishment and can be easily connected to the the  Park.
  
• Karen Gables: A beautiful boutique lodge with the relaxing environment, the luxury rooms, and the personalised accommodation near the park.

Budget Camps & Hostels

• Wildebeest Eco Camp: This is a general, cheap, eco-friendly camp where individuals camp in tents and the camp is a good place for people who need to experience the nature and beauty of the environment.
  
• Manyatta Backpackers: This is a low-budget hostel with minimal amenities and social atmosphere to stay in case one is visiting the city on low-cost.

Best Time to Visit

During the dry season in Kenya, from January-March and June-October, the Park is at its finest. Wildlife is also best seen during the months and roads are cleared and the weather is ideal to make a safari.

Wet seasons (April-May and November-December) are associated with green vistas and colourful birds but make the animal observation a little more difficult. To have the best experience at the zoo in the city, Kenya, visit it during the dry season.

Getting to the Park

The park is very easily accessible being only 7km away from the city center.

Road: 20-30 minutes to Nairobi CBD or 30-40 minutes to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and is served by the Langata road.

Taxi: Uber or Bolt would drop you to the entrance of the park.

Public Transport: Use the matatu to get to the gate by first taking matatu to Langata or Rongai, and then riding a small distance using the taxi/boda boda.

Visiting the zoo in the city, Kenya, is convenient when you are traveling either on Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Nairobi Wilson Airport.

Visit Planning Guide

• Pre-book your Safaris: Pre-booking your game drives and tours will help you to get the best guides and experience.
• Choose the Ideal Accommodation: Choose between the luxury, mid-range and budget lodges which are situated near the park so that you are near wildlife.
• Know Park Rules: It should be noted that you must also get to know the rules of the Park in order to enjoy a good and safe tour.
• Personalized Travel: The tourists can opt to personalize their tours either as an individual, family or couple to have a personalized safari experience in the city.

Visitor Tips

• Check Hours: It is observed in the early morning or the late afternoon.
• Survival Essentials: Snacks, camera, water, sunscreen, binoculars.
• Respect Animals: Keep off and leave them to themselves.
• Hire a Guide: You will need a Guide to assist you in the spotting of animals as well as telling you interesting stories of the park.

Conclusion 

Nairobi is a unique place of wildlife in the world. The hidden secret of travelers who want to visit the city and see the Zoo in Nairobi Kenya is the fact that it is possible to find animals in the wild, while being in the atmosphere of a dynamic city. The city demonstrates that you do not have to go far into the wilderness to enjoy the wonders of African wildlife; it is located at the very center of the city.

In Activentures Africa Safaris, we have the belief that every journey should begin with a feeling of the place. That is why several of our Kenya tours incorporate Nairobi experiences to allow you enjoy the energy of the city before your safari experience.

FAQs 

Does the city have a classical zoo?

It does not have a zoo like most cities but rather a National park located close by the Capital City Nairobi.

What are some of the animals in the Park?

It boasts of lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, and hundreds of bird species that the visitors can view.

Is the city safe for tourists?

Yes, it is largely a tourist destination region especially in prime attractions and tours. Basic travelling tips are proposed.