Few cities in the world can claim to host skyscrapers and roaming lions in the same skyline.
Nairobi is the exception.
Just a short drive from the central business district, Nairobi National Park offers a rare blend of wilderness and urban backdrop, making it a global landmark in conservation.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the park is “natively famous and recognised as the only national park in the world next to a capital,” promising seclusion and tranquility away from the city’s frenzy.
It is a popular getaway for families, couples, friends and groups seeking both relaxation and game viewing.
The park is home to diverse wildlife including giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, hippos, crocodiles and white rhinos.
KWS notes that it stands out as one of the country's most successful rhino sanctuaries, with birdlife equally flourishing.
Beyond wildlife, the park has played a central role in the country’s conservation history.
The ivory burning site, established within its grounds, is a landmark of global importance.
In 1989, then-President Daniel arap Moi set ablaze 11 tonnes of rhino horn and ivory there, sending a strong message against poaching.
The move, according to KWS, helped curb wildlife crimes and allowed animal populations to recover.
In 2016, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta oversaw the destruction of 100 tonnes of ivory and rhino horns at the same site.
This reinforced the country's zero-tolerance stance on the illegal trade.
Rhinos at Nairobi National Park/ Nairobi National Park/FB
Today, the site serves as both a picnic ground and a reminder of the country’s conservation journey.
The park also marked its 75th anniversary in December 2021 with celebrations led by Kenyatta, who unveiled a commemorative lion monument and plaque at the main entrance off Lang’ata Road.
A photo exhibition was also launched at the Nairobi Education Center to highlight its history.
Visitors to the park can enjoy activities ranging from guided nature walks along the Hippo Pool trail, birdwatching and photography, to game drives—whether self-drive, in a KWS tour van, or in private vehicles.
Picnic sites such as Kingfisher, Simba, Mokoyiet, Impala Point and the ivory burning site provide venues for weddings, bush dinners and team-building events.
Nairobi National Park remains a sanctuary of wildlife and history, unmatched anywhere in the world.
