Wildlife and skyline
Rhinos, giraffes and lions with the city's towers on the horizon.
Kenya · Kenya's capital
Nairobi
A capital city with wildlife on its doorstep.
Nairobi is where most Kenya safaris begin and end, and the home of Absolute Holiday Safaris' office. Nairobi National Park, just outside the city centre, is one of the few places in the world where you can see wild giraffes, rhinos and lions against a city skyline.
- Country
- Kenya
- Airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)
- Known for
- Safari gateway · Nairobi National Park
- Ideal stay
- 1–2 nights
The place
Nairobi, at a glance.
Nairobi's main international airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, and Wilson Airport handles light-aircraft flights to the safari airstrips. Most of our Kenya safaris start with a morning pick-up in the city.
Nairobi National Park is fenced on the city side but open to the south, allowing wildlife to move in and out. It is a good option for a half-day game drive on arrival or before a flight.
Visitors often add the Giraffe Centre, an elephant orphanage or the Karen Blixen Museum to a day in the city.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Nairobi & Nairobi National Park
- Region
- Kenya's capital
- Airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)
- Known for
- Safari gateway · Nairobi National Park
- Ideal stay
- 1–2 nights
- Combines well with
- Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha
The appeal
Why visit Nairobi?
The safari gateway
Most Kenya safaris begin here, and Absolute's office is in central Nairobi.
Karen Blixen Museum
The former farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of Nairobi.
Nairobi National Park is home to black and white rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and many antelope and birds. Wildlife is free-ranging, so sightings vary from day to day and can never be guaranteed.
Zebras grazing in Nairobi National Park with the city skyline behind 
Lioness standing in grass with Nairobi city buildings in the distance 
Impala grazing in Nairobi National Park below the city skyline 
Two giraffes in grassland with Nairobi's skyline beyond
Travel through the year
When to visit Nairobi.
Nairobi National Park can be visited all year. Allow extra time for city traffic.
Jan – Mar
Warm and mostly dry.
Apr – May
Long rains.
Jun – Oct
Cooler and dry; Nairobi sits at about 1,700 m, so evenings can be chilly.
Nov – Dec
Short rains.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience Nairobi.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
Nairobi National Park
A half-day game drive for rhinos, giraffes, lions and plains game, with the city skyline in view.
02
Giraffe Centre
A conservation centre where you can see Rothschild's giraffes at eye level from a raised platform.
03
Elephant orphanage
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's orphaned elephants can be seen at a short public visiting time; booking is required.
04
Karen Blixen Museum
The farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa, in the suburb named after her.
The way there
Getting to Nairobi.
By air
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is about 15 km from the city centre.
To the national park
The main gate is only a short drive from the centre, depending on traffic.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
Before a safari
A night in Nairobi after a long flight makes the first safari morning easier.
Half-day game drive
Nairobi National Park fits into an arrival or departure day.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Nairobi.
Lodges and camps for this destination are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, budget and preferences.
Trip ideas
Shortest trip
9 Days Maasai Mara, Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo SafariNairobi → Maasai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Tsavo West → Tsavo East → Mombasa or Nairobi
1 safari
Safaris that include Nairobi.
Group joining9 days · Kenya · Group joining
9 Days Maasai Mara, Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari
From the Mara to the coast road
Wildlife safari · Budget
Nine days across southern Kenya: the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate, Amboseli, then Tsavo West and Tsavo East, ending in Nairobi or Mombasa.
Price on request
Beyond Nairobi
Where to next?
Ways to travel
Before you go
Practical notes.
Our office
St. Ellis House, 7th Floor, Wabera Street, opposite City Hall, Nairobi.
Traffic
Allow plenty of time for road transfers, especially at rush hour.
Common questions
Nairobi, explained.
Can I go on safari in Nairobi?
Yes. Nairobi National Park is just outside the city and is home to rhinos, lions and giraffes.
Where do Absolute safaris start?
Most Kenya safaris start in Nairobi with a pick-up from your hotel or another agreed point.
Should I spend a night in Nairobi before my safari?
We recommend it after a long-haul flight. Most safaris leave Nairobi in the morning, and a night's rest makes the first day much easier.
Can you arrange Nairobi excursions?
Yes. Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum are not part of our published packages, but we can arrange them on request.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about 15 km from the centre; allow extra time for traffic.
Your Nairobi journey
Ready to see Nairobi for yourself?
Explore safaris that include Nairobi, or tell us how you would like to travel.