Nairobi National Park in Lang'ata, Nairobi: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Featured Animals and wildlife in Lang'ata, Nairobi
Nairobi National Park is the only national park inside a capital city, with lions, rhinos and giraffes about 7 km from Nairobi CBD. East African citizen adults pay KES 1,000 and children pay KES 500. The park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm daily, and most families need 4 to 6 hours. A Nairobi package covering the park, Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk costs KES 1,300 for adults and KES 700 for children.
What is Nairobi National Park?
Nairobi National Park is the only national park located within a capital city in the world. It sits about 7 km south of Nairobi CBD and covers 117 square kilometres of wide open grass plains with the city skyline as a backdrop. The park was established in 1946 and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. It hosts lions, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, cheetahs, hippos and over 400 bird species. The park also has a rhino sanctuary, historic Ivory Burning Site, picnic sites at Impala Observation Point, Kingfisher Picnic Site and Mokoyiet Picnic Site, and three campsites. Guided walking trails are available at the hippo pools with an armed ranger. The park offers game drives by private vehicle or guided tour van. Most families spend 4 to 6 hours on a game drive. It is not a zoo and wildlife sightings depend on the day.
The park protects endangered black rhinos and over 400 bird species. The rhino sanctuary supports breeding and conservation. The historic Ivory Burning Site marks Kenya's commitment to anti-poaching.
Nairobi National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (5 to under 18 years) | Under 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 1,000 | KES 500 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 80 | KES 40 | Free |
East African citizen rates are KES 1,000 for adults and KES 500 for children. Kenya resident rates are KES 1,350 for adults and KES 675 for children. Non-resident rates are USD 80 for adults and USD 40 for children. The Nairobi package covering the park, Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk costs KES 1,300 for adults and KES 700 for children for East African citizens. Vehicle charges range from KES 600 for cars under 6 seats to KES 1,500 for 6 to 12 seats.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Go early Gates open at 6 am and animals are most active in the morning
- Carry your own snacks and water No cafe inside the park
- Combine with Safari Walk The Nairobi package gives a discount compared to buying separate tickets
- Stay on designated roads Off-road driving damages the habitat and attracts fines
- Children under 3 free No entry fee for toddlers
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | The full drive may be too long. Consider the Safari Walk instead. | |
| 3–5 years | Can enjoy the drive with snacks and narration. Keep the visit to 2 to 3 hours. | |
| 6–9 years | Good age for a game drive. Can spot animals and follow the guide. | |
| 10–12 years | Can engage with conservation messages and enjoy the full drive. | |
| 13+ years | Can appreciate the full safari experience and photography. |
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Key details
- Address
- Lang'ata Road, Nairobi, Nairobi
- GPS coordinates
- -1.3733, 36.8584
- Opening hours
- Gates open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays. Overnight visitors follow separate rules. Confirm by phone. Closed now
- How long to plan
- 4 to 6 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- Cash
- M-Pesa
- Card
- Phone
- +254 20 2423423
What to expect when you visit
Plan for a 4 to 6 hour game drive. Enter at the main gate on Lang'ata Road. Pay the entry fee by M-Pesa, card or cash. The gate opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm.
Drive the main circuit first. The park has open grass plains and acacia woodland. Look for lions, rhinos, giraffes and zebras. The rhino sanctuary is a highlight. Keep to designated roads and stay in the vehicle except at picnic sites.
Stop at a picnic site for a break. Impala Observation Point, Kingfisher Picnic Site and Mokoyiet Picnic Site have shaded tables and latrines. The historic Ivory Burning Site is also worth a stop.
Bring your own food and water. There is no cafe inside the park. Carnivore Restaurant is about 10 minutes away for a sit-down meal after the drive.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can I pay with cash?
Yes, cash is accepted at the gate. M-Pesa and card are also accepted.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
Yes, but the full drive may be long. Bring snacks and a carrier. Consider the Safari Walk for a shorter visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not for individual visits. Guided game drives can be booked through tour operators.
Is it open on public holidays?
Yes, the park is open daily including public holidays.
Can I walk in the park?
Walking is only allowed on guided trails at the hippo pools with an armed ranger.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Some toddler activities
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Picnic allowed
- First aid
- Access and parking
- Paid parking
- Public transport nearby
- Safety notes
Stay in the vehicle except at designated picnic and walking areas. Do not drive off-road. Keep a minimum distance of 20 metres from wildlife. Do not feed animals. Keep speed below 40 km/h. Late-exit fines of KES 5,000 to KES 10,000 apply.
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- KES 600
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided game drives are available. Walking trails at the hippo pools with an armed ranger. Three campsites. Picnic sites at Impala Observation Point, Kingfisher Picnic Site and Mokoyiet Picnic Site.
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Early morning from 6 am to 9 am and late afternoon from 4 pm to 6 pm. Animals are most active then. Dry seasons are June to October and January to March.
- Busiest times
- Weekends and public holidays are busier. Midday is quieter. School groups visit on weekdays.
- How to get there
Nairobi National Park is about 7 km from Nairobi CBD on Lang'ata Road. From the CBD take Uhuru Highway to Lang'ata Road. The main gate is on the left after the Langata Army Barracks.
- By car
- About 7 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 15–25 minutes off-peak. Allow 30–45 minutes during peak traffic.
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Uber and Bolt are available. A round trip from the CBD is roughly KES 1000-1500
- Public transport
Matatus 125 and 126 from Railways Bus Station pass the main gate. The fare is roughly KES 50–100. The walk from the last stop is short.
- Combine with
Nairobi Safari Walk is on Lang'ata Road with a separate ticket. Nairobi Animal Orphanage is in the same area with a separate ticket. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is nearby and advance booking is required.
- What to bring
Drinking water, snacks, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, comfortable closed shoes, and a light jacket for early mornings.
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
The park is accessed by vehicle. Some picnic sites have accessible facilities. Confirm by phone.
Strollers are not practical on a game drive. Bring a baby carrier instead.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Nairobi National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 1,000 and resident children (ages 5 to under 18 years) pay KES 500. Non-resident adults pay KES 80 and non-resident children pay KES 40. Children under 3 enter free. East African citizen rates are KES 1,000 for adults and KES 500 for children. Kenya resident rates are KES 1,350 for adults and KES 675 for children. Non-resident rates are USD 80 for adults and USD 40 for children. The Nairobi package covering the park, Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk costs KES 1,300 for adults and KES 700 for children for East African citizens. Vehicle charges range from KES 600 for cars under 6 seats to KES 1,500 for 6 to 12 seats. Prices checked 27 Sep 2026.
- What are the Nairobi National Park opening hours?
- Gates open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays. Overnight visitors follow separate rules. Confirm by phone. Busiest: Weekends and public holidays are busier. Midday is quieter. School groups visit on weekdays.
- Is Nairobi National Park suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Partly. Nairobi National Park has some toddler activities but suits older children better. Minimum age: No minimum age. Stay in the vehicle except at designated picnic and walking areas. Do not drive off-road. Keep a minimum distance of 20 metres from wildlife. Do not feed animals. Keep speed below 40 km/h. Late-exit fines of KES 5,000 to KES 10,000 apply.
- How long do you need at Nairobi National Park?
- Plan for 4 to 6 hours.
- What payment methods does Nairobi National Park accept?
- Nairobi National Park accepts Cash, M-Pesa, Card.
- Is Nairobi National Park accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Paid parking, Public transport nearby.
- What is the best time to visit Nairobi National Park?
- Early morning from 6 am to 9 am and late afternoon from 4 pm to 6 pm. Animals are most active then. Dry seasons are June to October and January to March. It is busiest Weekends and public holidays are busier. Midday is quieter. School groups visit on weekdays.
- How do you get to Nairobi National Park?
- About 7 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 15–25 minutes off-peak. Allow 30–45 minutes during peak traffic. Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are available. A round trip from the CBD is roughly KES 1000-1500. Public transport: Matatus 125 and 126 from Railways Bus Station pass the main gate. The fare is roughly KES 50–100. The walk from the last stop is short. Nairobi National Park is about 7 km from Nairobi CBD on Lang'ata Road. From the CBD take Uhuru Highway to Lang'ata Road. The main gate is on the left after the Langata Army Barracks.
- How many bird species are in the park?
- Over 400 bird species.
- Is there a rhino sanctuary?
- Yes, the park has a rhino sanctuary for endangered black rhinos.
- Can I stay overnight?
- Yes,
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