A Day Among the Wild: My Unforgettable Safari in Nairobi National Park
On a bright and sunny day, I had the pleasure of exploring the Nairobi National Park, a true gem for wildlife enthusiasts like myself. The adventure began the moment I hopped into a vehicle with the license plate KBL 788 A, named “Let The ADVENTURE BEGIN, expertly driven by Abdulmalik (Max), who was not just our guide but also our gateway to the incredible world of Kenyan wildlife.
For about four hours, we meandered through the vast expanses of the park, each turn and trail offering a new surprise. The experience was nothing short of magical. We were greeted by the majestic sight of lions basking in the sun, leopards stealthily prowling through the grass, and the formidable presence of both white and critically endangered black rhinoceroses, a sight to behold and cherish.
Not to be outdone, the clever jackals, graceful impalas, elegant gazelles, and striking zebras added to the park's tapestry of life, each animal playing its role in the ecosystem. The cheetahs, with their unmatched speed and grace, were particularly mesmerizing, embodying the spirit of the wild that Nairobi National Park protects so fervently.
Birdwatching was an unexpected delight, with dozens of bird species adding color and song to the landscape. From the smallest sunbird to the majestic African fish eagle, each bird we encountered was a testament to the diversity and beauty of Kenya's avian life.
The time spent in Nairobi National Park was not just enjoyable and fun; it was an education. Abdulmalik shared insights into the behaviors and habitats of the animals we encountered, enriching our understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
As I reflect on my safari, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness such incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Nairobi National Park is a conservation success story, a place where animals roam freely and visitors can connect with nature in its purest form.
For anyone considering a visit, let my experience serve as an encouragement. It's more than just a day trip; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonder of the wild, to learn, and to come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
In conclusion, my heart remains in Nairobi National Park, among the lions, leopards, rhinos, and countless other creatures that call it home. It's a reminder of the beauty our world holds and the importance of preserving it for...
Read more🌿 “You Get What You Give — A Tailored Safari I’ll Never Forget”
If you’re looking for a tailored, exciting, and unforgettable trip to Kenya — look no further. From the very start, planning with this company felt like sitting down with family to plot the perfect adventure. I had a lot of wishes (and quite a few changes along the way), but they patiently worked through every detail with me and somehow managed to squeeze everything into just 5 incredible days.
We truly saw it all — from rhinos and elephants at the orphanage, to the graceful (and impressively plump!) lions of Samburu. Visited a samburu village and made fire from two sticks! We stood in awe at Thomson Falls, cruised the great lakes spotting hippos in Naivasha, and even strolled among giraffes and zebra. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we soaked in the thermal baths of Hell’s Gate — the perfect ending to a long day of adventure.
The Land Cruiser had done it’s miles, but she did her job and added to the experience — especially the day a matriarch elephant started running after us because we may have gotten a little too close to her baby. I swear I felt the wind from her flapping ears! It’s one of those moments you never forget.
A big thank you to Faith, who handled all the admin with such professionalism and patience, and to Caroline, whose knowledge and guidance gave us full confidence that we were in the best hands. Truly, the service was top-class and went above and beyond — even down to arranging transport within Nairobi whenever needed.
And then there was Peter — our driver and guide — who made the journey come alive. The lodges were lovely, the food plentiful, and not once did we go hungry! Peter knew all the best panja routes to avoid traffic, shared endless stories and insights, and made sure every moment was memorable. By the end of the trip, saying goodbye felt like saying farewell to family.
A trip like this is always individual — what you bring to it is what makes it truly memorable. Not everything runs perfectly, and yes, there are moments of frustration, but pole pole and hakuna matata! You get what you give.
This was money well spent — an experience I’ll carry with me forever. I can’t recommend Kenya on a Budget enough. They are flexible, caring, service-minded, and will do everything possible to make sure your holiday is a success.
Asante sana!...
Read moreWelcome to Kenya’s most accessible yet incongruous safari experience. Set on the city’s southern outskirts, Nairobi National Park (at 117 sq km, one of Africa’s smallest) has abundant wildlife that can, in places, be viewed against a backdrop of city skyscrapers and planes coming in to land – it's one of the only national parks on earth bordering a capital city. Remarkably, the animals seem utterly unperturbed by it all.
The park has acquired the nickname ‘Kifaru Ark’, a testament to its success as a rhinoceros (kifaru in Kiswahili) sanctuary. The park is home to the world's densest concentration of black rhinos (more than 50), though even the park's strong antipoaching measures couldn't prevent poachers from killing one of the rhinos in August 2013 and then again in January 2014. They were the first such attacks in six years, and reflect the current sky-high Asian black-market price for rhino horn.
Lions and hyenas are also commonly sighted within the park; rangers at the entrance usually have updates on lion movements. You’ll need a bit of patience and a lot of luck to spot the park’s resident cheetahs and leopards. Other regularly spotted species include gazelles, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and buffaloes.
The park’s wetland areas sustain approximately 400 bird species, which is more than in the whole of the UK.
Matatus (minibuses) 125 and 126 (KSh50, 30 to 45 minutes) pass by the main park entrance from the train station. You can also go by private vehicle. Nairobi tour companies offer half-day safaris (from US$75 per person).
Apart from the main entrance, which lies 7km from the city centre, there are other gates on Magadi Rd and the Athi River gate; the latter is handy if you’re continuing on to Mombasa, Amboseli or the Tanzanian border. The roads in the park are passable with 2WDs, but travelling in a 4WD is never a bad idea, especially if the rains have been heavy.
Unless you already have your own vehicle, the cheapest way to see the park is on the shuttle, a big Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) bus that leaves the main gate at 2pm on Sunday for a 2½-hour tour. You need to book in person at the main gate by 1.30pm, but do call ahead if you want to do the tour, as...
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