Nairobi National Park

A Safari on the Outskirts of the Capital

The proximity of Nairobi National Park to Kenya’s capital city never fails to astonish me. One moment you’re driving through heavy traffic and the next moment you might be watching lions lazing under a tree or a herd of buffalo making its way to a water hole. I’d visited the park several times, but always as a day trip. Recently, we decided to spend a night at Nairobi Tented Camp, the only accommodation inside the park. Not having to rush back to the gate before closing and experiencing the bush waking up at dawn (long before the day visitors arrive) made all the difference.

We only had time for one game drive, but it was one for the books. We had several sightings of white rhino and ended up watching a lioness trying to get up a tree at dusk. When you’ve seen lions climbing trees, you’ll know it can be a very clumsy affair. It took her several attempts before she managed to get onto a suitable branch. While we watched her scanning the area and calling (possibly her cubs), a black rhino casually walked past us.

I always thought of Nairobi National Park as a good filler for when you have a day to spare in the capital. Now, I would say that the park is worth adding to any Kenyan safari and not just to get that iconic shot of wildlife in front of the Nairobi skyline.