✦ About the Reserve

Samburu — Northern Frontier

Far north of Nairobi, where the landscape transforms into a breathtaking semi-arid wilderness of red laterite earth, doum palms, and ancient volcanic plains, lies Samburu National Reserve. It is one of Kenya's most extraordinary and least-crowded destinations — prized by serious wildlife enthusiasts seeking something genuinely different from the southern parks.

Samburu is celebrated for its unique "Special Five" — rare species found only in northern Kenya and not in any southern park. These five animals make Samburu an essential destination for any wildlife enthusiast who has already visited the Masai Mara and Amboseli.

The Ewaso Ng'iro River forms the spine of the reserve, providing year-round water that attracts extraordinary concentrations of elephants, lions, leopards, and crocodiles. The reserve is home to approximately 900 elephants — a remarkable number that converges on the river throughout the year. Dawn drives along the riverbank, with mist rising from the water and elephants wading through golden shallows, are among the most atmospheric in all of Africa.

Dry Season June – October

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Vegetation is thinner, making the Special Five easier to spot. Cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Wet Season November – May

Lush landscapes and birding. The reserve transforms into green paradise. Excellent for bird photography with migratory species. Fewer tourists and quieter wilderness.

By Road

From Nairobi: 350 km (5 to 6 hours) north via Thika Road, through Nanyuki, to Archer Gate. The road is paved to Isiolo, then graded murram to the reserve.

Equator Stop: En route, stop at Nanyuki town directly on the Equator for the Coriolis Effect ceremony — a fascinating physics demonstration.

✈ By Air

Scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Samburu airstrips:

Flight time: ~1 hour from Nairobi. Road transfers from airstrip to your pickup point: 20–30 minutes.

About

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, sitting at 1,884 metres above sea level — the highest lake in the Rift Valley. Its name comes from the Maasai word Enaiposha, meaning "rough water," a reference to the afternoon winds that whip across its surface. The lake is surrounded by a necklace of acacia trees, flower farms, and volcanic hills, creating a landscape of extraordinary beauty.

The lake is home to over 400 bird species, making it one of Kenya's premier birdwatching destinations. African fish eagles hunt from the treetops, pelicans dive for tilapia, and flocks of cormorants dry their wings on the shore. The shallows host massive pods of hippos — over 1,000 individuals — and the surrounding swamps are the haunt of the secretive African jacana and malachite kingfisher.

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, a volcanic peninsula jutting into the lake, offers one of Africa's most unique experiences: walking safaris among free-roaming wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and impala wander the island's grassy slopes, completely habituated to human presence. Visitors can walk among them on foot, creating intimate wildlife encounters impossible from a vehicle.

The lake is also the gateway to Hell's Gate National Park, Mount Longonot, and Elsamere — the former home of Joy and George Adamson of Born Free fame. Boat safaris at dawn reveal hippos yawning in the mist, kingfishers darting between papyrus reeds, and the dramatic backdrop of the Aberdare Range.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (June – October)

Best for hippo and general wildlife. Lower water levels concentrate hippos. Clear skies for boat photography. Excellent for combining with Masai Mara migration.

Wet Season (November – May)

Best for birdwatching. Migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia. Lush vegetation and nesting activity. Afternoon winds create dramatic lake conditions.

By Road

From Nairobi: 90 km (1.5 to 2 hours) via the Nairobi–Nakuru highway (A104). The road is paved and in excellent condition. Spectacular descent into the Rift Valley.

By Air

No direct airstrip at Naivasha. Charter flights can land at nearby private strips. Most visitors combine Naivasha with a road safari from Nairobi or the Mara.

About

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a 131-square-kilometre gem in Kenya's arid north, separated from Samburu National Reserve by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Named for the natural springs that bubble up from volcanic rock — creating clear, buffalo-shaped pools — the reserve offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience than its famous neighbour.

The reserve is home to the Samburu Special Five: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. These species are found only in northern Kenya and are the defining wildlife of the region. Alongside them roam elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 365 bird species, including the rare Williams' lark and vulturine guinea fowl.

The crystal-clear springs are the reserve's namesake and heart. Buffalo-shaped pools of fresh water attract wildlife throughout the day. The springs are surrounded by doum palms and acacia woodland, creating a lush oasis in the semi-desert landscape. The Ewaso Nyiro River, which forms the reserve's southern boundary, draws elephants, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Buffalo Springs is deeply connected to the Samburu people, who have grazed their cattle alongside wildlife for centuries. Cultural visits to local manyattas (villages) offer authentic encounters — not tourist performances — with a proud pastoralist community. The reserve's low visitor numbers mean exclusive game viewing, often without another vehicle in sight.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (June – October)

Best for wildlife concentration. Animals gather at the springs and river. Sparse vegetation makes spotting easier. Cool, clear days perfect for photography.

Wet Season (November – May)

Lush and green. The landscape transforms. Excellent for birding and photography of dramatic skies. Fewer visitors and lower rates.

By Road

From Nairobi: 350 km (5 to 6 hours) via Nanyuki and Isiolo. The road is paved to Isiolo; the final stretch is gravel but accessible by 2WD in dry season.

By Air

Scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Samburu Airstrip (1 hour). The airstrip serves both Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves.

✦ About the Park

Amboseli — Land of Giants

Amboseli National Park covers 392 square kilometres in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border. The park is synonymous with one extraordinary image: enormous tusked elephant bulls standing against the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres. This is arguably the most photographed scene in all of Africa.

The elephants of Amboseli are legendary. The Amboseli Elephant Research Project, established in 1972 and the world's longest continuous elephant study, has made these animals among the least fearful of humans on earth. Finding yourself metres from a matriarch and her family, the mountain rising behind them, is an encounter that stays with you for life.

The park's five distinct habitats — open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, two seasonal lakes, and the Enkongo Narok and Longinye swamps — support over 400 bird species, lions, cheetahs, and a remarkable variety of waterfowl. Observation Hill provides panoramic views across the entire park at golden hour.

Mount Kilimanjaro is typically clearest at dawn and late afternoon — these are the prime photography windows. The mountain often disappears into clouds by mid-morning, making an early start essential for the iconic elephant-Kilimanjaro shot.

Top Experiences

✦ About the Park

Lake Nakuru — Flamingo Paradise

Lake Nakuru National Park packs extraordinary wildlife into just 188 square kilometres, making it one of Kenya's most rewarding and most accessible safari destinations. The park's alkaline lake is famous for its flamingo gatherings — at peak times, hundreds of thousands of lesser and greater flamingos paint the shoreline vivid pink in one of nature's most spectacular displays.

Lake Nakuru is also one of the best places in East Africa to see both black and white rhinos, thanks to a highly successful Kenya Wildlife Service sanctuary programme. Lions, leopards — often seen resting in yellow fever trees — Rothschild's giraffe (one of the world's rarest giraffe subspecies), waterbuck, buffalo, and large troop of olive baboons are all reliably sighted.

Over 400 bird species have been recorded in and around the lake, making it a world-class birding destination. The Baboon Cliff viewpoint and Lion Hill provide sweeping panoramas across the lake and the acacia and euphorbia forest that surrounds it. Lake Nakuru is perfectly positioned between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, making it an ideal overnight stop on multi-park circuits.

Highlights

Dry Season (January – March)

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around the lake shore. Vegetation is thinner, making rhinos and predators easier to spot. Clear skies for Rift Valley photography.

Wet Season (April – December)

Lush landscapes and birding. The lake water levels rise, attracting greater flamingo concentrations. Over 400 bird species are most active. Fewer tourists and quieter drives.

By Road

From Nairobi: 156 km (2 to 2.5 hours) via the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. The road is fully paved and in excellent condition — one of Kenya's most accessible parks.

From Masai Mara: 240 km (4 to 5 hours) via Narok and Mai Mahiu. A popular routing for multi-park circuits combining Mara and Nakuru.

✈ By Air

Scheduled and charter flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Naishi Airstrip inside the park:

Flight time: ~35 minutes from Nairobi. Road transfers from airstrip to park gates: 15–30 minutes.

About

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park protects Africa's second-highest mountain — a 5,199-metre stratovolcano whose jagged peaks, glaciers, and alpine moorland create one of the continent's most dramatic landscapes. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and cultural significance to the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru peoples.

The mountain rises through distinct ecological zones: dense montane forest at the base, bamboo thickets, heather moorland, alpine desert, and finally the glacial summit zone. This vertical diversity supports extraordinary wildlife — elephants, buffalos, leopards, and the rare mountain bongo antelope in the forest; rock hyraxes, sunbirds, and lammergeiers in the alpine zone. Over 130 bird species have been recorded.

For trekkers, Mount Kenya offers three main summit routes: Sirimon (gentlest, best acclimatisation), Chogoria (most scenic, traverses the Gorges Valley), and Naro Moru (steepest, fastest ascent). The technical peaks of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) require rock climbing expertise, while Point Lenana (4,985m) is accessible to fit trekkers and offers spectacular sunrise views over the Kenyan plains.

The park also holds deep cultural significance. The Kikuyu people believe Mount Kenya is the throne of Ngai, their supreme god. Sacred sites, including the Mau Mau caves where freedom fighters hid during the independence struggle, add historical depth to the natural wonder. The mountain's melting glaciers feed the Tana and Ewaso Nyiro rivers, sustaining millions of Kenyans downstream.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (December – February)

Best for trekking. Clear skies, minimal rain, and excellent visibility. Warmest temperatures on the mountain. Best chance of summit success.

Dry Season (June – October)

Also excellent for trekking. Cool and dry. Less crowded than December–February. Good wildlife viewing in the forest zone.

By Road

From Nairobi: 175 km (3 hours) to Naro Moru Gate via the A2 highway. Sirimon Gate is 3.5 hours; Chogoria Gate is 4 hours. All routes are paved.

By Air

Scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (30 minutes). Road transfer from Nanyuki to park gates takes 30–45 minutes.

About

Hell's Gate National Park

Hell's Gate National Park is a 68-square-kilometre geological wonder in the Great Rift Valley, named for a narrow break in the cliffs that once served as a tributary to a prehistoric lake. It is one of only two Kenyan national parks where visitors can walk and cycle freely among wildlife — the absence of dangerous predators making it uniquely safe for active exploration.

The park's dramatic landscape inspired the setting of Disney's The Lion King — the towering Fischer's Tower, a 25-metre volcanic plug, and the red-walled Central Tower are instantly recognisable. The Ol Njorowa Gorge, with its narrow slot canyons and hot waterfalls, offers thrilling hiking through steam vents and geothermal springs. Over 100 species of birds soar above the cliffs, including Verreaux's eagles and augur buzzards.

The park sits atop one of the world's most active geothermal fields. The Olkaria Geothermal Station — Africa's first — harnesses steam from beneath the earth to generate power. Visitors can soak in the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, where naturally heated mineral pools offer relaxation with views of the volcanic landscape. The spa's water, rich in sulphur and minerals, is believed to have therapeutic properties.

Despite its small size, Hell's Gate supports a surprising diversity of wildlife. Buffalos, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and baboons roam the grasslands. The park is also home to the rare Chandler's mountain reedbuck and the klipspringer, which dances across the rocky outcrops. For adventure-seekers, rock climbing on Fischer's Tower offers routes for all skill levels.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (June – September)

Best for cycling and hiking. Dry trails, clear skies, and excellent visibility. Wildlife concentrates near water sources. Perfect for photography.

Wet Season (October – May)

Green and lush. The gorge waterfalls are at their most dramatic. Fewer visitors. Some trails may be slippery but the landscape is vibrant.

By Road

From Nairobi: 90 km (1.5 to 2 hours) via the Nairobi–Nakuru highway (A104). The park has two gates: Elsa Gate (near Naivasha) and Ol Karia Gate (near the spa).

By Public Transport

Matatus from Nairobi to Naivasha town (1.5 hours). From Naivasha, hire a taxi or boda-boda to the park gates (15–20 minutes).

About

Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a vast, untamed wilderness of 870 square kilometres in Kenya's remote east, where 13 permanent rivers slice through doum palm groves, acacia woodland, and open grassland. It is the landscape where Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the lioness — immortalised in Born Free — and where her grave still sits beneath a kopje overlooking the Tana River.

The park is one of Kenya's most diverse and least visited, offering an exclusivity that the Masai Mara cannot match. Its thirteen rivers create a lush, riverine ecosystem that supports extraordinary wildlife density: large elephant herds, healthy lion and leopard populations, cheetahs, and the rare lesser kudu. The northern section, protected as the Bisinadi National Reserve, adds another layer of wilderness.

Meru's rhino sanctuary, established in 2005, now protects over 80 white and black rhinos behind a 46-kilometre electric fence. Visitors can track rhinos on foot with armed rangers, getting closer than almost anywhere else in Kenya. The sanctuary is a remarkable conservation success story, having reintroduced rhinos to an area where they were once extinct.

The park's landscapes are spectacularly varied — from the Adamson's Falls and the Tana River rapids to the volcanic kopjes that dot the plains. Over 400 bird species have been recorded, including the Pel's fishing owl, one of Africa's most elusive birds. Night game drives reveal a hidden world of aardvarks, genets, and bush babies. For those seeking Kenya's wild heart without the crowds, Meru is the answer.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (June – October)

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate along the 13 rivers. Sparse vegetation makes spotting easier. Cool, clear days. Peak time for rhino tracking.

Wet Season (November – May)

Lush and green. The park transforms into a verdant paradise. Excellent for birding and photography. Fewer visitors and the most exclusive experience.

By Road

From Nairobi: 350 km (5 to 6 hours) via Embu and Meru town. The final 60 km to the park is gravel but accessible by 2WD in dry season.

By Air

Scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Mulika Airstrip (1 hour). The airstrip is inside the park, with immediate game viewing on arrival.

About

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a 62,000-acre private reserve in northern Kenya's Laikipia plateau, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site extension for its extraordinary conservation achievements. It is one of Africa's most successful rhino sanctuaries, protecting over 215 black and white rhinos — approximately 15% of Kenya's entire rhino population — behind a 155-kilometre electric fence.

The conservancy is a global leader in community conservation. Founded in 1995, Lewa has pioneered a model where wildlife protection directly funds schools, clinics, water projects, and scholarships for neighbouring communities. Over 800 local people are employed by the conservancy, and thousands more benefit from its outreach programmes. This symbiotic relationship has transformed Lewa from a cattle ranch into one of Africa's most important conservation areas.

Lewa is also the stronghold of the endangered Grevy's zebra, hosting over 400 individuals — roughly 10% of the world's remaining population. The conservancy's open grasslands, acacia woodland, and wetlands support the Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs, and over 400 bird species. The Ngare Ndare Forest, which borders Lewa, features a 10-metre-high canopy walkway through indigenous forest.

For visitors, Lewa offers some of Africa's most exclusive safari experiences. Camel and horseback safaris traverse the Laikipia plains. Fly camping under the stars provides an immersive wilderness experience. The conservancy's low vehicle density means private, unhurried game viewing. Every stay at Lewa directly contributes to conservation, education, and community development — making it a safari with genuine impact.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (June – October)

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around water sources. Clear skies for photography. Peak time for rhino and Grevy's zebra sightings.

Wet Season (November – May)

Lush and green. The plains transform. Excellent for birding and photography of dramatic skies. Fewer visitors and the most intimate experience.

By Road

From Nairobi: 260 km (4 to 5 hours) via Nanyuki and Isiolo. The road is paved to Nanyuki; the final stretch to Lewa is gravel but well-maintained.

By Air

Scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Lewa Airstrip (1 hour). Road transfer from the airstrip to lodges takes 15–20 minutes.

About

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Lake Bogoria is a shallow, alkaline lake in Kenya's Great Rift Valley that hosts one of the most spectacular wildlife phenomena on Earth: up to two million lesser flamingos gathering on its shores, turning the water into a shimmering pink carpet. Alongside the flamingos, over 200 geothermal hot springs and geysers erupt from the lake's western shore, some shooting superheated water five metres into the air.

The lake is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity and geological significance. The hot springs are among the most active in Africa, with surface temperatures reaching 100°C. Visitors can boil eggs in the springs — a surreal experience — and watch the Endorois people collect minerals from the geothermal vents, a practice dating back centuries.

Beyond the flamingos, the reserve supports a surprising diversity of wildlife. The greater kudu, with its magnificent spiral horns, is found here in significant numbers — one of the best places in Kenya to see this elegant antelope. Other residents include zebras, impalas, dik-diks, baboons, and klipspringers on the rocky escarpments. Over 300 bird species have been recorded, from fish eagles to pelicans.

The surrounding landscape is raw and dramatic — acacia woodland, volcanic hills, and the rugged Siracho Escarpment. The lake has no outlet, so its waters are rich in blue-green algae, the food source that gives flamingos their pink colour. When water levels are right, Bogoria can host more flamingos than Lake Nakuru, making it the premier flamingo destination in East Africa.

Highlights

Sun Dry Season (January – March)

Best for flamingos. Low rainfall concentrates algae. Flamingo numbers peak. Clear skies for photography. Hot springs are most active.

Dry Season (June – October)

Also excellent. Cool and dry. Good wildlife viewing around springs. Less dusty than January–March. Excellent for combining with Lake Nakuru.

By Road

From Nairobi: 280 km (4 to 5 hours) via Nakuru and Mogotio. The road is paved to Nakuru; the final 60 km is gravel but accessible by 2WD.

By Air

Charter flights can land at Kabarak Airstrip near the reserve. Most visitors combine Bogoria with a road safari from Nakuru or the Mara.

✦ About the Park

Tsavo — Wilderness Redefined

Tsavo is Kenya's largest protected area and one of the biggest national park complexes in the world. At 22,000 square kilometres combined (Tsavo East at 13,747 km² and Tsavo West at 9,065 km²), it is larger than Israel and nine times the size of the Masai Mara. This is safari on a grand scale — vast, uncrowded, and utterly wild.

The park is divided into two distinct ecosystems by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Tsavo East is flat, arid, and open — classic African savannah stretching to the horizon. Tsavo West is volcanic, rugged, and lush, with cones, lava flows, and crystal-clear springs fed by Mount Kilimanjaro's meltwater.

Tsavo's most iconic residents are the "red elephants" — vast herds that dust themselves with the park's iron-rich volcanic soil, giving them a striking rust-coloured coat. With over 12,000 elephants, this is one of Africa's largest elephant populations.

Elephant

12,000+ red dust-coated giants

Lion

Short-maned males, ~675 in ecosystem

Rhino

Black rhino sanctuary in Tsavo West

Leopard

Elusive, seen at Mudanda Rock

Giraffe

Maasai & reticulated species

Zebra

Plains & Grevy's zebra herds

Hippo

Pods in Galana River & Mzima Springs

Crocodile

Giant reptiles at Lugard's Falls

Dry Season (June – October)

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals congregate around water sources. Vegetation is thinner, making game easier to spot. Cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Wet Season (November – May)

Lush landscapes and birding. The park transforms into green paradise. Excellent for bird photography. Fewer tourists and lower rates. Some roads may be muddy.

By Road

From Nairobi: 233 km (4–5 hours) via Mombasa Road to Mtito Andei Gate. The road is paved and in good condition.

From Mombasa: 250 km (3–4 hours) north on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. Perfect for beach-to-bush safaris.

From Malindi: Access via Sala Gate on the C103 western road.

By Air

Charter flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to multiple airstrips within the park:

Flight time: ~1 hour from Nairobi. Road transfers from airstrip to camp: 30–60 minutes.

✦ About the Park

Aberdare — Realm of Mist & Moorland

The Aberdare Range is a 160-kilometre-long volcanic mountain chain in central Kenya, rising to 4,001 metres at Ol Donyo Lesatima. Aberdare National Park protects the higher slopes above 2,000 metres — a landscape of dense montane forest, bamboo thickets, plunging waterfalls, and open moorland that feels more like Scotland than stereotypical Africa.

The park is famous for its unique "tree hotels" — Treetops and The Ark — where guests watch wildlife from elevated balconies as animals gather at salt licks and waterholes below. It was at Treetops that Princess Elizabeth learned she had become Queen in 1952.

Aberdare is one of the best places in Kenya to see the rare mountain bongo, a striking forest antelope with chestnut coat and white stripes. The park also shelters the African golden cat, giant forest hog, and black rhino in its thick forests.

Mountain Bongo

Rare forest antelope, chestnut with white stripes

Black Rhino

High density in thick forest zones

Elephant

Forest elephants at waterholes at night

Giant Forest Hog

World's largest wild pig species

Leopard

Spotted at waterholes after dark

Bushpig

Common at salt licks

Birds of Prey

African goshawk, crowned eagle

Sykes Monkey

Common in forest canopy

Dry Season (January – March)

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate at waterholes. Clearer skies for photography. Roads are passable. Nights are cold but days pleasant.

Wet Season (April – December)

Lush and misty. Waterfalls at their most spectacular. Moorland wildflowers bloom. Some roads may be impassable. Lower rates and fewer visitors.

By Road

From Nairobi: 160 km (3 hours) via Thika Road to Nyeri, then to Mweiga Gate. The road is paved to Nyeri, then gravel to the park.

From Nanyuki: 45 minutes to the northern gates. Good access from Mount Kenya region.

By Air

Charter flights to Nanyuki Airstrip (45 min from Nairobi), then road transfer to the park (30–60 minutes).

Most tree hotels arrange transfers from Nanyuki or Nairobi.

✦ About the Conservancy

Ol Pejeta — Conservation in Action

Ol Pejeta is a 364-square-kilometre not-for-profit wildlife conservancy situated between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. It is East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary, home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, and the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees.

Unlike national parks, Ol Pejeta is a private conservancy with a mission: to generate profit from wildlife tourism and invest it back into conservation, community development, and sustainable agriculture. The result is a model that protects wildlife while supporting 27,000 people in surrounding communities.

The conservancy boasts the highest wildlife density of any park or reserve in Kenya. The Big Five are all present, and the predator population is thriving. The landscape is classic Laikipia — rolling plains, acacia woodland, and views of snow-capped Mount Kenya.

Black Rhino

140+ individuals, largest population in East Africa

Northern White Rhino

Najin & Fatu — last two on Earth, 24/7 guards

Elephant

Large herds with some of Africa's biggest tuskers

Lion

70+ lions in thriving prides

Leopard

Regularly spotted on night drives

Buffalo

Massive herds on the plains

Chimpanzee

40+ rescued chimps on river islands

Grevy's Zebra

Endangered species breeding programme

Dry Season (June – October)

Best for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around waterholes. Clear skies with Mount Kenya views. Cool, dry weather.

Wet Season (November – May)

Green season beauty. Lush landscapes, baby animals, and excellent birding. Afternoon showers are brief. Lower rates.

By Road

From Nairobi: 240 km (3.5 hours) via Thika Road to Nanyuki. The road is paved and in excellent condition.

From Nanyuki: 20 minutes to the Rongai Gate. The conservancy is well signposted from the town.

By Air

Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (45 minutes).

Charter flights can land directly at Ol Pejeta's airstrip. All lodges arrange transfers from Nanyuki.

✦ About the Park

Nairobi — The World's Only Wildlife Capital

Nairobi National Park is unique in the world — a fully-fledged national park just 7 kilometres from the centre of a capital city. Established in 1946, it was Kenya's first national park and remains one of its most extraordinary. Here, you can photograph a lion with the Nairobi skyline in the background, or watch a rhino graze with skyscrapers on the horizon.

The park covers 117 square kilometres of open grassland, acacia bush, and riverine forest along the Embakasi River. Despite its small size, it supports an incredible diversity of wildlife — over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species have been recorded. The park is a vital refuge for Nairobi's wildlife, acting as a dispersal area for the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem.

The park is famous for its rhino sanctuary, which has been instrumental in saving Kenya's black rhino population from extinction. It is also one of the most successful locations in Kenya for sighting lions, with over 40 individuals in the park at any given time.

Black Rhino

60+ in sanctuary, best viewing in Kenya

Lion

40+ individuals, city skyline backdrop

Cheetah

Regular sightings on open plains

Giraffe

Maasai giraffe common throughout

Hippo

Pools along the Mbagathi River

Crocodile

Basking on river banks

Zebra

Plains zebra herds on grasslands

Impala

Large herds, easy to spot

Dry Season (July – October)

Best for wildlife. Animals gather around water sources. Short grass makes spotting easier. Clear skies for city backdrop photos.

Wet Season (November – June)

Lush and green. Baby animals everywhere. Excellent birding with migratory species. Afternoon showers are brief. Lower rates.

By Road

From Nairobi CBD: 7 km (15–20 minutes) via Langata Road to the main gate. The most accessible safari experience in the world.

From Jomo Kenyatta Airport: 20 km (30 minutes). Perfect for layover safaris between flights.

Transport Options

Uber and Bolt serve the park gates. Most hotels arrange transfers. Self-drive is permitted with a 4WD vehicle.

Guided tours from Nairobi include pick-up from your hotel, game drive, and return transfer.