Nairobi in a Day: Lions, Rhinos and Giraffes Before Dinner

Most safaris start with a long drive or a bush flight. In Nairobi, the wildlife is waiting just outside the city. Whether you have a free day before your safari, a long layover or simply want a gentle introduction to Kenya’s animals, a day in and around Nairobi delivers far more than most travellers expect.

Key takeaways

• Nairobi National Park sits within sight of the city skyline and is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo.

• Early morning is the best time for a game drive, when animals are most active.

• Pair your game drive with the Giraffe Centre to hand-feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

• A Nairobi wildlife day makes an ideal start or finish to a longer safari.

Nairobi National Park: wild Africa next to a capital city

Gazetted in 1946, Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first national park. It covers around 117 square kilometres of open grassland, acacia woodland and river valleys, with the city skyline rising behind it. The park is fenced on three sides, while its open southern boundary allows wildlife to move to and from the plains beyond.

What you can see

Lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hartebeest and many antelope live here, alongside more than 400 recorded bird species. The park is also one of Kenya’s most important sanctuaries for black rhinos, giving you a genuinely good chance of seeing one of Africa’s rarest animals within hours of landing.

Few places on Earth let you photograph a rhino with a city skyline in the background.

The Ivory Burning Site

Inside the park is the site where Kenya burned its stockpile of ivory in 1989, a landmark moment in the global fight against poaching. It is a short, thought-provoking stop that adds meaning to everything you see on your drive.

Feed a giraffe at the Giraffe Centre

In the leafy suburb of Lang’ata, the Giraffe Centre works to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and to teach visitors, especially young Kenyans, about conservation. From a raised platform you can meet the giraffes at eye level and hand-feed them, a delight for children and adults alike.

Our Giraffe Centre Feeding Experience takes about three hours and fits neatly into the same day as your game drive.

A sample day

Time	Plan
Early morning	Game drive in Nairobi National Park while the animals are most active
Late morning	Stop at the Ivory Burning Site before leaving the park
Midday	Lunch in Karen or Lang’ata
Afternoon	Hand-feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Evening	Back at your hotel or apartment in good time for dinner

Where to stay

• Savannah Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge near Nairobi National Park with a relaxed safari feel.

• Modern Apartment with City View, a stylish two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Nairobi, ideal for families and small groups.

Tips for your Nairobi wildlife day

• Start early: the first hours after sunrise are best for wildlife and light

• Bring a warm layer, as Nairobi mornings can be cool

• Carry binoculars to spot animals across the open plains

• Keep your passport details handy for park entry

• Leave space in your bag for a giraffe photo or two

Plan your day with Azana

Our 1 Day Nairobi National Park Safari is a short but thrilling introduction to Kenya’s wildlife, perfect before or after a longer safari or during a stopover. Combine it with the Giraffe Centre and you will leave Nairobi with stories to tell before your trip has even properly begun.