A stone throw away from the bustling city, the Nairobi National Park is widely known as Kenya’s most successful black rhino sanctuary. Teeming with wildlife, you can spot the “Big Five” — elephants, lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, rhinoceroses and other animals in the expansive grass plains that span 117 km² in area. 

In all, there are around 100 mammal species and over 400 bird species recorded in the park. Visitors can go on walking trails to experience the animals in their natural habitat or hire a guide. 

Entrance fees: USD 60 (adult), USD20 (child)

Opening hours: 6am to 6pm daily

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Looking for an up-close encounter with wildlife? Visit the Nairobi Safari Walk — a stunning unspoilt showcase of Kenya’s rich animal life. The raised wooden boardwalk gives you a great view of buffalos, antelopes, cheetahs, leopards, and zebras and features three major ecosystems — wetlands, savanna and forests.

Entrance fees: USD 25 (adult), USD15 (child) 

Opening hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm daily

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Fans of the majestic African elephant would delight in the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Elephant Orphanage, an elephant sanctuary residing in the Nairobi National Park. The nursery offers a safe haven for orphaned baby elephants, caring for their needs during this delicate stage. Once they “graduate” from nursery at age two or three, they are slowly reintegrated into the wild. Visitors can see the playful (cute) baby elephants and learn about the trust’s elephant conservation efforts.

Entrance fees: USD15 (adult), USD5 (child)

Opening hours: 11am to 12pm daily

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Hang out with the gentle, tall herbivores at the Giraffe Centre — a part of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Sprawled across the 60-acre ranch are not five, not 50, but 650 giraffes today! Visitors can observe various giraffe species up close and even hand-feed them. Once you are done, head out on a self-guided forest walk in the neighbouring Gogo river sanctuary with a 1.5 km trail and sweeping views of Nairobi and the Ngong Hills. 

Entrance fees: USD12

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily

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Venture into the verdant forest of the Karura Forest Reserve in the outskirts of Nairobi. Spanning 1,000 ha, this urban forest is the city's largest of three gazetted forests. A nature lover's paradise filled with well-marked walking and biking trails, where you can explore caves, stroll along tree-lined paths, and admire scenic waterfalls. A thriving habitat with over 200 species of wildlife, watch out for honey badgers, civets, Skye's monkeys and bush squirrels.

Entrance fees: USD 0.80 (adult), USD 0.40 (child)

Opening hours: 6am to 6pm daily

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Go beyond observing animals in their natural habitats to interacting with them at the Nairobi Mamba Village. The park’s main attraction is the Crocodile farm, with over 70 imposing Nile crocodiles. Try your hand at feeding crocodiles and ostriches and go on a horse ride.

Entrance fees: USD11

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily

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Surround yourself with an abundance of tropical plants at the tranquil Nairobi Arboretum — home to over 350 species of indigenous and exotic trees, shrubs, grasses, and more than 100 species of birds. Watch out for the playful Sykes’ and Vervet monkeys on your visit. These charming animals can often be found swinging from tree to tree. The park’s diverse vegetation offers lots of opportunities for lovely Nairobi holiday photos — a stunning botanical collection that is truly gratifying to witness. 

Entrance fees: USD0.50 (adult), USD0.22 (child)

Opening hours: 6am to 6:30pm daily

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Tucked under the grounds of the National Museum in Nairobi is Snake Park, which houses a good number of snake species,  such as the Egyptian cobra, African rock python, Gaboon viper, and black mamba. Also found at the snake park are the American alligator, freshwater terrapins and tortoises. Beyond that, the museum is also a refuge for abandoned reptiles — look for one of its longest residents, an ancient giant tortoise. 

Entrance fees: USD10

Opening hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm daily

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Indulge in nature therapy at the Oloolua Nature Trail. Covering over 250 hectares of dry tropical forest, the winding trail takes you through a forest of unmatched serenity. The waterfall is one of the highlights of the trail, gushing down to the ground from a height of 20 feet. Look out for a wooden tower specially constructed for visitors to view the Crowned Eagle’s nest from a safe distance. 

Entrance fees: USD5 (adults), USD2.40 (child)

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm

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A stunning kaleidoscope of rolling hills, expansive savannahs and wildlife welcome you at the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. It is home to a wide array of creatures and is famous for its exceptional populations of leopard, cheetah, lion and the African bush elephant. Beyond admiring the abundant wildlife at the reserve, visitors can also go on a hot-air balloon at sunrise or hit the road for a 4x4 safari adventure. 

Entrance fees: USD70 (adults)

Opening hours: 6am to 6pm daily

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Need further information or recommendations for your stay in Nairobi? Contact our team at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi, and we will be most happy to assist.