It’s only been two weeks since I got back from our Kenya–Tanzania trip, and I’m still soaking it all in. I’m trying to write everything down while the memories are fresh. I don’t want to park this story for a year and risk losing the feels! So, here’s the first of many from that trip: our visit to Nairobi National Park in Kenya.
If you’re here looking for a detailed travel guide, don’t worry, that’s coming soon. For now, I just want to share a little inspiration for your own safari plans.
Planning a trip to Kenya? A private Kenya safari tour is one of the best ways to experience it. Stay tuned for my next posts as I share more from our Kenya adventure! ♥️
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My First Impressions of Nairobi, Kenya
As someone who grew up in Metro Manila, Nairobi felt very familiar. It’s the same kind of busy, chaotic energy you get in a big city where everything is happening all at once. The streets are packed, traffic is wild, and motorcycles weave through cars like they own the road. It reminded me so much of Manila, except in Nairobi its matatus and boda bodas filling the streets.
My friends and I didn’t get the chance to really explore Nairobi on our own, but I’m betting if we did, I’d keep my bag and phone close to me, just like I do in when I walk in the streets of Quiapo, Manila. No offense meant if you’re a Kenyan reading this. That’s just my Filipino instincts kicking in. 😂
Nairobi feels raw and rugged yet modern and vibrant, while Manila has its own mix of grit and glitz. But this post isn’t really about comparing the two cities. It’s about our visit to Nairobi National Park. Read on!
Wildlife in Nairobi National Park
Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s oldest national park. But what makes it so unique is that it’s the only national park in the world right next to a capital city. Here you can spot 4 of the famous Big Five (lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) just minutes from Nairobi city center. Elephants once roamed here too, but due to recurring human-wildlife conflict, they were safely relocated to other national parks.
But Nairobi National Park is far more than just the Big Five. The park is home to over 100 species of animals and an incredible variety of birdlife. You can spot cheetahs, hippos, jackals, hyenas, impalas, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, crocodiles, hartebeest, eagles, vultures, and so much more.
And as our guide Daniel told us, this isn’t a zoo or a staged safari. Nairobi National Park is the real deal. A wild ecosystem where animals roam freely in their natural habitat, even with Nairobi’s skyline in the backdrop.
Our Private Safari Experience at Nairobi National Park
Nairobi was our entry point to Kenya and, to be honest, I only thought of it as an ‘allowance stop’ in case of flight delays. I didn’t even plan anything for our first day when I was putting together the itinerary. I figured we’d just wing it once we got there. Thankfully, my friends Jett and Maki booked us a Nairobi National Park game drive just a few days before our flight.
We jokingly called it our ‘practice safari’ before heading out to the Maasai Mara. I wasn’t expecting much from Nairobi National Park since it’s only 7 kilometers from the city center. I thought we’d spot a few antelopes, maybe a giraffe or two… but Nairobi National Park had other plans.
Within the first two hours, we spotted 4 out of the Big 5: a lion, rhinos, buffalos, and even a leopard. Our guide, Daniel, kept saying how lucky we were, since most groups spend many hours before they see this much wildlife.
First Lion Sighting of the Trip (OMG!)
Just a few minutes upon entering the park, our first real pinch-me moment came. We spotted a lioness lounging right by the side of the game drive road. It felt surreal to witness her calm yet powerful presence just a few meters from our vehicle. She was alone, though our guide mentioned her pride was probably nearby. We watched her in silence for a good 15 minutes before moving deeper into the park. That’s 1 out of the Big Five checked off!
A Crash of Southern White Rhinos
One of the highlights of Nairobi National Park is its rhino population—both black and white. And we totally hit the jackpot with a crash of Southern White Rhinos grazing together. I almost screamed but held it in. Their sheer size and armored look make them feel prehistoric, yet they move with such calm grace.
At one point, a massive rhino walked right beside our vehicle. I could’ve reached out and touched it! We just sat there in silence, in absolute awe. That’s 2 out of the Big Five!
I’ve always loved lions, but rhinos are hands-down my favorites. If I had to claim a spirit animal, it would be a rhino. No contest.
A Tower of Maasai Giraffes
We also came across a tower of Maasai giraffes. They may not be part of the Big Five, but spotting them here made me so happy. The only giraffes I’d ever seen before were in the zoo as a kid. So seeing them roam free in the wild was surreal.
These were Maasai giraffes, easy to recognize with their jagged, uneven blotches that look like puzzle pieces or oak leaves. The best part about this encounter? Watching their curious behavior. One giraffe tilting its head and staring right at us, almost as if it was just as fascinated by us as we were by them.
African Spurred Tortoise
Not everything towered over us. As we drove into the park, Daniel pointed out an African Spurred Tortoise slowly making its way across the game drive road, munching on leaves. Tiny compared to giraffes and rhinos, but just as fascinating.
The African Buffalo
Next sighting was the African Buffalo. Our guide Daniel had warned us they’re among the most dangerous animals in Africa, and I could see why. Even from a distance, the buffalo we saw looked massive and intimidating. They have big, curved horns that make them look like they’re wearing battle helmets. That’s 3 out of the Big Five checked off. On our very first day!
Herds of Hartebeest and Impalas
We saw herds of hartebeest scattered across the plains, along with a large impala herd led by a dominant alpha male. Watching him guard his females while keeping rival males at bay felt like a wildlife documentary come to life. At one point, a particularly curious hartebeest stopped and stared straight at us. It held our gaze for a good five minutes before it finally moved on.
Baby White Rhinos Play Fighting
Just when I thought the rhinos couldn’t get any more fascinating, we spotted three young white rhinos play fighting. They ran, pushed and shoved each other with their horns. Probably practicing the strength they’ll need as adults. A few egrets flew above them while a few others perched comfortably on the rhinos backs, offering their special “cleaning services.”
The Leopard That Got Away
After watching those juvenile white rhinos play fighting, we drove further into the park, and that’s when it happened. We spotted a leopard! It wasn’t even our guide who saw it first, but my friend Maki. The leopard stayed low, and clearly in hunting mode. We were so stunned that none of us managed to get a photo before it vanished into the bushes. No proof, but that made it 4 out of the Big Five in just one day! 🤯
Crocodiles and a Bloat of Hippos
With 4 out of the Big Five already checked off, I thought the park had given us its best. But nope, there was more! We soon came across a bloat of hippos. Some of them were just casually bobbing in the lake. Later we found another bloat lounging, splashing and playing in another spot. The wildest part? They were peacefully sharing the waters with some massive crocodiles.
Overall Experience
Overall, I enjoyed this day trip so much. It was the perfect way to kick off our safari adventure in Kenya. With 4 out of the Big Five already checked off, we kind of had bragging rights for ourselves. 😂 It took the pressure off chasing sightings and let us just enjoy the game drive and whatever wildlife showed up along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, I highly recommend arriving in Nairobi at least a day before your official safari begins. Not only does this give you a buffer in case of flight delays, but it also gives you time to adjust to jet lag. You can squeeze in a visit to Nairobi National Park or Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or even get a quick feel of the city before heading out on safari.
Also, If you’re into once-in-a-lifetime adventures like this, check out my other bucket list experiences here!
Staying connected in Kenya
On this adventure, I’m using a Holafly eSIM for Kenya and honestly, I can’t imagine traveling without it anymore. No need to swap SIM cards, no hunting for Wi-Fi, just instant data as soon as I landed in Nairobi. Super convenient for booking Uber rides, checking maps, and of course sharing all these safari moments in real time.
Pin this for future reference!
And that wraps up my unforgettable day at Nairobi National Park! I hope this post gives you a glimpse of what makes this place so special and helps you plan your own visit. If you’ve been here before, or if you’re dreaming of going soon, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s chat!
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