Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often used as a jumping-off point for safari trips elsewhere in Kenya.
Nicknamed the “Green City under the Sun”, Nairobi is uniquely notable for being the only capital city in the world that hosts a national park within its boundaries. Its name originates from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, meaning “place of cool waters”.
Just beyond Nairobi’s towering skyline lies Nairobi National Park—the world’s only wildlife capital, set against a modern city backdrop. Located just 10 kilometers from the Central Business District, the park offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife safari experiences and scenic, breathtaking landscapes where roaming wildlife is framed by skyscrapers on the horizon.
The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife, making it both a rewarding safari destination and a true birdwatchers’ paradise. Its open plains, riverine habitats, and dramatic skyline views create striking natural stages for visual storytelling and filmmaking, offering rare contrasts between urban life and untamed wilderness.
Nairobi National Park is also a vibrant hub for sports, events, and outdoor experiences, welcoming families, couples, and organized groups for game drives, nature walks, fitness activities, and recreational outings. This peaceful haven on the city’s edge delivers unforgettable encounters where adventure, conservation, and iconic scenery come together.
