Nairobi National Park
Nairobi Region
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is Kenya's first national park and one of the few protected wildlife areas adjacent to a capital city. Covering approximately 117 square kilometers, it lies just 7 kilometers south of Nairobi, offering visitors a rare chance to see diverse African wildlife against an urban backdrop. The park features open grass plains dotted with Acacia bushes, highland dry forests, and riverine forests along the Mbagathi River. It supports a rich variety of animals including lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and is renowned as a successful sanctuary for black and white rhinoceroses. Despite pressures from urban growth and poaching, the park remains a vital conservation area and a haven for over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. Its open southern boundary allows migratory wildlife to move freely between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains, maintaining ecological connectivity. Visitors can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and scenic views in a protected environment uniquely juxtaposed with Nairobi's skyline.
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Astuce: The park is open year-round, with the dry season (January to March) offering excellent wildlife viewing. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Bringing binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water is recommended. Guided tours and vehicle hire are available for enhanced experiences. Early morning or late afternoon visits increase chances of spotting active wildlife. The park's proximity to Nairobi makes it accessible for day trips, but booking guided tours can enrich understanding of the ecosystem.
Faits intéressants
- •Nairobi National Park is the only national park located within a capital city worldwide.
- •It is one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries, protecting both black and white rhinoceroses.
- •The park's southern boundary is unfenced to allow wildlife migration to the Kitengela Conservation Area and Athi-Kapiti plains.
- •In 1989, Kenya's president burned twelve tons of ivory in the park as a statement against poaching.
- •The park supports over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species in a relatively small area.
- •Despite being only 7 km from Nairobi's center, the park maintains a diverse range of habitats including grasslands, forests, and riverine areas.
Histoire
Originally part of the Athi plains inhabited by Maasai pastoralists and Kikuyu farmers, the area saw increasing human-wildlife conflicts as Nairobi expanded in the early 20th century.
To protect dwindling wildlife, the Southern Game Reserve was established, later becoming Nairobi National Park in 1946 as Kenya's first national park.
The park's creation involved relocating Maasai communities.
Conservationist Mervyn Cowie spearheaded efforts for national parks in Kenya and served as the park's first director until 1966.
A notable event was the 1989 ivory burning by President Daniel arap Moi within the park, symbolizing Kenya's commitment to wildlife protection.
Despite urban pressures, the park continues to play a critical role in conservation and wildlife migration corridors.
Guide du lieu
Grassland Plains and Acacia Bushes
Open grass plains scattered with Acacia xanthophloea and other Acacia species form the predominant environment, providing habitat for herbivores like zebras and gazelles.
Western Uplands Highland Dry Forest
This area features dry forest stands with species such as Olea africana and Croton dichogamus, providing habitat for diverse birdlife and smaller mammals.
Mbagathi River and Riverine Forest
The park's southern boundary is formed by the Mbagathi River, along which riverine forests thrive with species like Ficus eriocarpa and Aspilia mossambicensis, supporting rich biodiversity.
Rhino Sanctuary
A dedicated area within the park focused on the protection and breeding of black and white rhinoceroses, contributing to Kenya's rhino conservation successes.
Contact
Téléphone: 0800 597 000