RSSTravel to Kenya: Nairobi National Park
Apr 06
Africa Africa, africa travel, destination, kenya safari, travel 1 Comment
Nairobi National Park is the only unique protected ecosystem in the world that borders a city. This Savannah bio network is 7 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center and is operated by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The 117km2 park has 7 gates and is the ideal destination, for tourists on brief stop-over in Nairobi. The parks altitude is between 1533 to 1760 meters above sea level. The city’s skyscrapers are clearly visible from the park and provide modern scenery.
Nairobi National Park was founded in 1946 by a man by the name of Mervyn Cowie. The park is home to many different animal species including 400 bird species. Of the “Big Five”, its only the mighty elephant that is missing here. Some of the wild animals that one can see here include hyenas, buffaloes, warthogs, elands, baboons among other animal species. The park has open grass plains and different types of flora and fauna.
To park’s south is Athi-Kapiti plains and Kitengela that are wildlife migratory routes in rainy seasons. The Mbagathi River demarcates the Southern Boundary. To the park’s west is a highland dry forest with a permanent river running through. Man made dams have increased the aquatic and bird habitat in the park. There is a walking trail where visitors can watch hippos lounge in their pools.
The park also has the Dave Sheldrick trust sanctuary opened in 1963 that’s a haven for young orphaned rhinos and elephants. The sanctuary draws many visitors who interact with young rhinos and elephants up close and bottle feed them. The sanctuary has served as a restocking hub for restoring the dwindled numbers of black and white rhinos.
For those that love nature, Nairobi Safari walk allows them to see and appreciate the flora and fauna found in Kenya. One of the most interesting thing you will notice here is that the walk shows you the different ecosystems that include the Savannah, the wetlands and the forest. Tourists get to walk on a raised wooden platform that goes round the 27 acre allowing you to observe life awesome animals existing quite well.
The park gained international attention in 1989 when the then President Moi burnt 12 tonnes of ivory to sensitize the world on the importance of halting ivory trade that encouraged poaching. Poaching had decimated Kenya’s elephant population to 17,000 from the initial 65,000 recorded in the seventies. To this day, there is an ivory burning site monument that commemorates that event.
Visitors to this park can also engage in other activities including team building, bush dinners, TV and Film production as well as picnicking. There is also the rustic Rangers Restaurant that overlooks the park which allows visitors to enjoy the awesome views as they wine and dine.
There is a Wildlife Conservation Education Center within the park that is equipped with video facilities where lectures can be conducted. The park charges an entry fee at the entrance and guided tours within the park can be conducted. Visitors can also visit the orphanage. We do not have any lodge or camp within the lodge so visitors need to plan before hand where they will accommodate themselves within the city. Transportation to the park is not a problem as there are taxis and public means of transport that they can use to reach here.
Read more information on the Red Elephant Safari Lodge in Kenya plus the Satao Camp as you plan your safari to Kenya.
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