Nairobi National Park Booking
Nairobi national park is one of the most unique protected areas in the world. Located just 7 kilometres from Nairobi’s bustling city centre and it combines the vibrancy of an african capital with the thrill of an authentic wilderness. For tourists planning an african vacation safari or first time tourists eager to explore Kenya safaris, Nairobi national park is convenient and unforgettable choice. Therefore, booking your visit appropriately ensures that you have the most amazing experience from your guided game drive, bush picnics while having the very best of your time within Kenya.
How to book entry into Nairobi national park
Nairobi national park is managed by Kenya wildlife service and they have online bookings which makes it easier for both local and international tourists.
- Online booking from the ecitizen portal
This is the most convenient way to book the park entry to Nairobi national park but through the official ecitizen portal
- Tourists have to create an account and login in
- Then choose Kenya wildlife service and select Nairobi national park
- Payments are then completed by the credit card or mobile money services such as Mpesa which is commonly used in Kenya.
- When payment is confirmed, you then receive an electronic ticket which is scanned at the gate for entry.
This mode of booking is highly recommended for the international tourists who are planning their african vacation safari in advance so as to avoid delays and inconveniences.
- Booking at the gates
Tourists that want flexibility its advisable to pay personally at the entrance gates of the national park. The main gate, Langata gate and the beast gate are the most commonly used by the tourists.
Payment can as well be made in cash or card.
However, in the peak periods which is July to October and December holidays, the line can tend to be long and tickets may as well sell out for tourists that are busy. Therefore, tourists travelling in the high seasons, booking online is advised in order to obtain your ticket.
- Booking through tour operators
Many of the bookings are made through the licensed tour operators. The companies handle the entry permits as well as the safari vehicles and the skilled driver guides.
The tour operators as well combine the national park with other african safari destinations such as Amboseli, Tsavo and the Masai mara.
This is highly selected for tourists who look for an excellent african safari experience without being stressed with the prices.
Entry fees for Nairobi national park
Nairobi national park has fixed entry fees depending on the category you fall in that is Kenyan citizen, resident or a non-resident.
- Adult(non-residents): 60$
- Children (non-residents): 20$
- Residents and citizens: Pay discounted rates in Kenyan shillings.
Additional charges apply for safari vehicles and tour buses though if you book through a Kenya safaris operator, these costs are usually included in the package.
TYPES OF SAFARI BOOKINGS IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Booking entry is just the start of your adventure. Nairobi national park offers a range of safari options that allow tourists to customise their african safari experience.
- Booking day or full day game drives
This is the most famous booking among tourists. Therefore, the morning game drives start from 6am to 11am and they are perfect for watching predators such as lions. Then the afternoon game drives start at 2pm to 6pm and are best for photography and birdwatching. Tour operators provide skilled driver guides to tourists while on an african vacation safari who help in spotting wildlife and as well know the parks ecosystem.
- Private safari vehicles
The private safari vehicles can as well be booked and are perfect for tourists who are searching for exclusivity. The 4*4 safari vehicles are more comfortable and often have an open roof for viewing wildlife easier.
While on an african safari, skilled personnels offer knowledge about the flora, fauna and the history of the national park. This is perfect for the families and honey mooners who are on a customised african vacation safari.
- Walking safari at Nairobi safari walk
This spot is found next to the main entrance and is a raised wooden boardwalk which offers a chance to explore the wildlife species on foot. Tourists are able to spot a number of animals thus making it perfect for the children and educational groups. Bookings for the walking safari at the Nairobi safari walk are booked separately from the game drives but add on a unique feature to the Kenya safari.
- Bush breakfast and picnics
While on an african vacation safari, a special booking for a bush dining in established picnic sites within the national park are made. Just imagine having a morning breakfast while the giraffes and zebras are grazing next to you. This adds a rich and personalised touch to the african safari experience.
- Corporate or educational bookings.
The national park is famous for having group activities such as corporate team building, school trips as well as photography excursions.
Special permits may be required for drones, professional filming or large group.
Accommodation bookings around Nairobi national park
While the national park it’s self doesn’t have permanent safari lodges inside, its proximity to Nairobi makes accommodation booking easy. Options include;
- Luxury hotels and lodges: The Emakoko lodge which borders the park, Ole Sereni hotel and Eka hotel.
- Midrange options: Hotels along Mombasa Road and Karen suburbs.
- Budget options: Guest houses and hotels within Nairobi city.
For those extending their african vacation safari beyond Nairobi national park, many operators combine park visits with overnight stays in Amboseli, Masai mara or samburu. Booking such safari circuits in advance ensure better rates and guaranteed availability during high season.
Nairobi national park booking for international visitors
For international tourists, Nairobi national park is the easiest introduction to Kenya safaris. It is located just 15-20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta international airport thus making it ideal for tourists with limited time.
When booking as a non-resident:
- Always carry a printed or digital copy of your online ticket
- Be ready to avail your passport details while booking
- Tend to choose your safari package which includes the airport transfers as well as hotel pickups and drop off
- Select mixed itineraries if you are planning to enjoy the safari beyond Nairobi.
BOOKING TIPS FOR THE BEST NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK SAFARI EXPERIENCE
- Tourists should book early most especially in the peak season: The peak season is always in the months of July to October during the wildebeest migration in the Masai mara and December. The demand is always high and thus tourists are encouraged to book in advance in order to obtain their slot.
- Morning safaris are the best: Tourists are encouraged to always choose the morning safaris since the wildlife activities are high at sunrise and offer amazing photography opportunities.
- Licenced tour operators: Tourists are advised to always book their safaris with companies that are fully licensed by the Kenya association of tour operators (KATO) for a thrilling experience.
- Combine with Nairobi attractions: Add nearby highlights like the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, giraffe centre or Karen Blixen Museum to your safari.
- Travel insurance: ensure your african vacation safari package includes travel insurance for peace of mind.
Therefore, Nairobi national park booking is a gateway to one of Africa’s most extraordinary Kenya safari experiences. Tourists planning a short safari or mixing it with other longer safari expedition, obtaining your permits, guides and safari vehicles in advance offers a cool and unforgettable african experience.