Nature's Haven in the City

There are few, if any, places on earth where you can see a lion set against the backdrop of a capital city. But Kenya has such a place. An incongruous piece of land 117 sq. km. in size known as Nairobi National Park. Most visitors to Kenya can hardly wait to escape the confines of Nairobi and head to the well- known safari destinations of the Masai Mara, Samburu, and the Laikipia Plateau. But for those destined to remain within Nairobi, there is a place where nature's finest is on display 365 days a year.

Nairobi National Park (NNP) sits 7 km south of Nairobi city center and is the only national park in the world located in a capital city. But people tend to overlook it as they prepare to explore the more "wild" areas of Kenya. Most foreign visitors make plans to see the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Sheldrick's orphanage occupies an area within the park but visitors ignore the park itself. This is a mistake as NNP is home to a diverse wildlife population. There are over 100 mammal species recorded in the park including lions, giraffe, rhinos, buffalos among others. It is also a birder's paradise with over 400 bird species recorded. There are many reptiles including the impressive rock python found here as well.

Nairobi National Park was the first national park established in Kenya. It was established in 1946 when the Masai gifted it to conservation. It is part of the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem which covers roughly 2000 sq. km. The park itself is fenced on three sides. Its southern border is open which allows for the movement of herbivores out into the Kitengela plains during the wet season. The herbivores move back into the park during the dry season. The park is primarily open grass plains with scattered acacia bushes. There are areas of highland dry forest and riverine forest as well as a few areas of steep rocky valleys.

A typical jaunt into the park starts early in the day if one is to catch the most action from the predators. There are about thirty lions that make the park their home as well as hyenas and leopards. With some luck, hyenas can be seen if one gets into the park early enough. Lions are easier to find and if lucky a leopard can be found, although they are harder to spot. If it's the dry season zebra will abound as will giraffe and wildebeest. There are a plethora of mammals to please anyone. Birds abound throughout the park including the impressive Martial eagle and Saddle-billed stork. But there are plenty of smaller birds to keep birders busy the entire day. Reptiles are more difficult to find but rock pythons, which can reach an impressive six meters in length, have been spotted here. Crocodiles are found near the water sources throughout the park.

There's a little bit of something to please everyone and it all is found only 7 km from Nairobi city center. If ever in Nairobi with little to do, keep Nairobi National Park in mind. It will meet even the most discriminating nature lover's needs.