Safari in Nairobi & Southern Corridor
Discover urban wildlife at Nairobi National Park and explore the vital conservation areas linking it to the wider southern ecosystems.
Nairobi & Southern Corridor Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Nairobi & Southern Corridor
Nairobi & Southern Corridor Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Nairobi & Southern Corridor
Nairobi National Park
Remarkable for being the only national park in the world located within a capital city, offering incredible wildlife viewing with the city skyline as a backdrop. It's a successful rhino sanctuary and home to lions, leopards, buffalo, and giraffes.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a protected area in Kenya.
Compare Parks in Nairobi & Southern Corridor
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Nairobi & Southern Corridor
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | 117 km² | 528 | - | Busy | Low | WIL (7km) |
| Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park | - | 382 | - | Busy | Low | KE-0099 (32km) |
148 species recorded in Nairobi & Southern Corridor13 threatened
We find the Nairobi & Southern Corridor to be a truly extraordinary landscape, a place where the wild heart of Africa beats surprisingly close to a bustling metropolis. The golden light of dawn over the plains, with giraffes silhouetted against the city's distant towers, is a sight we never tire of, a constant reminder of nature's resilience. We particularly appreciate the vital role this corridor plays, allowing elephants and other large mammals to move freely, making it a conservation success story worth experiencing firsthand. The air here often carries the scent of dry grass and distant rain, a primal perfume that grounds you despite the urban proximity.
Terrain & Altitude
Rolling savanna plains giving way to acacia woodlands and riverine thickets.
1,500-2,000m above sea level
Vegetation
Extensive short-grass plains dominate, interspersed with scattered acacia trees, thorny scrub, and dense riverine forests along watercourses.
Water Sources
The Athi and Mbagathi Rivers are perennial lifelines, supplemented by seasonal streams and man-made dams that become crucial during dry spells.
Unique Features
Its most striking feature is the juxtaposition of wild savanna and the Nairobi city skyline, alongside its critical role as a migratory corridor for wildlife moving between the park and wider southern ecosystems.
We find that accessing Nairobi National Park is incredibly convenient, a true urban safari gem right on the city's doorstep. For exploring the wider Southern Corridor, we recommend flying into Jomo Kenyatta International and then either driving directly or connecting via Wilson Airport for onward charter flights to specific conservancies. Be mindful of Nairobi's notorious traffic when planning your transfers, especially during rush hour, as it can significantly impact travel times.
Nearest Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Approx. 20km / 30-45 min drive to Nairobi National Park gates
Major international hub with direct flights from Europe, Asia, Middle East, and other African cities.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Located within Nairobi, approx. 10km / 20-30 min drive to city centre and Nairobi National Park.
Primary domestic hub for daily scheduled flights to all major safari destinations across Kenya, including charter options for the Southern Corridor.
Driving Routes
From Nairobi City Centre
Direct access via tarmac roads to multiple park gates. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
From Nairobi
Initially good tarmac roads, transitioning to gravel or murram as you head into specific conservancies. We always recommend a 4WD for comfort and reliability, especially during the wet season.
Temperature
18.2°C
65°F
Rainfall
75.7 mm
Moderate rain
Humidity
68.8%
Sunshine
11 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
Planning tools for Kenya
Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Kenya