Animals in Nairobi National Park: What You Can Really See

Nairobi National Park is home to lions, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos and over 400 bird species. Sightings are never guaranteed. Leopards and cheetahs are rarely seen. Elephants do not live wild in the park. This guide explains what you can really expect.

Last updated: October 2026.

Nairobi National Park animals at a glance

Park size: About 117 square kilometres, just outside the city
Almost always seen: Giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impala and Grant's gazelles
Often seen: Lions, hippos, wildebeest, ostriches and baboons
Sometimes seen: Black rhinos, crocodiles and spotted hyenas
Rarely seen: Leopards and cheetahs
Not resident in the wild: Elephants
Birds: Over 400 species recorded

Which animals can you see in Nairobi National Park?

Animal	How likely	Where to look
Masai Giraffe	Very likely	Open plains and acacia woodland
Zebra	Very likely	Open grassland
Cape buffalo	Very likely	Grassland and forest edges
Impala and Grant's gazelle	Very likely	Open plains
Wildebeest and hartebeest	Likely	Open plains
Lion	Likely	Open plains, often resting in shade
Hippo	Likely	Pools and dams
Ostrich	Likely	Open grassland
Baboon and vervet monkey	Likely	Forest edges and picnic sites
Black rhino	Possible	Bush and forest edges
Crocodile	Possible	Rivers and dams
Spotted hyena	Possible	Open plains, often at dusk
Leopard	Rare	Forest and rocky areas
Cheetah	Rare	Open plains

Likelihoods are a guide based on typical game drives. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Lions, rhinos and other big animals

Lions

Lions are the park's star predators. They live on the open plains, within sight of the city skyline. Sightings are common, especially in the dry season. Lions rest in shade through the day, so early morning and late afternoon give the best chances.

Lions, Animals in Nairobi National Park

Black rhinos

Nairobi National Park is a sanctuary for critically endangered black rhinos. They are shy and live in bush and forest edges. A sighting is a special moment, but never a promise. A guide who knows the park improves your odds.

Leopards and cheetahs

Both cats live in the park. Both are rarely seen. Leopards hide in forest and rocky areas. Cheetahs use open plains but are few. Treat any sighting as a bonus.

Spotted hyenas

Hyenas are often active at dusk. You may spot them near the open plains late in the day.

Giraffes, zebras, buffalo and other plains animals

Plains animals are the easiest to find. Giraffes browse the acacia trees and often stand close to the road. Zebras graze in large groups on open grassland. Cape buffalo gather in herds, usually near water and forest edges.

Antelope: Impala and Grant's gazelles are common. Wildebeest and hartebeest are also present.
Hippos: Look for them in the pools and dams. They spend the day in the water.
Crocodiles: They live along rivers and dams. They are easiest to see when basking on the bank.
Primates: Baboons and vervet monkeys live near forest edges and picnic sites.
Ostriches: These large birds walk across the open plains.

These animals live within view of the Nairobi skyline. It is one of the few places in the world where this happens.

best time to visit Nairobi National Park (2)

Birds and reptiles in Nairobi National Park

Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the park. Some sources give higher figures. About 20 are migratory species, which arrive from November to April.

Large birds: Ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards and crowned cranes.
Raptors: Eagles, kites and vultures soar above the plains.
Water birds: Herons, storks and kingfishers gather at pools and dams.
Colourful birds: Lilac-breasted rollers, bee-eaters and sunbirds.

You can also see snakes, lizards and tortoises. Most stay hidden, so watch rocks and paths.

Bring binoculars for birdwatching. A guide helps you identify species by call.

Animals you will not see in Nairobi National Park

Honest expectations make for a happier safari. Some animals are not part of the park's wild population.

Wild elephants: The park has no resident wild herd. You can meet orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, near the park.
The Great Migration: Huge herds cross the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, not Nairobi National Park.
Mara-style numbers: The park is small, so you will see fewer animals than in the Maasai Mara.

Even so, the park offers a rare mix. You can watch lions and rhinos, then be back in town for lunch.

Best time and tips to see more animals

The dry months give the best sightings. These are January to February and June to October. Grass is short and animals gather near water.

Go early: Arrive at the gate when it opens at 6:00 am.
Choose a private 4x4: You control the pace and can stay longer at sightings.
Use a local guide: Guides know where lions and rhinos rest.
Stay quiet: Noise sends animals into cover.
Bring binoculars: Many animals sit far from the track.
Be patient: Waiting a few minutes at a waterhole often pays off.
Stay in the vehicle: It is safer for you and for the animals.

Our private 4x4 game drive is built around these tips. It is our main Nairobi National Park tour.

Frequently asked questions

What animals are in Nairobi National Park?

The park has lions, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, baboons and many antelope. It also has over 400 bird species.

Can you see the Big Five in Nairobi National Park?

Not reliably. Lions, black rhinos, buffalo and leopards live in the park. Leopards are rarely seen, and elephants are not resident.

Are there lions in Nairobi National Park?

Yes. Lions are common on the open plains. Early morning and late afternoon are best.

Can you see rhinos in Nairobi National Park?

Often possible, but not guaranteed. Black rhinos live in the bush, so a guide improves your chances.

Are there elephants in Nairobi National Park?

There is no resident wild herd. Orphaned elephants live at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, near the park.

Are there leopards or cheetahs in Nairobi National Park?

Yes, but they are rarely seen. Treat a sighting as a bonus.

How many bird species are in Nairobi National Park?

More than 400 species have been recorded. About 20 are migratory.

What is the best time to see animals in Nairobi National Park?

January to February and June to October. Short grass and water holes bring animals into view.

Are there giraffes in Nairobi National Park?

Yes. Giraffes are among the easiest animals to find.

Are there hippos and crocodiles in Nairobi National Park?

Yes. Look for them at the pools and dams along the rivers.

How many animals will I see on a half day safari?

Most visitors see several species. Giraffes, zebras and buffalo are almost certain. Lions and rhinos are possible.

Is Nairobi National Park worth visiting for wildlife?

Yes. It offers lions, rhinos and giraffes with the city skyline in view. Many visitors combine it with a layover.

See the animals with Olengugih Safaris

Olengugih Safaris is a Kenya-based operator. We run private 4x4 game drives in Nairobi National Park. Our local guides know where the animals rest. Contact us with your dates and we will plan your drive.

Guests can read reviews from other travellers on GetYourGuide, SafariBookings and Tripadvisor.