Safari Walk Nairobi: A Guide to Kenya's Urban Wildlife Gem
Are you looking for an authentic safari without leaving Nairobi City? The Safari Walk Nairobi provides a unique blend of conservation and exploration right next to the city.
Nestled within the iconic Nairobi National Park, this unique attraction invites visitors to embark on a safari adventure.
As you saunter along its raised wooden boardwalk, the African wilderness becomes tangible and you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Kenya’s vast natural diversity and beauty.
Come with us as we explore the wonders of the Nairobi safari walk.
Book Your Visit to the Safari Walk Nairobi With Us
The Nairobi safari walk offers a fascinating taste of Kenya’s wilderness. To book your guided tour of the safari walk, we invite you to contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +254-704-532-105.
You can also connect with us via email at safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com.
Our senior consultant James Gatheru is available to discuss and help you plan your tour of the Nairobi safari walk. He’ll also share examples of nearby attractions that you can add to enrich your tour.
Nairobi Safari Walk Nairobi - Photos
Discovering the Nairobi Safari Walk
Within Nairobi city limits is the Nairobi Safari Walk, a conservation-based recreational facility that serves as an urban wildlife sanctuary.
The facility is a transformed version of the former Animal Orphanage now showcasing simulated wetlands, savannah, and woodlands.
The facility houses wild animals in spacious natural environments that simulate their natural habitats alongside various local trees and Kenya’s indigenous plants.
With strategically located viewpoints close to wildlife enclosures seeing the animals is easy.
The Nairobi safari walk location (right next to the Nairobi National Park) also allows visitors to experience the wild as closely as possible without actually going into the park.
The facility is located inside KWS headquarters whose staff gladly share educational materials with all interested in learning about wildlife, eco systems, and conservation.
What is the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a carefully designed replica of Kenyan national parks and reserves. It provides a sneak peek into what visitors can expect to see in the vast landscapes beyond Nairobi.
Located inside KWS Headquarters at the main entrance of Nairobi National Park, the Safari Walk spans over 27 acres. It offers a comprehensive walking safari experience within the diverse habitats of Nairobi National Park.
Inside the safari walk are three main habitats namely the savannahs, wetlands, and woodlands.
At the entrance to the safari walk, you’ll find a terraced wetland adorned with water lilies and papyrus and home to grazing pigmy hippos and crocodiles.
From here you can head to the ground-level walk or head straight for the raised wooden boardwalk that had been cleverly built at tree top level to provide aerial views of the safari walk.
The raised boardwalks meander past different enclosures with strategically located viewpoints and signboards so you know what to look for.
The second zone namely the savannahs hosts big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards alongside zebras, albino zebras, antelopes, giraffes, and the rare bongo.
Here’s a fun fact about the rare bongo. Did you know that native people believed touching or eating the bongo caused spasms that felt like epileptic seizures? Yeah, well, we won’t be finding that out thanks to the enclosures!
You’ll also find the flightless ostrich and white rhino in this section. All the animals in this zone are kept in separate enclosures that mimic the savannah environment.
The last zone—the woodlands are dotted with Kenya’s indigenous plants and local trees. You’ll find information about the plants along the trail describing their uses.
This zone is perfect for bird lovers to spot local birds and butterflies. Around the safari walk are benches to rest and enjoy forest sights and sounds.
As with the Nairobi National Park, elephants are conspicuously absent from the Nairobi safari walk. Elephants don’t thrive in enclosed spaces and require plenty of open spaces to move around.
Kenya’s parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo are larger and better suited for these magnificent creatures.
If you would love to see elephants, you can head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which is only 30 minutes away. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants.
The Experience
Exploring the Nairobi Safari Walk isn’t merely a walk; it’s an engaging voyage across Kenya’s multifaceted ecosystems.
The raised boardwalks meander through savannahs, forests, and wetlands, bringing you face-to-face with various wild animals.
The leopard enclosure is quite interesting—it’s open-topped and uses the raised boardwalk as its walls. You may even spot a leopard camouflaged among the trees.
Thankfully, the boardwalk is high off the ground and there’s no chance of leopards jumping up to the boardwalk.
From the rare bongo to the albino zebra, white rhino, big cats, hyenas, cape buffalo, antelopes, and grazing pigmy hippos, there’s no shortage of wildlife.
And the primates?
The Black and White Colobus, Sykes Monkeys, Patas Monkeys, and olive baboons are aplenty. You’re likely to come across baboons roaming freely on the raised boardwalk.
The safari walk Nairobi is an authentic showcase of Kenya’s wild.
Nairobi Safari Walk Entry Essentials
Like most Kenyan national parks, the Nairobi safari walk is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service; who ensure it runs smoothly and the animals are taken care of.
The facility keeps a steady entry fee structure year-round and is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 hours, allowing visitors to tailor their visit to their timetable.
Ticket Information
The Nairobi Safari Walk is an affordable entry point to Kenya’s wildlife.
Kenyan citizens or residents will need to pay the entry fees in Kshs. 250 for adults and Kshs. 125 for children below 12 years.
For non-resident visitors, the fees stand at USD 25 for adults and USD 15 for children below 12 years.
Payments can be conveniently made via the eCitizen government platform, or using a card or M-PESA at the Nairobi Safari Walk entrance.
Visiting Hours
Operating from 9 am to 5:30 pm daily, including public holidays, the Nairobi Safari Walk allows visitors to arrange their tours any day of the year.
A guided Nairobi safari walk lasts an hour or more, providing ample time to absorb the captivating forest sights and the sounds of Kenya’s wildlife.
Amenities and Accessibility
To enrich the visitor’s experience, the Nairobi Safari Walk offers various amenities, like restrooms, picnic areas, and facilities for guests with disabilities.
While a stroll at the Nairobi Safari Walk lasts an hour, people tend to linger to take in the country’s rich animal life and nature.
The management provides conveniently located restrooms along with picnic areas where guests relish meals amid nature.
However, visitors are advised to exercise caution on elements such as the raised wooden boardwalk, which may pose accessibility challenges for differently-abled guests.
Guidelines for Visitors
Visitors at the Nairobi Safari Walk are advised to adhere to specific guidelines for a seamless visit.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Photography is permitted but without disturbing wildlife.
- Snacks and water are allowed, but visitors must maintain cleanliness by properly disposing of their waste.
- Visitors are also encouraged to follow the designated nature trail throughout their walk for their safety and to preserve the natural habitats.
Getting There: Nairobi Safari Walk Location
Situated roughly 7km from the capital city, the Nairobi Safari Walk is easily accessible for guests.
It is conveniently located along Langata Road ensuring visitors don’t have to arrange for special transportation to reach it.
Transportation Options
Not only is the Nairobi safari walk easily accessible but getting there is also straightforward.
For those opting for private transportation, the Safari Walk is accessible via a tarmac road and offers parking facilities.
If you’re coming from Nairobi CBD, you can find public transport matatus at the railways bus station that ply the Lang’ata road route.
You’ll use these very buses on your way back and they will drop you off at the railways bus station.
If you’re coming into the country from the JKIA, airport taxes will drop you off at the Nairobi safari walk. It takes up to 50 minutes from the airport depending on the traffic on Lang’ata road.
Planning Your Visit to Nairobi Safari Walk
Here, we provide helpful tips on the best time to go, what to bring, and health precautions to consider during your visit.
Best Time to Go
Though the Nairobi Safari Walk is accessible year-round, the optimal visiting times are the dry months from June to September and January to February. These periods offer walkable paths and wildlife more visible.
Also, visiting during early morning or late afternoon is encouraged for cooler temperatures and increased wildlife activity.
What to Bring
In preparing for your visit, think about packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Sun protection like hats and sunscreen
- Water to stay hydrated during the walk
- Binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing and photographic memories of your visit.
Kenya Wildlife Service Contacts
The Kenya Wildlife Service is the primary entity for addressing inquiries and providing support for the Nairobi Safari Walk.
You can walk into the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters. You can also contact them via the main office line at +254 (0)20 2379407 or mobile number at +254 (0)726 610508.
Attractions Near Nairobi Safari Walk
The Safari Walk is a treasure trove of Kenya’s country’s rich animal life, offering a neatly encapsulated walking safari experience.
Besides watching wild animals in their encloses and strolling along the raised wooden boardwalk, here are other attractions close to the safari walk worth exploring
Nairobi National Park. The Nairobi National Park is next door to the Nairobi safari walk and you can catch glimpses of it from the raised boardwalk.
On tour to the Nairobi National Park, you can enjoy game drives, take the nature trail to the Hippo pools and visit the Ivory Burning Site Monument.
Visit the Giraffe Centre and hang out with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. You can get on the raised viewing deck to watch and hand-feed the giraffes. The centre is located along Lang’ata Road and is easily accessible from the Nairobi safari walk location.
Visit major malls like the Junction Mall and Galleria Mall where you can shop and engage in fun activities for adults and kids. All major malls have restaurants that serve local delicacies and international cuisines.
Summary
The Nairobi Safari Walk is a unique urban showcase of Kenya’s vast natural diversity. It serves as a neatly encapsulated walking safari right within Nairobi City, providing visitors with an intimate encounter with wildlife and eco systems. Through the strategically located viewpoints close to animal pens, you can observe the animals closely.
Whether you are a resident or a tourist, the Nairobi Safari Walk allows you to connect with nature, learn about wildlife conservation, and create lasting memories. Talk to us today to plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next, we answer the most common questions we receive about the Nairobi Safari Walk.
Which Matatu Goes to Nairobi Safari Walk?
Two matatu routes pass by the Nairobi Safari Walk. You can board a matatu going to Lang’ata (number 15) from the Bus Station or one heading to Ongata Rongai (number 125/126) from the Railway Bus Station.
What Animals Are in the Safari Walk?
Animals in the Nairobi safari walk include lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, pygmy hippos, rhinos, primates, birds, and insects. The Nairobi safari walk also contains 150 indigenous trees.
How Do I Get to Safari Walk From CBD?
To get to the Nairobi Safari Walk from Nairobi CBD, take Langata Matatu number 15, Karen/Hardy Matatu number 24, or Kiserian Matatu number 126/127 and alight at the KWS gate, located on Langata Road next to the Nairobi National Park.
What Are the Visiting Hours for the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The Nairobi Safari Walk is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm, including public holidays. You can plan your visit accordingly.
What Facilities Are Available for Visitors at the Nairobi Safari Walk?
The Nairobi Safari Walk offers restrooms, picnic areas, and accessibility features for differently-abled guests. These facilities aim to enhance the experience for all visitors.