Nairobi National Park

城市概覽

History British colonists arrived in the area where the park is in the late 19th century. At this time, the Athi plains east and south of what is today Nairobi had plentiful wildlife. Nomadic Maasai lived and herded their cattle among the wildlife. Kikuyu people farmed the forested highlands above Nairobi. As Nairobi grew—it had 14,000 residents by 1910—conflicts between humans and animals increased. Residents of the city carried guns at night to protect against lions. People complained that giraffes and zebras walked on and ruined their flower beds. Animals were gradually confined to the expansive plains to the west and south of Nairobi, and the colonial government set this area aside as a game reserve. Settlers from Nairobi including Isak Dinesen, author of Out of Africa, rode horses among gazelles, impala, and zebras in this reserve. The conservationist Mervyn Cowie was born in Nairobi. Returning to Kenya after a nine-year absence in 1932, he was alarmed to see that the amount of game animals on the Athi plains had dwindled. Expanding farms and livestock had taken the place of the game. He later recalled this place as a paradise that was quickly disappearing. At this time, the area that would later become Nairobi National Park was part of the Southern Game Reserve. Hunting was not permitted in the reserve, but nearly every other activity, including cattle grazing, dumping, and even bombing by the Royal Air Force was allowed. Cowie started to campaign for the establishment of a national park system in Kenya. The government formed a committee to examine the matter. Opened in 1946, Nairobi National Park was the first national park established in Kenya. Masai pastoralists were removed from their lands when the park was created. Cowie was named as director of Nairobi National Park and held this position until 1966. In 1989, Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi burned twelve tons of ivory on a site within the park. This event improved Kenya's conservation and wildlife pr

如何抵達

Nairobi National Park is one of the few game reserves in the world that is inside a city. It is 10 min from the city centre off Langata Road, and can give you your first feel of what Kenya has to offer, or for a quick visit for those without the time to see the Mara, Serengeti, or Amboseli. Since you must stay inside a vehicle while in the park, you will either be joining a tour that picks you up from your accommodation or you will be renting a vehicle to self-drive in the park. There are many car hire firms that offer pick-ups and drop-offs in vans, costing Ksh 6,000-15,000 per day.

當地交通

You will be most comfortable in a four-wheel-drive, van, jeep, or truck, as the terrain remains natural and rough. You can use a saloon, though it will most definitely be a rough drive. You can see a very small portion of the park by taking the 1 Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway train (part of Kenya Standard Gauge Railway), which goes straight through the middle of the park as a viaduct. The railway sits on top of 8m - 42m high pillars, to allow even giraffes to walk under it.

必看景點

Obviously African safari animals, particularly rhinoceros.

體驗活動

Nairobi National Park offers a unique safari experience within the city limits, featuring game drives, walking trails, and picnic sites with views of lions and rhinos against a city skyline. Key activities in Nairobi National Park include visiting the Ivory Burning Site, bird watching, walking tours, picnicking and BBQ, and visiting nearby wildlife conservation centers like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

購物

You can get souvenirs from shops. Some of the best ones include park-specific patches, stickers, enamel pins, and refrigerator magnets to celebrate your trip. Collectibles, apparel, experiences and books, like home items, and locally made items too. Purchasing from official park stores supports the National Park Service, with proceeds often directly funding projects in that park.

住宿

There is no accommodation within the park. Due to its proximity to the city centre, your best bet is to look for accommodation in Nairobi.

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry