How Much Does It Cost to Visit Nairobi National Park?

Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from the city center, offers a unique safari experience with its diverse wildlife and proximity to urban areas. Planning a visit involves understanding the costs associated with the trip. This guide answers the question, “How Much Does It Cost to Visit Nairobi National Park?” by outlining park entry fees, accommodation, safari tour prices, and other expenses to help you budget effectively.

Park Entry Fees

Understanding the park entry fees is essential for budgeting your visit:

Residents: Ksh 430 per adult, Ksh 215 per child.
Non-Residents: USD 43 per adult, USD 22 per child. These fees grant access to the park for a 24-hour period, allowing for multiple game drives and activities within that time.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation options near Nairobi National Park range from luxury lodges to budget hotels:

Luxury Lodges: High-end lodges like Ololo Safari Lodge offer premium services and amenities, with prices over $200 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels: These hotels offer a balance of comfort and affordability, typically costing between $100 and $200 per night. Examples include Eka Hotel and Tamarind Tree Hotel.
Budget Accommodations: Budget options like Ol Supat Lodge provide essential amenities at lower prices, generally between $50 and $100 per night.

Safari Tour Prices

Safari tours within Nairobi National Park can vary based on the type and duration:

Guided Game Drives: Prices range begin from $30 per person. These tours include experienced guides who enhance the safari experience by pointing out various wildlife and providing insights into their behavior.
Self-Drive Safaris: If you have your vehicle, you can drive through the park yourself. Park entry fees apply, and fuel costs will vary based on the duration and distance of your drive.
Full-Day Tours: Comprehensive tours that include game drives, meals, and sometimes additional activities like visits to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or Giraffe Centre can cost between $100 and $250 per person.

Transport Costs

Getting to Nairobi National Park and moving around involves additional transportation costs:

Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services: A round trip from Nairobi city center to the park can cost around $10, depending on traffic and exact location. You will need to add this cost to the Safari Tour prices above.
Car Hire: Renting a car for a day can range from $50 to $100, excluding fuel. Ensure you choose a vehicle suitable for safari conditions.
Tour-converted Landcruiser: Hiring a tour guide and tour-converted land cruiser for half the day will cost about $250.

Food and Drink Expenses

The cost of food and drinks will vary depending on your choice of accommodation and activities:

Luxury Lodges: Meals are usually included in the accommodation price, offering gourmet dining options.
Mid-Range and Budget Hotels: Some may include breakfast, but lunch and dinner are often additional. Expect to spend $20 to $50 per day on meals.