Nairobi National Park was established in 1946, making it the first national park in Kenya and one of the earliest protected wildlife areas in Africa. Its creation marked a pioneering step in conservation, recognising the need to protect wildlife even as Nairobi city expanded rapidly after World War II.
The park was originally part of a broader migratory ecosystem used by Maasai pastoralists. As human settlement grew, uncontrolled hunting threatened wildlife populations, prompting early conservationists and colonial administrators to lobby for formal protection. The 1946 designation safeguarded 117 square kilometres of savanna, riverine forest, and highland plains — remarkably close to a capital city.
Since then, Nairobi National Park has become a model for urban conservation, demonstrating how wildlife and metropolitan growth can coexist. The park hosts over 100 mammal species, including black rhinos, lions, giraffes, elands, and cheetahs. Its southern boundary remains unfenced to preserve the Kitengela migration corridor, vital for seasonal movement of herbivores.
Modern conservation efforts include rhino sanctuaries, community initiatives, and anti-poaching programmes managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The park continues to serve as a leading educational, research, and tourism destination.
Explore Nairobi’s historic wilderness through Campo EA Safaris’ Nairobi National Park Safari.
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