Nairobi Safari Walk: Ultimate Visiting Guide (2024)
Nairobi Safari Walk is one place I frequently visit to connect with nature, relax, and see wildlife at a close range.
It’s also a perfect place to take kids or hang out on a weekend afternoon. Most people fall in love with the lush green nature and the peaceful environment.
I live in Nairobi and after doing the safari walk so many times, I’ve written this ultimate guide to help you visit like a local.
So let’s dive right into it!
Where is Nairobi Safari Walk Located?
Nairobi Safari Walk is located at the KWS headquarters along Lang’ata Road. About 7 km south of Nairobi CBD and less than a 30-minute drive from the city center.
The safari walk is right next to the main entrance to Nairobi National Park and Animal Orphanage.
It’s conveniently located along the highway making it easily accessible using public or private means of transport.
Now that we’ve established its location, you’ll want to know how to get there.
how to get to Nairobi safari walk
To get to the Nairobi Safari walk, you can either use a matatu, taxi, or Uber.
As mentioned earlier, it’s so accessible for everyone and how you get there is all a matter of preference.
Using public transport (Matatus) is the cheapest way to get there. If you are new to Nairobi, don’t worry these are the easiest matatus to locate.
You’ll want to board a matatu heading to Ongata Rongai (No: 125). These are located along Moi Avenue near Africa Nazarene University or opposite the August 7th Memorial Park.
I recommend using these buses as you get to kill two birds with one stone. You experience the popular matatu culture in Nairobi and also get to the park easily.
Other matatus you can use include those heading to Kiserian (No 126). Located at the railway station bus terminal and along Moi Avenue next to those heading to Ongata Rongai.
The other public transport option is catching a bus heading to Langata (No 15) found at the Bus Station in downtown Nairobi.
Remember to let the conductor/driver know to drop you off at KWS or Nairobi National Park bus stop, this is on the left side of the road when coming from the city center.
The most convenient option for most visitors is Uber or a taxi. The price will vary depending on your pickup point.
You could also book a tour including a visit to the safari walk and your tour operator will organize the logistics.
In summary, you can catch a matatu to Nairobi safari walk, or use Uber, or a taxi. Once the matatu drops you at the bus stop, simply walk into the KWS premises and you’ll be directed to the safari walk entry and payment point.
How much does Nairobi Safari Walk cost?
The Nairobi safari walk entrance fee is KES 215 for adult citizens and residents and KES 125 for kids. Tourists pay $22 for adults and $13 for kids as of 2024.
No cash payments are accepted all payments are through the e-citizen portal. It can be a bit complicated for a first-time user but quite easy once you familiarize yourself with the new look and changes on the portal.
If you don’t have an account yet, the receptionists will help you with the payment process but a service charge may apply. I was charged 50 shillings extra.
The Safari Walk Experience and what to expect
The Nairobi Safari walk offers visitors a chance to closely encounter wildlife, see 3 unique ecosystems found around Kenyan, and relax.
It’s a quick introduction to Kenyan safaris.
After payment, you walk into the main area and immediately encounter the wetlands. Here you’ll find pygmy hippos, crocodiles, water lilies, turtles, and information on all national parks in Kenya.
At the entry just next to the wetlands, lush green palms line the boardwalk on both sides giving you a feeling of entering into a jungle.
Your surroundings completely change from the busy highway to a serene and quiet environment. The only sounds you hear are from nature and maybe an occasional plane flying by.
In each section with wildlife, you’ll find signs explaining what animal is there and some fun facts about it.
The beautiful palm walkway leads you to the savannah ecosystem. Here you’ll find herds of animals grazing in the central area. Here you can test your wildlife knowledge by identifying the various animals.
Some animals to expect include; the rare bongo, white rhino, albino zebra, antelopes, giraffes, ostrich, hyena, buffalo, colubus monkeys, birds, and many primates.
Well landscaped walkways help you navigate around and walk to the elevated boardwalks where you’ll find predators.
Rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and buffalos are found behind highly secured areas keeping you and the animals safe.
As you head towards the elevated boardwalk, you’ll encounter the forest ecosystem. Along the way, there are signs on which animals to find where.
Each viewpoint is strategically positioned to help you spot the animals. In addition, there are benches all over the park in case you need to relax.
The furthest accessible point on the boardwalk gives you a view of the Nairobi National Park and the Mokoyiet River that runs through the park. On this side, you’ll also find so many baboons/monkeys hanging by the boardwalk.
how long is Nairobi safari walk?
Nairobi safari walk is a 2.5 km walking tour and can take about one hour or less to fully explore.
I highly recommend spending enough time spotting animals such as the leopard and cheetah that love hiding in trees. Or simply admiring the grazing animals in the savannah ecosystem and enjoying nature.
Don’t just rush by, relax on the benches and simply be in the moment with nature. Also, take beautiful pictures.
What is the best time to visit Nairobi Safari walk
You can visit the safari walk any time of the year and any day of the week between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.
In my opinion, the best time to visit the Nairobi safari walk is in the morning hours. The weather is just perfect even in the hot months and you find wildlife relaxing in good viewing spots.
In hot months some animals such as lions and leopards hide within tree branches when it gets too hot and can be hard to spot.
On the other hand, during the rainy months in Kenya, such as April, it tends to rain heavily in the afternoons.
This is just my preference but you can visit any time as long as it is within operating hours.
Nairobi Safari Walk: FAQs
Matatus that will take you to the Nairobi Safari walk include No. 125 heading to Ongata Rongai, No. 126 heading to Kiserian, and No. 12 heading to Lang’ata. Since you are the safari walk isn’t their ultimate destination, ask the conductor to drop you at the KWS bus stop.
You can bring snacks to enjoy and don’t litter the park. There is no point in carrying huge picnic baskets with food since the safari walk is only about 1 hour. There’s also a restaurant within the premises.
The best time of day to visit the safari walk is in the morning and evenings. You can visit any time of the day but these are the best hours to escape the hot sun.
Yes, the Nairobi safari walk is open on Sunday between 8:30 am and 5.30 pm.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a complete guide to visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk.
Whether visiting alone, with friends, or with family, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Other activities you can pair with the safari walk include; Sheldrick elephant trust, Animal orphanage, Giraffe center, or a tour of Nairobi city.
