Ultimate Guide to Nairobi National Park Picnic Sites

A picnic blanket… A chilled bottle of wine… A few of your favorite meals and friends… And wildlife, gracefully ambling by… Sounds like a dream come true, right?

A dream? Maybe anywhere else, because here in Nairobi, we just call it a Sunday afternoon. I’ve lived in this beautiful and chaotic city for years, and my go-to escape, the place I go to catch my breath, is Nairobi National Park.

Just a short drive from Kenya’s bustling capital, this unique wildlife haven offers some of the most extraordinary picnic areas you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Hi. My name is Eva Njogu, a KPSGA-certified guide and travel writer for AJ Kenya Safaris. In this guide, I tell you about the beautifully magnetic picnic sites of Nairobi National Park.

Why a Picnic in this Park?

Honestly, there’s nothing else like it in the world. So, last Friday, I was stuck in the infamous Waiyaki Way traffic, horns blaring, stress mounting… Arghhh, it was one of those evenings where you just want to teleport home. And right there, staring at that endless line of cars, I thought, you know what, I need air… Real air…

By evening, I was inside the park, engine off, listening to the crunch of a white rhino grazing only a few feet away.

For me, it’s the contrast that makes Nairobi National Park such a perfect picnic spot. The fact that you’re so close to the city that you can still see the skyline, yet so far removed that you can hear nothing but the low hum of nature doing its own thing, is so intriguing to me. I love its wildlife diversity too. How, in just a few minutes, you can spot everything from grazing elephants to basking hippos and lounging lions. Oh, and the birds! Those are lovely too, from lilac-breasted rollers to kingfishers, eagles, and so much more.

The 5 Best Picnic Sites in Nairobi National Park

The park offers several designated picnic spots that cater to different preferences and group sizes. Each location has its unique charm and wildlife viewing opportunities.

1. Impala Picnic Site: My Favorite

This is hands-down my go-to spot. It’s perched on a hill just minutes from the main gate, and the views are just wow.

It’s a beautifully designed stone outlook that gives you a 360-degree panorama. You turn one way and see the entire city skyline, and turn the other to see endless plains teeming with wildlife.

The site features:

Clean restrooms.
Ample parking.
Shaded areas under acacia trees.
Picnic tables for comfortable dining.

2. Kingfisher Picnic Site

For my daughter’s birthday last year, I wanted something different. Something that wasn’t the usual noisy and crowded play area. So I packed a few of her favorite snacks, a little cake, and invited a few of her favorite friends. We drove straight to Kingfisher and set up a proper picnic breakfast. There was no rush, no noise, just laughter, nature, and a few happy tears here and there.

Located in the southwestern part of the park, Kingfisher picnic site is a riverside haven with lush green lawns (especially beautiful during the rainy season). You’ll find:

Two bandas (covered seating areas).
Bonfire pits for evening gatherings.
BBQ facilities for those who enjoy grilling.
Toilets, a sink, and running water.

During our visit, we arrived early for a bush breakfast and were rewarded with the sight of various animals coming to drink at the nearby river. The open space makes this site ideal for group picnics and team-building activities.

3. Ivory Burning Site Picnic: The Place for Reflection

I go here when I want some peace and quiet. I simply just sit there, on a bench among the ashes, and let my thoughts wander. Zebras are often grazing nearby, and if I’m lucky (and I’ve been a handful of times), I’ll see a lion or rhino grazing in the distance.

A little about the Ivory Burning Site…

This historically significant site is located near the main Langata Road gate and commemorates Kenya’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Here, you’ll find three piles of ivory ash where Kenyan presidents have burned confiscated tusks to take a stand against poaching.

The site offers:

A peaceful environment for reflection.
Educational displays about conservation.
Open grasslands with occasional zebra sightings.
Picnic tables in a well-maintained area.

4. Mokoiyet Picnic Site: The Hidden Gem

Perched on a cliff adjacent to the Mbagathi River Gorge, Mokoiyet picnic site offers some of the most dramatic views in the park. The site features:

Tables and benches for comfortable dining.
Shaded huts with thatched roofs.
Clean restrooms.
A large parking area.

From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of the river and its gorges while keeping an eye out for Rock Hyrax that call this area home. You’re welcome to bring your own cooking equipment for a true bush picnic experience.

5. Hippo Pools Picnic Site

For those seeking adventure with their meal, Hippo Pools picnic site near Maasai Gate offers the unique opportunity to combine picnicking with a 2.5-kilometer hiking trail along the Mbagathi River. Here, you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

The site includes:

Picnic tables and seating areas.
Access to the trekking trail.
A curio shop selling local crafts.
Proximity to wildlife viewing areas.

My Practical Tips for Your Trip

How to Get In and How Much It Costs

The park has several entrance points, each offering different advantages depending on which picnic sites you plan to visit:

Main Gate (Langata Road): I usually use the main gate because it’s closest to my house and gives easy access to the Impala and Ivory Burning Site. It is located about 8km from downtown Nairobi and is the most popular entrance.
Mbagathi Gate (Cheetah Gate): If I’m headed to Kingfisher, Mbagathi Gate is a better bet. The gate is located on Magadi Road and provides access to the southern part of the park.
The East Gate is convenient for those coming from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with good access to Mokoiyet picnic site.
Wilson Airport Gate: Perfect if you’re arriving via domestic flight and want to reach Kingfisher picnic site quickly.

Entry Fees for Nairobi National Park

As of 2025, the cost of picnicking in the park includes these entrance fees:

High Season (July to March):

East African Citizens: KSh 430 for adults, KSh 215 for children
International Visitors: $80 for adults, $35 for children

Low Season (March to June):

East African Citizens: KSh 430 for adults, KSh 215 for children
International Visitors: $80 for adults, $20 for children

You can pay through the e-Citizen portal via M-Pesa, Visa Card, or electronic funds transfer.

What’s Always in My Picnic Basket

Learn from my mistakes; I’ve forgotten something on almost every trip. Here’s my refined checklist:

A waterproof picnic blanket or mat.
Reusable plates, cups, and utensils.
Plenty of water, and let’s be honest, a cold Tusker or a bottle of wine
Food in sealed containers to prevent attracting wildlife.
Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Camera for capturing those perfect photography spots.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
A bottle opener. Trust me, trying to open a wine bottle with a car key is not as fun as it sounds.

Beyond Picnicking: Other Things to Do in Nairobi National Park

Your visit doesn’t have to end after lunch. The park offers numerous activities to make your day complete:

Game Drive Nairobi National Park

I never get tired of the game drives. I often opt for the self-drive, but if you’re a newbie, I’d suggest you join a guided tour. The park offers excellent opportunities to spot four of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). The only missing member is the elephant.

You might also see giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and various antelope species against the unique backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline – a truly surreal photography spot.

Birdwatching in Nairobi National Park

I’m not even a massive birder, but it’s hard not to be impressed here.

With over 400 bird species recorded, the park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars to spot secretary birds, crowned cranes, vultures, and many more.

Visit Nearby Nairobi Tourist Attractions

Combine your picnic with visits to:

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant orphanage, Nairobi), where you can see orphaned elephants being rehabilitated.
The Giraffe Centrein Nairobi, where you can feed and interact with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

My ‘Mom Rules’ for a Safe Picnic (Especially with Kids)

When visiting with children, safety becomes even more important. Here are some safety tips for picnicking in the park:

Always remain inside your vehicle except at designated picnic areas.
Keep a safe distance (at least 20 meters) from wildlife.
Maintain low noise levels to avoid startling animals.
Never feed the wildlife.
Be especially cautious around waterholes where predators gather.
Follow all park rules and regulations.
Stay on designated roads and trails.
Carry out all your trash to help preserve this beautiful ecosystem.

Best Times for a Relaxing Picnic in Nairobi National Park

For the most pleasant experience, I recommend:

Morning picnics (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Perfect for wildlife viewing as animals are most active. The Kingfisher picnic site is especially popular for early morning breakfasts.
Late afternoon picnics (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Enjoy beautiful lighting for photography and cooler temperatures. The Impala picnic site offers stunning sunset views over the city.
Dry season visits (June to October): Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot from your picnic location.

Planning a Group Picnic at Nairobi National Park

The park’s picnic sites are excellent venues for larger gatherings, including:

Corporate events and retreats.
Team building activities.
Birthday celebrations.
Small weddings (with proper permits).

The Mokoiyet and Kingfisher picnic sites are particularly well-suited for groups, with their ample space and facilities.