Nairobi National Park opening hours
Nairobi National Park opens at 06:00 and closes at 18:00, every day. That is the rule to plan around. Be at a gate well before 18:00. The drive ends when the gate staff say it ends.
Short answer (updated October 2026): Nairobi National Park is open every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays, from 06:00 to 18:00. All visitors must be out of the park by 18:00. There are no night game drives. For the best wildlife, arrive at 06:00; our tours use a 05:00 hotel pickup.
| Time | |
|---|---|
| Gate open | 06:00 |
| Gate close | 18:00 |
| Our morning pickup | 05:00 from your hotel or the airport, so you reach the gate for the 06:00 opening |
| Weekend game drive | Meet at Kencom in the CBD at 05:00 |
A 05:00 pickup means you are at the gate when it opens at 06:00, in the cool first hours when predators are most active. From Karen that is a short hop. From Westlands or the far side of the CBD, leave the margin in the pickup time we send you.
All our tours run inside the 06:00 to 18:00 park hours. Do not drive in after dark on a day ticket. KWS prohibits ordinary driving after the close.
The park is open every day of the year on that gate pattern, including weekends. Public holidays make the Main Gate busier. They do not change the 18:00 close.
Look for animals at their most active, right after the 06:00 opening, on a half-day private game drive at $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately), or join the weekend Land Cruiser drive from KSh 4,500 per person.
Quick answers
What time does Nairobi National Park open?
06:00, every day of the year.
What time does Nairobi National Park close?
18:00. Be at a gate well before then. Public holidays do not change the close.
Is the park open on weekends and public holidays?
Yes. The same 06:00 to 18:00 hours apply. Public holidays make the Main Gate busier.
What is the best time to arrive?
Right after the 06:00 opening, when the air is cool and animals are most active. Our morning pickup is at 05:00 from your hotel or the airport, so you reach the gate for the 06:00 opening.
Making your own way? Read how to get to the park and which gate to use.
Related pages
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