NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK – NEARLY NEXT DOOR!! – By GARETH JONES

The alarm clock buzzed at 05h00 as we awoke to a new day and arrived at the gate just after 06H00. On a number of occasions, people have seen some of my photos and ask me questions like “did you see this in Masai Mara? or they mention other parks like Amboseli, Lake Nakuru or Tsavo. Then when I tell them that many of the unique sightings supported with photos are actually virtually next door to them, in the Nairobi National Park, they are simply blown away and almost can not believe it. Sadly most people who live in Nairobi do not realise what a unique priceless natural “gem” is so close to them. People seem to think that they need to go on a long tiring safari to a distant game park just to be able to see something special. If only they realised that the tiny Nairobi National Park with its 117 sq km area is a natural wonderland that is home to many wonderfully created species.

Although the park does not have the “Big five” lions, leopards, rhino and buffalo are seen. Masai giraffe, hippo, zebra and Eastern white bridled wildebeest are also present, plus many species of antelope ranging from eland being the largest to the tiny forest suni, and less common mammals like serval, jackals, hyena, aardwolf, bush pig & honey badger.

The park also has an interesting reptile population with Nile crocodiles being the largest, including water monitors, lizards, tortoises and chameleons. Close to 500 species of birds can be found in the park at various times of the year. Birds are always worth watching as it can be very rewarding, restful and therapeutic.

When planning to visit the park try to just enjoy all of creation, from the smallest to the largest creatures. Drive very slowly to see and enjoy wonderful observations of the many different species that occur in the park.

I believe the following basic tips could make your day really fantastic. 1) Try to preplan your food and drinks in advance. 2) Use a cooler box to keep food and drinks fresh and cold. 3) Wake up early for a game drive. 4) Stop at a picnic site for a meal together. 5) Pack a good set of binoculars. 6) A map and some basic ID books are useful. 7) Having a decent camera helps to enhance the experience as you are able to capture some of your sightings in the form of photos. 8) Don’t travel too much, take time to sit and relax at various dams and treed areas. 9) Don’t worry about finding lions first, rather focus on enjoying every species and then if a lion sighting happens it will be a special bonus. 10) Slow down to the pace of nature, and relax!!

So next time you want to “escape” for a while from the hectic city lifestyle we all live in, instead of travelling a far distance, why not visit the park? A day in the park is a real “soul tonic” medicine for the inner being, an escape from the fast-paced world around us!

The park is open daily from 06h00 to 19h00.

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