Picnic Sites In Nairobi Park Safari
Nairobi National Park is also widely recognised as having great wildlife, and besides the game drive and safari, the park has some of the most calm and well-planned picnic sites in Kenya. These locations are the best places where families, friends, couples and nature lovers can relax within the inner part of the wild. The picnic sites in the park make each visit to the park a memorable one with breathtaking landscapes, shaded rest areas, large expansive plains, forested riverbanks and rich bird life.
Impala View observation point (Impala Observation Point).
One of the most scenic and preferred picnic sites of the Nairobi National Park is the Impala Observation Point. It is located on a high hill overlooking the plains surrounding it, and hence, it is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the wild and have a good rest there.
What Makes It Special
- High perspectives of the wild grazing on the ground.
- Rarely seen animals: impalas, zebras, buffaloes, and giraffes.
- There are spectacular sunrise and sunset images.
- Open and safe and spacious ground in which to hold picnics.
This is where visitors usually halt during the game drives to have packed lunches as they see the wildlife roaming freely on the savannah. The scenery is also quite long, and it is facing the city skyline, which forms the best combination of nature and the city.
Ideal Activities
- Photography
- Relaxing and snacking
- Wildlife observation
- Minor walks around the observation head.
Mokoyiet Picnic Site
The Mokoyiet Picnic Site is a peaceful, shaded area which is found near the Mbagathi River. With greenery and acacia trees, it is private and has a peaceful ambience that is best suited to small groups in need of a secluded getaway.
Best Features
- Nature, beautiful shade with high trees.
- Close to water sources, which attract wildlife.
- Benches and picnic tables made of wood.
- Cool, serene ambience
Mokoyiet has been great even to individuals who wish to have a private place to spend time in nature without distractions. The wind, rustling leaves and birds create it to be a pleasant place to read, meditate and/or just to have a meal in the wild.
The wildlife you may encounter in the area.
- Vervet monkeys
- Olive baboons
- Antelope species
Different species of birds on the riverbank.
Kingfisher Picnic Site
One of the earliest and most popular picnic sites in the Nairobi National Park is Kingfisher. The family and groups love it, as it has a large open area and there are easy facilities.
The reasons why visitors like Kingfisher.
- Premium picnic areas that seat many.
- Properly preserved wooden houses.
- Plenty of shade
- Birdwatching facilities are excellent.
The name of the site is popularised after the colourful kingfisher birds that are common in the surroundings of the site. Kingfisher is a beacon that is being used by many tourists either as a meeting point or for lunch during game drives.
- Activities You Can Enjoy
- Birdwatching
- Lawn games (frisbee, catch, and many more)
- Group picnics
- Barbecues (in specific spots)
Hippo Pools Picnic Site
The most interesting and scenic picnic location in the park is arguably Hippo Pools. This is situated on the bank of the Mbagathi River with a walking path that takes the viewer to the riverbank, where sometimes the hippos and crocodiles are spotted.
Highlights of Hippo Pools
- A nature trail on the riverine vegetation with guidance.
- Periodic visits of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
- Forest-like walking paths that are relaxing.
- Shelters for picnics with nice views of natural scenery.
Hippo Pools is the best place to visit when a visitor wishes to have a picnic and, at the same time, have a light nature walk. The path exposes you to numerous flora, fauna, and wildlife of the river.
Wildlife You May Spot
- Hippos who are bathing in the river (sometimes)
- Crocodiles
- Monitor lizards
- Kingfishers and herons and other water birds.
Due to the existence of wildlife, tourists should be careful and never leave the tracks.
Ivory Burning Site Monument
It is not a picnic point, but the Ivory Burning Site Monument is one of the places that people visit frequently whenever they visit the park. It is a historic site at which Kenya incinerated captured ivory in the year 1989 and in other successive ceremonies in opposition to poaching.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
- History of great conservation.
- Free areas that can be used as rest areas.
- Good at photography and thinking.
- Educational value to the children and the tourists.
It does not have the facilities that regular picnic areas have, but many of the visitors spend a few minutes here stretching their legs and having a snack as they are informed of the protection efforts by the Kenyan Wildlife.
Other Little and Seasonal Picnic Areas.
Besides the major set-out locations, the park has a few smaller and seasonal spots where visitors can rest. These spots are different according to the weather and the management of the park but usually include:
- Open plains viewpoints
- Riverbank rest points
- Bordered with trees by ranger posts.
These points will be the best places to take short breaks during a game drive, particularly in the morning or at sunset during visits.
What to Expect.
- Facilities
- The majority of official picnic places provide:
- Wooden benches
- Shaded areas
- Toilets nearby
- Waste disposal bins
- Parking spaces
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers patrol the sites regularly to ensure that there is safety.
Safety Guidelines
Because Nairobi National Park is located in the territory of dangerous animals, a visitor should observe safety regulations:
- Move around in areas of specification.
- Do not feed animals
- Keep food stored securely
- Do not walk alone, particularly around bushy places.
- Supervise children closely
- Responsibly dispose of garbage.
Best Time to Visit.
The picnic sites are available all year round, but the best time is during:
- Earlier in the morning, when it is cold.
- Midday, when wild animals amuse themselves along waterholes.
- Dry season when trails are easy to get to and views are clear.
Weekdays could be a more relaxed experience, whereas weekends might have a higher number of visitors.
Conclusion
Nairobi National Park does not just offer wildlife but also tranquil scenic picnic areas where people can spend their time in the park, savouring the beauty of the natural fauna and remaining within the city. It is either the high panoramas at the Impala point, the shaded secluded environment of Mokoyiet, the family-friendly environs of Kingfisher, or the adventure trails of Hippo pools; all picnic sites present a different experience.
