Africa’s wildlife,
beside a city
100+ mammals · 500+ birds · 8 habitats · one extraordinary park
Nairobi National Park is the only wildlife park on Earth with a major capital city as its backdrop. Lions hunt on open plains with skyscrapers visible on the horizon. Rhinos graze in acacia woodland seven kilometres from Parliament. This is your complete guide to every animal, habitat, and sighting strategy.
Kenya’s oldest
national park
Why a 117 km² park punches so far above its weight
By African standards, Nairobi National Park is small — a fraction of the Maasai Mara or Tsavo. Yet it consistently produces wildlife densities that rival parks ten times its size. Three factors explain this: its position on the northern edge of the Athi-Kapiti ecosystem (one of East Africa’s most productive plains), its permanent water in the form of the Athi and Mbagathi rivers, and eighty years of rigorous KWS management that has allowed populations to stabilise in ways not seen in many larger parks.
The open southern boundary is the park’s ecological engine. Unlike northern parks where animals are contained year-round, Nairobi’s wildlife moves freely between the park and the vast Athi-Kapiti plains during the wet season — then concentrates back inside the park’s fenced northern section as the plains dry out. This seasonal “breathing” produces dramatic concentrations of herbivores from June to October, which in turn sustains year-round predator populations at unusually high densities for such a small protected area.
The result is a park where you can spend 4 hours on a game drive and realistically expect lion, rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, and dozens of bird species — with the Nairobi skyline hovering in the background at every turn. No other park on Earth offers this particular combination. For visitors with limited time in Kenya, it is not a compromise. It is its own extraordinary experience.
For full seasonal detail and month-by-month wildlife patterns, see our complete best time to visit guide.
Four of five.
Honestly.
Nairobi National Park is home to four of the Big Five — lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Elephants are absent. This is not a gap to apologise for — the park’s rhino population, in particular, is one of the most accessible and dense in East Africa. A guided tour gives you a realistic chance at four of the five in a single morning. For the full guide to each species see our Big Five guide.
Every animal,
by category
More than 100 mammal species inhabit or regularly use Nairobi National Park. The directory below covers the species most relevant to guided game drives — their habitat preferences, best sighting conditions, and realistic probability estimates for guided tours in dry-season conditions.
| Species | Status | Best Zone | Best Time | Guided Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plains Zebra | Common resident | Open grassland, western sections | Any — dry season concentrations | ~95% |
| Masai Giraffe | Common resident | Acacia woodland, throughout | Any — most active morning | ~95% |
| African Buffalo | Common resident, large herds | Eastern grassland, dams | Dawn and dusk; dry season at water | ~88% |
| Common Hippo | Common resident | Hippo Pool, Mbagathi River, dams | Dawn and dusk; midday visible in pools | ~85% |
| Eland | Common resident; largest antelope | Open grassland | Morning; often seen in large groups dry season | ~80% |
| Kongoni (Coke’s Hartebeest) | Common resident | Open grassland | Any time | ~85% |
| Common Wildebeest | Resident; seasonal influx from Athi plains | Open grassland, southern sections | Dry season concentrations June–October | ~80% |
| Warthog | Very common; ubiquitous | Throughout — particularly near picnic sites | Any time — often seen running tail-up | ~95% |
| Impala | Very common resident | Throughout — acacia and grassland edge | Any time; bachelors herds often visible | ~95% |
| Grant’s Gazelle | Common resident | Open grassland | Morning and late afternoon | ~85% |
| Thomson’s Gazelle | Common resident; often in mixed herds | Short grass plains | Any time | ~88% |
| Common Waterbuck | Resident along water | Athi River, Mbagathi River, dams | Morning near water; late afternoon grazing | ~80% |
| Olive Baboon | Common; troops of 30–80 | Rocky escarpment, forest edges | Any time; dawn near sleeping trees | ~90% |
| African Wild Cat | Uncommon; nocturnal | Open grassland, termite mounds | Dawn and dusk only | ~20% |
| Black-backed Jackal | Common | Throughout open areas | Dawn and dusk — scavenging at kill sites | ~75% |
| Nile Crocodile | Present along rivers | Mbagathi River, Hippo Pool | Midday sunning on rocks | ~55% |
| African Rock Python | Present but uncommon | Rocky areas, riverine forest | Warm midday on exposed rock | ~15% |
| Species | Population Estimate | Territory / Habitat | Best Sighting Conditions | Guided Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Lion | 30–40 individuals; multiple prides | Open grassland and acacia woodland; defined pride territories in western and central sections | Dawn first 90 minutes; late afternoon in dry season. Guides know pride locations from daily radio updates. | 55–70% |
| Leopard | ~8–12 individuals; estimated | Riverine forest along Athi/Mbagathi; rocky gorge sections; escarpment vegetation | First light — still active from night. Also occasionally midday resting in sausage trees. Extremely elusive. | 15–25% |
| Cheetah | 3–8 individuals; small resident population | Western open grassland — requires long sightlines for hunting. Avoids areas with high lion density. | Morning 7–11am in cool conditions. Diurnal. Guides scan open ground from high points. | 20–30% |
| Spotted Hyena | 15–25 individuals; clan-based | Throughout; dens in rocky areas. Wide-ranging foragers covering the entire park nightly. | Dawn — returning from night foraging. Also visible at kill sites. Commonly seen in early morning. | 60–75% |
| Striped Hyena | Rare; small numbers | Drier rocky sections; nocturnal | Very rarely seen on guided tours. Dawn sightings occasionally reported. | ~5% |
| Serval | Present; uncommon | Long grass areas near wetlands and streams | Dawn and dusk. Hunts in long grass — guides listen for alarm calls from birds and small mammals. | ~15% |
| Caracal | Rare; nocturnal | Rocky and scrub areas | Very rarely seen. Occasional dawn sightings on guided tours. | ~5% |
| Black-backed Jackal | Common; several family groups | Open grassland throughout | Dawn and dusk; frequently seen at lion and cheetah kills. Alert and active at first light. | ~75% |
| Bat-eared Fox | Present; uncommon | Short grass plains; termite mound areas | Early morning; listen for insect sounds using large ears. Often seen in pairs. | ~25% |
| African Civet | Present; nocturnal | Dense vegetation; riverine areas | Very rarely seen on day tours. Occasionally at dawn near cover. | ~8% |
| Species | Status | Habitat | Notes | Guided Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Baboon | Common; large troops | Rocky escarpment, forest edges, near picnic sites | Bold and habituated to vehicles. Do not feed — they become aggressive. Fascinating troop social dynamics. | ~90% |
| Vervet Monkey | Common; small groups | Acacia woodland, riverine forest edges, near water | Alert and fast-moving. Often seen near picnic areas. Three distinct alarm calls for aerial, terrestrial, and snake predators. | ~85% |
| Sykes’ Monkey | Less common; forest dependent | Riverine forest along Athi/Mbagathi | Deeper forest than vervets. Guides know specific territories. | ~45% |
| Porcupine | Present; nocturnal | Rocky areas; burrows in termite mounds | Rarely seen on day tours. Quills found on tracks. | ~10% |
| African Hare | Common but cryptic | Open grassland; shelters in scrub | Dawn and dusk. Freezes when spotted — guides’ eyes catch movement. | ~45% |
| Spring Hare | Present; nocturnal | Open sandy areas | Not seen on standard day tours. | ~5% |
| Dwarf Mongoose | Common; small family groups | Termite mounds throughout the park | Uses termite mounds as both lookout posts and dens. Often seen in mornings sunning on mounds. Charismatic and engaging to observe. | ~70% |
| Banded Mongoose | Common; groups of 15–40 | Throughout; prefers rocky areas and woodland | Highly social; frequently seen foraging in groups. Alarm calls alert the whole group simultaneously. | ~65% |
| Rock Hyrax | Very common; colonial | Rocky outcrops throughout | Thermoregulates by sunning on rocks in morning. Surprisingly loud calls at dawn. Closest living relative is the elephant. | ~80% |
| Zorilla (Striped Polecat) | Present; nocturnal | Open grassland and rocky areas | Rarely seen. Black-and-white striped; Africa’s equivalent of a skunk. | ~5% |
| Species | Status | Habitat | Best Sighting Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ostrich | Resident; small groups | Open grassland | Year-round | Africa’s largest bird; males have black and white plumage. Often seen in open areas near zebra herds. |
| Secretary Bird | Resident; uncommon | Open short grassland | Year-round; dry season best | Distinctive tall, terrestrial raptor. Stomps snakes with powerful feet. Sought-after sighting. |
| Kori Bustard | Resident; largest flying bird | Open grassland | Year-round | World’s heaviest flying bird. Males display during dry season. Stately ground bird. |
| African Fish Eagle | Resident along water | Dams, rivers, Hippo Pool | Year-round | Kenya’s national bird. Distinctive call — the “voice of Africa.” Frequently seen at dams. |
| Martial Eagle | Resident; rare large raptor | Open woodland and grassland | Year-round | Africa’s most powerful eagle. Soars on thermals. Occasionally takes young warthog. |
| Bateleur | Resident; uncommon | Open areas; soars widely | Year-round | Distinctive red-faced eagle; very short tail. Tilts side to side in flight. Named from French for “street juggler.” |
| Lilac-breasted Roller | Very common resident | Open woodland and grassland | Year-round | Kenya’s most photographed bird; vivid multi-colour plumage. Often perches on prominent dead branches. |
| Crowned Crane | Resident; pairs and small groups | Wetlands, dams, open grassland | Year-round | Uganda’s national bird; also common in Kenya. Distinctive golden crown. Dances during courtship. |
| African Jacana | Resident along water | Dams, Hippo Pool, river margins | Year-round | “Jesus bird” — walks on floating vegetation using large feet. Males care for eggs and chicks. |
| Marabou Stork | Common; large groups at kills | Open areas; near large mammals | Year-round | Massive scavenger. Congregates at lion kills and hippo pools. Prehistoric in appearance. |
| European Bee-eater | Intra-African migrant | Open woodland edges | November–April | Brilliant blue-green-yellow plumage. Arrives as a European and African migrant in large numbers during November rains. |
| Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) | Rare visitor; from escarpment | Open rocky areas | Occasional sightings | Africa’s rarest vulture. Drops bones onto rocks to access marrow. A memorable sighting if encountered. |
| Grey-crowned Crane | Resident | Open wetlands and grassland | Year-round | Distinctive species; Kenya subspecies differs from East African crowned crane in grey plumage. |
| Yellow-billed Stork | Resident and migrant | Dams, rivers, wetlands | Year-round; peak Nov–Mar | Tactile feeder — sweeps bill through shallow water. Groups of 20–50 common at dams in wet season. |
| Hamerkop | Common resident | Wetlands, rivers, dams | Year-round | Builds enormous stick nest — sometimes 1.5m across. Named for its hammer-shaped head. Considered a good-luck bird in Swahili culture. |
For the full 500+ species birdwatching guide see our complete birding guide.
Eight habitats in
one small park
Nairobi National Park’s remarkable species diversity is explained by the number of distinct habitat types packed into its 117 km². Each habitat supports a specific ecological community — understanding which habitat to visit at what time dramatically improves your sighting success.
Open Savanna Grassland
Covering the majority of the park’s western and central sections, the open savanna is the primary habitat for large herbivore herds. Star grass, red oat grass, and couch grass species dominate — cropped short by zebra and wildebeest and maintained by seasonal burning. This is prime lion and cheetah hunting territory, with the long sightlines that predators require and that safari photography rewards.
Acacia & Mixed Woodland
Yellow-barked acacia (fever trees), umbrella acacia, and Croton woodland covers the park’s eastern sections and northern slopes. This mixed canopy habitat supports browsers alongside grazers — giraffe feed selectively from acacia crowns, impala graze at the woodland edge, and leopards use the trees for shade, ambush, and caching kills beyond hyena reach. Dawn in the acacia woodland produces extraordinary photographic light.
Riverine Forest — Athi & Mbagathi
The Athi and Mbagathi rivers form the park’s southern boundary and support a dense belt of riverine forest — fig, Acacia xanthophloea, croton, and Phoenix palm — that is ecologically distinct from any other habitat in the park. This is the core leopard territory: dense cover, year-round water, and steep banks that provide perfect denning conditions. Sykes’ monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and an extraordinary diversity of forest birds all depend on this narrow corridor.
Dams, Pools & Seasonal Wetlands
Several man-made dams built in the mid-20th century are now critical wildlife infrastructure — functioning as permanent water sources in dry season when the Athi-Kapiti plains dry out. The dams concentrate wildlife dramatically from June to October, with large herbivore herds arriving to drink at dawn and dusk. Hippos use the deeper dams year-round. Wetland birds — storks, herons, jacanas, and kingfishers — peak in diversity at these sites during the November–April wet season.
Rocky Gorge & Escarpment
The northern boundary of the park drops sharply down the Ngong Hills escarpment in sections — rocky, dramatic, and ecologically distinct. Hyrax colonies inhabit the cliff faces in large numbers. Klipspringer — small, specialised antelopes with rubbery hooves adapted for rock faces — can be spotted if your guide knows where to look. The escarpment supports breeding sites for augur buzzard, cliff-nesting swifts, and occasionally vultures. Leopards use the rocky gorges for resting and denning.
Athi-Kapiti Plains Corridor
The park’s unfenced southern boundary connects to the vast Athi-Kapiti plains — one of East Africa’s most productive wildlife ecosystems. This open corridor allows wildebeest, zebra, eland, and other migratory species to move freely between the park and the plains based on rainfall and grazing conditions. In wet season (November–May), many herbivores disperse south onto the plains. In dry season (June–October), they concentrate back into the park. Understanding this corridor movement is the key to understanding Nairobi National Park’s seasonal wildlife patterns.
For deeper ecological detail on each habitat type, see our habitats & ecosystems guide.
Where guides
drive first
Experience guides know which sections of the park produce which animals — and at which times. Rather than driving randomly, they route according to the morning’s radio intelligence and their knowledge of territorial patterns. These are the key zones that consistently produce sightings.
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01
The Lion Circuit — Western Grassland
The western grassland sections — roughly the area bounded by the Hippo Pool road to the south and the main circuit to the north — form the primary lion territory for the park’s largest pride. Morning guides typically open their routes here after entering at the Main Gate, scanning open ground for the pride’s preferred resting spots near the acacia copses. This is also prime cheetah territory — the open sightlines allow cheetahs to hunt and guides to spot them from elevated track sections.
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02
Rhino Ridge & Plateau — Eastern Sections
The plateau sections in the eastern part of the park, particularly the elevated open grassland near the park’s inner circuit, are the highest-probability zone for rhino sightings. Both black and white rhino use this area regularly. Black rhino are more commonly found in the denser Croton thicket on the eastern slopes; white rhino on the open plateau. Morning guides coordinate via radio when rhinos are located and share coordinates — arriving at a rhino sighting often means 3–4 vehicles from different routes have been directed to the same location simultaneously.
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03
The Dam Circuit — Central Water Sources
A string of man-made dams in the park’s central section — including Hyena Dam, Impala Dam, and Nagolomon Dam — produce consistent wildlife concentrations, especially in dry season. Guides time dam visits at peak drinking windows: 6:30–8:30 am and 4:00–6:00 pm. Buffalo herds of 100–200 individuals arrive at the larger dams in coordinated columns. Hippos are resident in several dams year-round. The fish eagle that lives at the main dam is one of the most photographed subjects in the park — its call triggers an involuntary response from even experienced safari visitors.
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04
Hippo Pool & Mbagathi River — South
The Hippo Pool on the Mbagathi River is one of the park’s most visited landmarks — a walking trail allows visitors to observe hippos from an elevated bank, one of the few places in any Kenyan national park where you may exit your vehicle near wildlife. A permanent pool houses 20–30 hippos year-round. Crocodiles bask on the rocks below. The riverine forest surrounding the pool is excellent for forest birds and occasionally provides leopard sightings early in the morning. The Mbagathi River itself, running east to west, marks the southern boundary and is worth driving along for the diversity of riverine species it concentrates.
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05
Giraffe Woodland — Northern Acacia Belt
The northern section of the park, closest to the Nairobi suburbs, is where the acacia woodland is densest and where Masai giraffe — Kenya’s endemic subspecies — are most reliably found. Groups of 6–20 giraffe are typical in the morning, browsing the acacia canopy as the city skyline rises behind them. This section also produces excellent impala and baboon sightings, and the acacia trees provide good perch sites for rollers, go-away birds, and the occasional secretary bird hunting at the woodland’s edge.
When the park changes
everything
Nairobi National Park’s wildlife patterns shift significantly across seasons — not because species leave, but because rainfall determines where they concentrate. Both wet and dry seasons offer exceptional wildlife experiences; the character of those experiences differs markedly.
Dry Season Peak
Animals concentrate at permanent water — dams and rivers. Large herbivore herds build dramatically. Vegetation thins, improving visibility. Lion and cheetah sighting rates peak as prey concentrations make hunting efficient. Rhino sightings on the plateau reach their annual high.
Best overall wildlife densityShort Rains
Brief afternoon showers. Vegetation greens rapidly. Birdwatching begins its annual peak as European and Palaearctic migrants arrive. Morning drives are typically clear and excellent. The park’s colours change dramatically from dry gold to vivid green within weeks of the first rains.
Best birdwatching beginsShort Dry Season
Dry interlude between rains. Animals in excellent condition after November rains. Excellent photography conditions — warm light, clear skies, green vegetation. One of Nairobi’s premium wildlife windows with both conditions and density working in the visitor’s favour.
Premium photography conditionsLong Rains
The park reaches its most lush and visually dramatic state. Wildlife disperses across the expanded grassland. Birdwatching reaches absolute peak with intra-African and Palaearctic migrants at maximum numbers. Lions and cheetahs are harder to spot in long grass but all species are present. A 4WD is essential.
Peak birdwatching; lush green landscapeFor detailed month-by-month patterns and the best time for specific species, see our complete seasonal guide.
What changes when you
have expert eyes
Self-drive visitors see Nairobi National Park as a series of roads. Guided visitors see it as a living system. The difference in wildlife sighting rates — 30–40% across most species — is not luck. It is knowledge, network, and pattern recognition that accumulates over years of daily park experience.
The Radio Network
50+ active guides share real-time sighting coordinates throughout the morning. When a pride is located at 6:15 am, every guide in the park knows its position by 6:20. Self-drive visitors using a phone map are following information from 20 minutes ago — or from no one at all. The network is the single most important factor in sighting probability for elusive species like rhino, lion, and leopard.
Territorial Pattern Knowledge
An experienced Nairobi National Park guide knows which pride uses which territory at which time of year. They know which particular trees the resident leopard family uses for resting. They know which dam the black rhino bull visits after 7:00 am in dry season. This is not information on any map — it accumulates over years of daily observation and is irreplaceable in the field.
Reading the Signs
Alarm calls from birds and small mammals, fresh tracks on soft ground after rain, vultures circling in the distance, the particular way a giraffe moves its head when it has sensed something — experienced guides read these signals continuously and change route accordingly. Self-drive visitors see none of this. The guide’s interpretation of the environment is as valuable as the species network.
Species guides in
full detail
Black & White Rhinos — Complete Guide
Population numbers, the Kifaru Ark sanctuary, black vs white rhino differences, the best zones and sighting conditions, poaching threats, and conservation history. One of East Africa’s most inspiring wildlife stories.
Read the rhino guide →Lions — Pride Territories & Sighting Tips
Pride territories mapped, morning vs afternoon sighting probability, how guides track pride movements, the Nairobi skyline backdrop photography opportunity, and what to watch for in lion behaviour.
Read the lion guide →Leopards & Cheetahs — The Elusive Cats
Why both species are so rarely seen without guides, which habitat zones improve your odds, behavioural differences, and camera settings for low-light dawn sightings of these magnificent cats.
Read the cat guide →Giraffes, Zebras & Buffalo
The Masai Giraffe subspecies distinction, zebra herd dynamics, buffalo safety around vehicles, grassland zone coverage, and the photographic opportunity of giraffe against the Nairobi city skyline.
Read the herbivore guide →Hippos & Crocodiles — River Wildlife Guide
The Hippo Pool location and walking trail, Athi and Mbagathi river wildlife, crocodile behaviour patterns, best time to visit, and what makes the pool walkway one of Kenya’s most accessible wildlife experiences.
Read the river guide →Birdwatching — 500+ Species Complete Guide
Top 20 target species, seasonal migrants, the best birding habitats by zone, gear recommendations, and why Nairobi National Park is considered one of East Africa’s premier urban birding sites.
Read the birding guide →Habitats & Ecosystems Deep Dive
The ecology of each habitat type — savanna, woodland, riverine forest, wetland, rocky gorge — how each supports its specific species community, and the Athi-Kapiti plains corridor that makes the park work.
Read the habitat guide →The Big Five — Which Can You See & Where?
Realistic sighting odds for each of the four present Big Five species, why elephants are absent, the guided tour advantage for maximising your chances, and a comparison to Maasai Mara Big Five sightings.
Read the Big Five guide →What visitors ask
about the wildlife
How does Nairobi National Park compare to the Maasai Mara for wildlife?
The Maasai Mara is larger and has elephants; Nairobi National Park has rhinos at densities the Mara cannot match. For a visitor with one day in Nairobi, the National Park delivers a genuinely comparable Big Four experience to what many people travel to the Mara for — without the charter flight or multi-day camp. They are different experiences rather than one being superior. See our honest review for the full comparison.
Is there a guarantee of seeing specific animals?
No responsible guide or operator can guarantee wildlife sightings — animals move freely and are unpredictable. What a guided tour guarantees is maximum possible probability through the radio network, territorial knowledge, and optimal timing. On a dry-season morning half-day tour, realistic expectations are: zebra and giraffe near-certain; buffalo and hippo highly likely; lion 55–70% probability; rhino 45–65%; cheetah 20–30%.
What time of day produces the most wildlife sightings?
The first 90 minutes after sunrise — typically 6:15–7:45 am — is consistently the best window for predator sightings. Lions and cheetahs are still active from overnight hunting; leopards haven’t yet retreated to daytime cover. The second-best window is the last 90 minutes before sunset, when the same predators become active again. Midday is the quietest period — though dam visits in dry season can be rewarding at any hour as thirsty animals queue to drink.
Are there elephants in Nairobi National Park?
No — elephants have not been resident in Nairobi National Park for decades. The park is too small for a viable elephant population given their extensive ranging requirements. Visitors who want to see elephants should combine their safari with a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage — a 20-minute drive from the park’s main gate. See our combined attractions tour which includes both in a single day.
What is the Kifaru Ark and can I visit it?
The Kifaru Ark (“kifaru” is Swahili for rhino) is a fenced sanctuary within Nairobi National Park operated by the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in partnership with KWS. It provides a protected space for orphaned black rhino to be rehabilitated and eventually reintroduced to the park’s main area. Standard guided tours pass through areas where Kifaru Ark rhinos are released but do not enter the sanctuary itself. Separate sanctuary visits can be arranged — contact KWS for current access protocols.
How many lion prides live in the park?
The park typically supports 3–5 lion prides with a total population estimated at 30–40 individuals. Pride composition and territories shift over years — new coalitions of males occasionally challenge existing territory holders, leading to periods of increased lion activity that guides are aware of. The most reliable pride for sightings is typically located in the western grassland sections, which guides prioritise on morning routes.
What should children be prepared to see?
Nairobi National Park is an authentic wildlife environment — predator kills, natural animal behaviour, and realistic ecological dynamics are all possible sightings. Most children find the experience extraordinary rather than distressing; guides are experienced at framing what children see in age-appropriate terms. If you have specific concerns about what your children might encounter, discuss them with your guide at pickup and they will advise on routing and framing accordingly. See our full family safari guide.
Can I walk in the park to see wildlife?
Vehicle-only rules apply throughout most of the park — you may not exit your vehicle except at designated picnic sites, the Hippo Pool walking trail, and a small number of viewpoints. The Hippo Pool walking trail is the most notable exception — a short elevated boardwalk that allows viewing of hippos and the Mbagathi River on foot. The restriction exists for visitor safety — predators and buffalo in the park are genuinely dangerous to pedestrians. See our complete park rules guide.
See this wildlife
with an expert guide
Our guides have spent years learning the territorial patterns, network, and sign-reading that transforms a drive through the park into a genuine wildlife experience.
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