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Nairobi National
Park is a unique
ecosystem by
being the only
protected area
in the world
close to a
capital city.
The park is
located only 7
km from Nairobi
city centre. The
savannah
ecosystem
comprise of
different
vegetation
types. Open
grass plains
with scattered
acacia bush are
predominant. The
western side has
a highland dry
forest and a
permanent river
with a riverine
forest. To the
south are the
Athi-Kapiti
Plains and
Kitengela
migration
corridor which
are important
wildlife
dispersal areas
during the rain
season. Man-made
dams within the
park have added
a further
habitat,
favourable to
certain species
of birds and
animals.
|
Lion
cubs
in
Nairobi
national
park
with
the
Nairobi
city
suburbs
in
the
background |
The park also
serves many
residents and
citizens living
in the city The
park has a
diversity of
environments
with
characteristic
fauna and flora.
Open grass
plains with
scattered acacia
bush are
predominant. The
western side has
a highland dry
forest and a
permanent river
with a riverine
forest in the
south. In
addition, there
are stretches of
broken bush
country and
deep, rocky
valleys and
gorges with
scrub and long
grass. Man-made
dams have also
added a further
habitat,
favourable to
certain species
of birds and
other aquatic
biota (life
forms). The dams
also attract
water dependent
herbivores
during the dry
season.
Major wildlife
attractions are
the Black rhino,
lion, leopard,
cheetah, hyena,
buffaloes,
Giraffe, zebra,
wildebeest,
elands and
diverse birdlife
with over 400
species
recorded. Other
attractions
include the
Ivory burning
site Monument,
Nairobi Safari
Walk, the
Orphanage and
the walking
trails at hippo
pools.
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Rhino
with
calf
and
a
buffalo
grazing
with
the
Nairobi
city
suburbs
in
the
background |
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