A safari in Nairobi National Park

Far from the big reserves, the endless plains and the bush hats, in the southern suburbs of Nairobi nestles one of Africa's smallest national parks. With its 117 km2, Nairobi Park is often overlooked by travellers, but it is a promising foretaste of your trip to Kenya. Founded in 1946, the country's oldest park is just 7 kilometres from the centre and lies opposite the city's second airport, from which the small planes that serve the country's many other parks depart.

As an anecdote, when the park first opened, the pilots would fly over the landing area once to make sure that no animals were on the runway. In the background, behind the slender giraffes, you can see towering skyscrapers. The bustling capital is an animal kingdom.

Before your very eyes, herds of zebra and gazelle come to life, while the park is also home to 4 of the famous big five. All are present, apart from the elephant, whose presence close to a large city could prove very dangerous. As for the big predators, lions and hyenas are frequently spotted in the park. However, you will need a great deal of luck, patience and a lynx eye to be lucky enough to spot a leopard or cheetah. As for herbivores, you're likely to come across a good number of gazelles, wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and more. The park is also nicknamed "Kifaru Ark" for its abundance of rhinos.

In fact, "Kifaru" means "rhinoceros" in Swahili, and the park is home to no fewer than 50 individuals, the highest concentration of rhinos in the world. There are also countless bird sightings in the marshes, with some 400 species of bird on loan, making the park one of the country's birding hotspots. The park is also home to a nursery for orphaned elephant calves.

In fact, birdwatching and photography are reason enough to come and explore the park. The variety of bird species is absolutely remarkable given the size of the park. In fact, there are more species of birds in this small park than in the whole of the UK. Ashy heron, sacred and hagedash ibis, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed rail, black kite, African spoonbill and the world's largest bird, the ostrich.

Near the main entrance, the Ivory Burning monument marks the spot. In 1989, Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi decided to burn 105 tonnes of ivory, representing the tusks of 6,000 elephants, or 5% of the world's ivory reserves. They also decided to burn 1.35 tonnes of rhinoceros horn and exotic animal skins. It was a spectacular event that restored Kenya's reputation, at a time when the country was plagued by mass poaching of elephant tusks and rhinoceros horn.

Although the poaching did not miraculously stop after this event, the action made the population aware of the seriousness of the situation. But let's not forget that the fight against poaching remains a constant battle in Kenya and in Africa in general.

It is fenced on three sides, leaving space for the large herbivores to migrate. However, the proximity of the park to the capital is not self-evident. Indeed, lions often wander out of the park into the city streets. The park plays a very important educational role for young Kenyans. Close to the city, it enables school groups to visit and learn about the magnificent flora and fauna of their country, thus influencing them towards a spirit of conservation of their natural heritage, which it is vital to preserve.

***Entrance fees to Nairobi National Park ***

• Adults: $40
• Children: $20
• Students: $15

One day is enough to visit the park and its various activities. You can get to the park on your own by car. If you do, be sure to follow the safety rules announced at the entrance. These include never getting out of your car. However, a visit with the help of a guide will undoubtedly be more enjoyable. Don't forget that if you opt for a guide, you will also have to pay for entry to the park.

You can take the Nairobi Walking Safari. This is a 2-hour walk over raised bridges to observe nature from strategically placed lookouts. The price includes an English-speaking guide. The entrance to the walk is next to the elephant orphanage.

The elephant nursery is open for 1 hour a day (from 11am to 12pm). You can watch the elephants in their daily routine of bathing, playing and feeding.

The park is also home to the Marula Studio, a cooperative of local artists, where you can buy unique souvenirs. There is a Symbolic entry fee of $5

Located on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, Nyati Hill Cottage welcomes you in cute, cosy cottages.