The Nairobi National Park excursion is optional, and the excursion fee will be charged separately on the registration form.
Conference Excursion
Nairobi National Park
Fee: $80 for International visitors outside Kenya
Excursion day: 30 October, 2026
Nairobi National Park is a national park in Kenya, established in 1946, about 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Nairobi. It is fenced on three sides, whereas the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains. Herbivores gather in the park during the dry season. Nairobi National Park is negatively affected by increasing human and livestock populations, changing land use and poaching of wildlife. Despite its proximity to the city and its relatively small size, it boasts a large and varied wildlife population and is one of Kenya's most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.
Nairobi National Park is the main tourist attraction for visitors to Nairobi. Visitor attractions include the park's diverse bird species, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and lions. Other attractions are the wildebeest and zebra migrations in July and August, the Ivory Burning Site Monument, and the Nairobi Safari Walk and animal orphanage. Inhabitants of Nairobi visit the park, and thousands of Kenyan children on school field trips do so each week.
The park's Wildlife Conservation Education Centre offers lectures and video shows about wildlife, as well as guided tours of the park and the animal orphanage. These tours are primarily, but not exclusively, to educate schools and local communities. There has been criticism about the animals' housing, and they now have more spacious housing in a more natural environment. The Kenya Wildlife Service has created a Safari Walk that highlights the variety of plants and animals that are in Kenya and how they affect Kenya's population.
Photo credit: Nairobi National Park (Kenya Wildlife Service). Used for informational purposes. Source: https://kws.go.ke/park/nairobi-national-park/
Nairobi City - Places to visit in the area
City Tours & Cultural Attractions
Nairobi offers several guided city tours covering major landmarks and cultural sites. These typically include visits to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) for rooftop views, the Parliament Buildings, the City Market, the National Railway Museum, and the Nairobi National Museum, with its adjacent Snake Park. Walking tours through the Central Business District are also available, offering insights into the city's history and local culture. Kariokor Market, about 4 km away, offers local artefacts, Masai beadwork, and the famous Kenyan Kiondo (sisal-woven basket).
Wildlife Experiences
The standout wildlife attraction is the Nairobi National Park, located just 7-14 kilometres from the city centre. This unique sanctuary is the only national park within a capital city worldwide and is home to over 50 species of mammals, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. October's dry season makes it ideal for game drives, with temperatures ranging from 20-26°C (68-79°F). Delegates can also visit two signature wildlife experiences: the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage) and the Giraffe Centre. The Sheldrick orphanage opens daily from 11 AM to 12 PM for elephant feeding sessions, and October's conditions make this particularly rewarding. The Giraffe Centre in Langata allows visitors to feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Cultural & Historical Sites
The Karen Blixen Museum offers a guided tour of the historic home of the author of "Out of Africa," while the Bomas of Kenya showcases traditional dances, crafts, and homesteads from over 40 tribes. The Kazuri Beads Centre displays handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans. For visitors interested in local food culture, food market tours at places like City Market and Maasai Market offer authentic interactions with vendors, while cooking classes teach traditional Kenyan dishes. Tea farm excursions near Limuru, such as Kiambethu Tea Farm (Kenya's first commercial tea farm since 1901), include guided tours and traditional three-course lunches. Most excursions can be booked through online booking systems, WhatsApp, phone, or email with tour operators.
Hikes
Popular Hikes Around Nairobi for October 2026:
- Karura Forest (Closest & Most Accessible)
Karura Forest is just 3km (1.8 miles) from Nairobi's city center and offers short, flat paths, making it an ideal spot for an easy hike. Entry Fees for non-residents are KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children. The 9km trail passes through sections with Sykes monkeys and includes the beautiful Karura Waterfall. The River Café offers fairly priced meals to crown the hike, with wildlife sightings while enjoying a shake and panini. - Ngong Hills (Moderate Challenge with Stunning Views)
The Ngong Hills, located around 30 km from the city, offer a suitable walk for beginners and those looking for a stroll with breathtaking vistas of the city and neighboring mountain ranges. The trek takes 3-5 hours across seven hills, with the highest point at 2,460 meters above sea level. - Oloolua Nature Trail (Hidden Forest Escape)
Located in Karen, Nairobi (approximately 20 km from the CBD), the Oloolua Nature Trail offers a scenic forest experience with indigenous woodland, a waterfall on the Mbagathi River, and a historic Mau Mau cave. This is ideal for short hikes, nature walks, and bird watching. Bring appropriate shoes and hiking gear if you plan to undertake a hike.