Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world with a capital city skyline as its backdrop. You can watch a giraffe browse an acacia while office towers glint in the distance, and you are back at your hotel in time for lunch. Because it is so close, the big question is rarely whether to go. It is how to go: in a shared group vehicle or on a private, solo safari.

What a group game drive offers

Group drives put several guests in one safari vehicle, usually with a fixed pick-up time and a set route. The main advantage is cost, because the vehicle, fuel and guide are shared. It also suits solo travellers who enjoy meeting people and swapping sightings.

• Lower price per person, which suits budget trips and layovers.
• Easy to book, with a fixed schedule and nothing to plan.
• Social, with other guests spotting animals you might miss.

The trade-off is flexibility. The group decides how long you stay at each sighting, and a photographer who wants twenty minutes with a rhino may have to settle for five.

What a private safari offers

A private drive means the vehicle and guide are yours alone. You choose the start time, the pace and what to chase. Early departures catch the park at its best, when predators are still active and the light is soft.

• Your own schedule, including a sunrise start.
• Better for photography, because the guide positions the vehicle for you.
• Ideal for families with children who need breaks, and for guests with limited mobility.

Which should you choose?

Choose a group safari if you are travelling alone or on a tight budget, or you simply want a quick taste of wildlife on a short stopover. Choose a private safari if you are travelling as a family or couple, care about photographs, or want a relaxed pace and an early start.

What you can expect to see

The park is home to lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos and a well-known population of black rhino, along with more than 400 bird species. There are no elephants here, so if elephants are a priority, combine your visit with Amboseli or the Mara.

Tips for either style

• Go early or late, since midday sightings are quieter.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars.
• Wear neutral colours and keep your voice low near animals.
• Allow for Nairobi traffic when planning pick-up times.

Ready to plan it? Browse our safari packages or talk to a consultant and we will shape a trip around your dates and budget.

Photo: Alexmbogo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons