It is Located about ten kilometers south- west of Nairobi city centre and inhabits a large variety of wild animals and birds. Being so close to the city, it provides an opportunity to every visitor especially for those on a brief stop-over, to enjoy a quick glimpse of Kenya's exciting wild kingdom. Among the big five, the lion, buffalo, black rhino and leopard, only the elephant does not inhabit this park. The Maasai giraffe, eland, impala, spotted hyena, zebra, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, Coke's hartebeest (kongoni), cheetah and the jackal are only some of the great variety of animals that can be seen during game drives. The Athi River borders the reserve on the south and provides visitors an opportunity to view the beautiful birds, hippos wallowing in the water , crocodiles and monkeys. Over 400 species of birdlife have been recorded in this park.
The Animal Orphanage,
a home for those young animals whose mothers have been killed through predation or poaching, is situated at the park's entrance. The orphanage also cares for the wounded animals. Visitors can also enjoy viewing animals foreign to Kenya, and especially those donated by other countries. An educational centre has also been established at the Park's main gate.