Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center And Nairobi National Park

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day exploring Kenya’s iconic wildlife and engaging with its conservation efforts, this tour offers a balanced blend of close encounters, education, and scenic beauty. Offered by Majestic Quest Tours and Travel, it promises a comprehensive experience near Nairobi that doesn’t require multiple trips or complicated planning.

Three things we love about this experience are the chance to get close to baby elephants and giraffes, the convenience of visiting multiple attractions in one day, and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour adds a layer of comfort and flexibility. The only thing to consider is that it might be best to start early at Nairobi National Park, as some reviewers noticed that animals tend to hide from the heat later in the day. This tour suits travelers who want an efficient, meaningful introduction to Kenya’s wildlife—ideal for first-timers or those with limited time.

Key Points

  • All-In-One Day: Combines three major attractions in a single, well-paced tour.
  • Conservation Focus: Learn about orphaned elephants and endangered giraffe species.
  • Close Animal Encounters: Get up close to baby elephants and giraffes, making for memorable photos.
  • Private & Flexible: Private transport and a professional guide ensure a comfortable experience.
  • Value for Money: At $140 per person, including entrance fees and guided commentary, it offers good value.
  • Early Start Recommended: To maximize wildlife sightings at Nairobi National Park.
You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of What to Expect from This Kenya Wildlife Tour

The Elephant Orphanage: More Than Just Cute Baby Elephants

Your day begins at the Elephant Orphanage (also known as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust), where you’ll meet young elephants rescued from various parks across Kenya. This spot is beloved for its heartwarming stories of rescue and rehabilitation. As you’re guided by experts, you’ll learn about how these elephants are taken in after losing their mothers—often due to poaching or human-wildlife conflict—and how the center plays a crucial role in their recovery.

One reviewer, Josee, praised their guide for sharing “stories and information about the animals” and making sure they were comfortable. Here, you’ll witness the playful antics of baby elephants, often feeding or mud bathing, which makes for fantastic photo opportunities. The experience isn’t just adorable; it’s educational, emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to conservation. You get a behind-the-scenes look at the efforts involved in nurturing these gentle giants back to health before they are eventually released back into the wild.

The Giraffe Center: A Unique Interaction with Kenya’s Endangered Giraffes

Next, you’ll head over to the Giraffe Center, home to the rare Rothschild giraffes, one of Kenya’s most endangered species. This is a highlight for many visitors because it offers a rare chance to stand eye-to-eye with these tall creatures and even feed them directly from your hand. The center provides insight into giraffe behaviors, traits, and why they are at risk.

Our source mentions that visitors get the opportunity to “learn about their traits, behaviors and the reason why they are the most endangered.” This close contact is both fun and informative—expect to be gently nudged by a tall, spotted giraffe while you learn about their conservation status. Seeing these giraffes up close helps foster a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting Kenya’s wildlife heritage.

Nairobi National Park: An Urban Oasis for Wildlife

The third stop is Nairobi National Park, famously known as Africa’s only park bordering a capital city. You’ll enter through the same gate used for the Elephant Orphanage, which simplifies logistics. Once inside, your guide will lead you on a guided game drive, giving you the chance to spot animals such as rhinoceros, buffalo, antelope, lions, crocodiles, hippos, and zebras.

A reviewer noted that “most of the animals were not out” during a hot afternoon, which is a common challenge when touring wildlife parks later in the day. Starting early can help maximize sightings, but even in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy the scenic landscape and the possibility of catching some wildlife in action. Having a professional guide with local knowledge makes all the difference—guides can often spot animals before they are visible to the untrained eye and share interesting facts along the way.

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Practical Aspects: Comfort, Timing, and Pricing

The tour is priced at $140 per person, which includes private transportation, entrance fees to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center, and a professional guide. This fee offers a solid value considering the convenience of a private vehicle and the ability to visit multiple attractions without fuss.

The tour lasts approximately a full day, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or location in Nairobi. Bottled mineral water is included, keeping you refreshed during the day. Food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to grab lunch afterward.

The tour is flexible in terms of meeting points—travelers can share their specific location within Nairobi, such as an apartment or hotel, making pickup straightforward. Payment is also flexible, with an option to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

One of the best features of this tour is how it balances educational content with genuine animal encounters. As one reviewer pointed out, “Josee was an excellent guide. Prompt, shared stories and information about the animals and made sure we were comfortable.” Having a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, turning it from a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable learning opportunity.

You’ll get to see the animals in their natural behaviors—elephants bathing, giraffes grazing, lions resting—and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts that help keep these species protected. The emphasis on the orphanage’s work underscores Kenya’s dedication to preserving its wildlife for future generations.

Considerations and Tips for a Better Experience

  • Early morning start at Nairobi National Park can greatly increase your chances of seeing more animals, as many tend to rest during the hotter parts of the day.
  • Dress comfortably and bring sun protection, especially if visiting in warmer months.
  • Capture plenty of photos but also take time to appreciate the moment without the lens.
  • Bring some small cash or tips if you wish to support the guides or staff at the conservation centers.
  • Be prepared for a full day—wear good walking shoes and stay hydrated.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts who want a quick but meaningful introduction to Kenya’s wildlife. It’s also great for visitors with limited time in Nairobi who prefer a private, hassle-free day with an expert guide. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone interested in learning about Kenya’s endangered species will find this tour both fun and educational.

If you’re particularly interested in elephants and giraffes or want a chance to see wildlife in an accessible park setting close to the city, this tour hits all those points.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly, especially since it involves close animal encounters that kids generally love. Just keep in mind the walking involved and bring snacks for younger children.

How long does the entire tour last?
It is typically a full-day excursion, including pickup, visits, and return to your hotel or location in Nairobi.

Are the entrance fees included?
Yes, the entry fees for the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center are included in the price. Park entrance fee of $43 USD at Nairobi National Park is an additional cost.

Can I customize the meeting point?
Yes, travelers can share their specific location within Nairobi for pickup, making it flexible to meet at your hotel, apartment, or other preferred spot.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, water, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
The tour currently offers services in English, as indicated in the provided information.

What is the best time of day to visit Nairobi National Park?
Starting early in the morning is recommended to maximize wildlife sightings, as animals tend to be more active and visible at cooler times.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-balanced introduction to Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts and iconic species like elephants and giraffes. It’s a convenient way to tick off multiple major attractions in one day, especially suited for those with limited time in Nairobi or first-time visitors wanting an overview of Kenya’s natural beauty.

The inclusion of knowledgeable guides and private transportation ensures a smooth, educational, and memorable experience. While starting early at Nairobi National Park can enhance your animal sightings, the overall day remains a fantastic value at $140 per person.

For travelers eager to combine wildlife encounters with a touch of conservation education, this tour fits the bill—offering a genuine, enjoyable portrait of Kenya’s rich fauna in a comfortable, accessible format.

You can check availability for your dates here: