Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center Day Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Kenya and want to combine wildlife encounters with a touch of conservation education, the Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center Day Tour offers a well-rounded, meaningful experience. This private tour, priced at $85 per person, takes you on a journey through two of Nairobi’s most beloved wildlife sanctuaries, with a few optional extras thrown in. It’s a thoughtful way to connect with Kenya’s iconic animals while learning about efforts to protect and rehabilitate them.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s very convenient—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so there’s no fuss about logistics. Second, it offers a personal touch with a private guide, allowing you to tailor the experience a bit. Third, it’s packed with opportunities for genuine animal interactions, from feeding giraffes to witnessing the care and rescue of orphaned elephants.

One thing to consider: the tour involves paying multiple entry fees, including the park fee, which can add up. Also, the scheduled visiting hours are limited to 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Elephant Orphanage, so timing matters. This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting a close-up look at Kenya’s big animals while supporting conservation efforts.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife encounters with elephants and giraffes in Nairobi.
• Private tour with hotel pickup and flexible scheduling.
• Rescue and conservation stories add depth to the experience.
• Additional optional visit to Kazuri Beads Womens Cooperative.
• Park entry fees are separate and payable on the day.
• Booking must be at least 24 hours in advance for the elephant orphanage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center Day Tour

The itinerary: what you can expect from start to finish

This tour is designed to offer a taste of Kenya’s wildlife and conservation in a manageable 6-hour window. It kicks off with hotel pickup in Nairobi, making it easy to start your day without stress. From there, your guide takes you directly to two major highlights: the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. Optional extras, like visiting the Kazuri Beads Cooperative, can be added if you’re interested in local crafts and community projects.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

The highlight for many visitors is the public feeding session at 11:00 AM—a moving experience where you get to see adorable, tiny elephants being fed by their caretakers. The orphanage is within Nairobi National Park, so an additional park entry fee ($45 for non-residents) applies. It’s important to note that reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, as walk-ins are not allowed. This policy ensures a smooth entry, but it requires planning ahead.

The orphanage isn’t just about cute elephants; it’s a hub for rescue and rehabilitation stories, which the guides love sharing. The caretakers often introduce the elephants, sharing their rescue tales—many from poaching or human-wildlife conflict situations. Visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for conservation efforts. As one reviewer pointed out, “It’s inspiring to see these baby elephants being cared for and slowly reintroduced into the wild.”

The Giraffe Center

Next, you’ll head to the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Here, you’ll have the chance to feed these gentle giants from an elevated platform, a fun and slightly quirky way to get close to Africa’s iconic animals. Beyond the feeding, the centre offers educational information on giraffe conservation efforts, which adds context to the experience. Many visitors find this part both heartwarming and educational, especially when they learn about the threats facing giraffe populations.

The center is easily accessible and offers a relaxed, fairly interactive experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Feeding the giraffes was surprisingly intimate, and I loved how the guides explained their conservation story in a friendly way.”

What about the optional Kazuri Beads Cooperative?

For those interested in supporting local communities and artisans, a visit to the Kazuri Beads Womens Cooperative is available as an optional add-on. This is a great opportunity to pick up handmade jewelry and learn about local craft traditions. It’s not included in the base price but adds a cultural touch to your day.

Transportation, timing, and convenience

The tour lasts around 6 hours, making it ideal for a morning to early afternoon activity. The private nature of the tour means you get the flexibility to ask questions, spend more or less time at each location, and avoid crowded group settings. The hotel pickup and drop-off are smooth, and the guide typically communicates well, sharing interesting facts along the way.

Timing is critical—since the elephant orphanage’s feeding session is at 11:00 AM, arriving promptly ensures you catch this highlight. The entire schedule is carefully planned to maximize your animal encounters without feeling rushed.

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Pricing and what you’re getting for your money

The $85 fee covers all the basics: professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees for the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage. The additional costs include the park entry fee ($45) and optional extras like lunch or the Kazuri Beads visit.

While the price might seem steep compared to self-arranged visits, the value lies in the convenience and the curated experience. Plus, the reservation handling for the orphanage saves you time and effort. Several reviewers appreciated this, noting their experience was seamless thanks to the organization.

Additional insights from reviews

One traveler mentioned, “The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole day feel personalized.” Another highlighted the importance of booking at least 24 hours ahead to secure their spot at the orphanage, emphasizing the need for planning.

Some feedback pointed out that the park entry fee is separate and can seem costly, but since it supports conservation efforts, most agree it’s a worthwhile expense. The feeding sessions are brief but impactful, especially for children and animal lovers.

Practical tips for travelers

• Book your reservation at least 24 hours in advance through the official website to avoid disappointment.
• Remember to bring cash for the park entry fee or check if your guide can assist with this.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sun protection; you’ll be outdoors most of the day.
• Consider adding a visit to Kazuri Beads if you want to support local artisans and pick up souvenirs.
• If you’re short on time, this tour offers a condensed but meaningful introduction to Kenya’s wildlife rescue efforts.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a close look at rescued elephants and endangered giraffes. It’s also great for families or groups seeking an educational outing that supports conservation. If you prefer a personalized, stress-free day with a knowledgeable guide, this private tour will serve you well.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer self-led exploration, the additional park fees and booking requirements might be some hurdles. Still, for those who want a guided, meaningful encounter with Kenya’s conservation stories, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, reservations for the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage must be made at least 24 hours beforehand via their website. This helps secure your spot, as walk-ins are not allowed.

Are there additional costs outside the tour price? Yes, the park entry fee of $45 per person for Nairobi National Park is payable on the day. The entrance fees for the orphanage are also separate.

What’s included in the $85 price? The fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and entrance fees for the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage.

Can I visit Kazuri Beads as part of this tour? Visiting the Kazuri Beads Womens Cooperative is optional and can be arranged for an extra experience. It’s not included in the base price.

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially since kids often enjoy feeding giraffes and seeing baby elephants. Just check height and age restrictions at the centers.

What is the best time to visit? The tour’s key activity, the elephant feeding, occurs at 11:00 AM daily (except Dec 25), so arriving on time maximizes your experience.

Final thoughts

This Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center Day Tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife interaction and conservation education. Its private setup means you get personal attention and flexibility, making it a great choice for travelers wanting a safe, informative, and authentic experience without the hassle of planning every detail. You’ll leave with a better understanding of Kenya’s efforts to protect its iconic species, plus plenty of memorable moments with gentle giants.

Perfect for animal lovers and families alike, this tour combines fun, education, and support for wildlife conservation in a straightforward, accessible package. It’s a worthwhile addition to any Kenya itinerary, especially if you’re seeking meaningful encounters over big game safaris.

You can check availability for your dates here: