Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Nairobi and want a meaningful wildlife experience that’s both educational and interactive, the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour offers a wonderful snapshot of Kenya’s conservation efforts. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, plenty of reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-organized, engaging day that’s perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious travelers alike.

What makes this tour especially appealing are three things: the chance to feed and get close to endangered Rothschild giraffes, the moving opportunity to view baby elephants being fed and cared for, and the focus on conservation education—all in a single, accessible day. One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour is relatively brief and costs around $32 per person, which is quite affordable given the intimate and memorable experiences included.

This tour is best suited for those who want a family-friendly, impactful safari experience close to Nairobi, especially if you’re short on time but eager to connect with Kenya’s iconic wildlife and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible Experience: Perfect for those wanting a close-up animal encounter without leaving Nairobi.
• Conservation Focus: Educates visitors on efforts to protect endangered species like the Rothschild giraffe and orphaned elephants.
• Interactive Encounters: Opportunities to feed giraffes and witness baby elephants being fed.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for travelers of all ages, with engaging, gentle activities.
• Affordable Price: The tour includes transport, bottled water, and entry fees, making it good value.
• Limited Duration: About 4-6 hours, ideal for a half-day activity.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Morning Pickup and Drive to Giraffe Centre

Most tours start with a pickup around 8 a.m. from your Nairobi accommodation, which means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy cooler morning weather. The scenic drive to the Giraffe Centre takes around 30-45 minutes, giving you a chance to see some of Nairobi’s suburbs and perhaps spot a few early birds.

Visiting the Giraffe Centre

Once there, you’ll step into a small, well-maintained reserve dedicated to the Rothschild giraffe. This species, critically endangered in the wild, has a unique appearance—taller and more slender than other giraffes, with a distinctive patch pattern.

The highlight here is the opportunity to feed these gentle giants. Visitors often comment on how close you can get, with the giraffes leaning down for a snack. One reviewer mentioned, “It was such a thrill to feed a giraffe, and it licked my hand like a dog,” demonstrating how approachable these animals are. Some even get a giraffe kiss when the animal wraps its long tongue around a snack or even your hand.

The center also provides conservation talks, especially suitable for families or school groups, explaining how the Rothschild giraffe’s numbers have increased from the brink of extinction to over 500 in Kenya, thanks to efforts like this.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transition to David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

After a couple of hours at the giraffe centre, you’ll head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage nestled within the Nairobi National Park. The drive is a short, pleasant journey, often taking around 30 minutes, with a chance to see some wildlife along the way.

Visiting the Elephant Orphanage

The orphanage is open to the public for just one hour daily, usually in the late morning or early afternoon. During this time, you’ll watch adorable baby elephants being fed milk by the keepers, a scene that tugs at the heartstrings. Reviewers often mention the emotional impact of seeing the little ones so well cared for, with many noting, “The baby elephants are so cute, and you can get right in the middle of their feeding.”

The facility also shares stories of how these orphans came to be there—stranded, rescued from poaching or conflict—and emphasizes ongoing conservation work. Guides, often experienced conservationists or volunteers, provide insightful commentary on elephant behavior and the threats they face.

Additional Details and Personal Insights

• The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing personal stories about the elephants and giraffes.
• Visitors frequently comment on how well-organized and family-friendly the experience feels, with plenty of opportunities for photos and close encounters.
• The total tour duration, including travel and visits, is about 4–6 hours, making it ideal for a morning or early afternoon activity.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At around $32, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that includes transportation within Nairobi, bottled water, and entry fees. While the entry fees are listed separately—$15 for the Giraffe Centre and $20 for the Elephant Orphanage—the overall cost remains very reasonable, especially considering the personal interaction and educational component.

Many reviews highlight the value of being able to interact directly with the animals rather than just observing from a distance. Plus, the fact that the tour supports conservation efforts adds a meaningful layer to the experience.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes—there’s some walking involved.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially if touring during the hotter months.
• Arrive early to avoid the crowds at the orphanage, which is open for just one hour.
• Consider bringing small snacks or a camera with extra batteries—the moments are photogenic!
• Book in advance if possible, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and ensure smooth logistics.

The Sum Up

This Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour delivers a blend of close animal encounters, conservation education, and family-friendly fun. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Kenya’s iconic wildlife without venturing far from Nairobi or committing to a full-day safari. The affordability, accessibility, and meaningful interactions make it a compelling choice for those seeking both adventure and awareness.

If you’re eager to meet the gentle Rothschild giraffes and view adorable orphaned elephants in a responsible, educational setting, this tour offers a genuine, memorable experience. It suits families, first-time visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts alike who want a meaningful taste of Kenya’s conservation success stories in just a few hours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. Kids will love feeding the giraffes and watching the baby elephants being fed, making it both fun and educational.

How long does the tour take?
The entire experience lasts roughly 4–6 hours, including pickup, travel, and visits, making it a great morning or early afternoon activity.

Are transportation and entrance fees included?
Transport within Nairobi and bottled water are included. Entry fees for the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage are paid separately but are reasonably priced.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, and sun protection are recommended. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the sunny weather.

Can I feed the giraffes myself?
Yes, feeding the giraffes is a major highlight, with many visitors describing it as a memorable, up-close experience.

Is there any conservation talk included?
Yes, the tour features educational talks about the efforts to protect endangered species like the Rothschild giraffe and orphaned elephants.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
Its combination of personal animal interactions, conservation education, and affordability makes it a standout choice near Nairobi.

You can check availability for your dates here: