Travelers seeking an authentic and family-friendly wildlife experience in Kenya might find the giraffe feeding tour at Bora Bora Wildlife Sanctuary surprisingly delightful. While it’s not a sprawling national park, this 31-acre sanctuary offers a more intimate, controlled environment where you can get close to a variety of animals, including the iconic Maasai giraffes.

What makes this tour stand out are the multi-lingual guides who bring the experience to life, the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the chance to hand-feed giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. However, some reviews highlight concerns about animal welfare and the overall value, making it important to weigh the experience against expectations. This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a quick, educational wildlife stop close to Diani Beach or those with limited time in Kenya.

Key Points

giraffe feeding - Key Points

  • Intimate experience with animals in a 31-acre sanctuary close to Diani Beach
  • Includes hotel transfers, park fees, and guiding services, offering a hassle-free day
  • Opportunity to feed giraffes, zebras, and warthogs, ideal for family and kids
  • Guided tour with multilingual guides who provide insight into conservation and animal behavior
  • Potential concerns about animal welfare raised by some visitors in reviews
  • Flexible booking options with the ability to reserve now and pay later
You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Giraffe Feeding Tour in Kenya

giraffe feeding - Discovering the Giraffe Feeding Tour in Kenya

An Overview of What to Expect

Starting from Diani Beach at 10:00 AM, we’re driven in a comfortable vehicle for about 20 minutes to Bora Bora Wildlife Sanctuary. Once there, you check in and receive a brief overview of the sanctuary’s history and mission. The sanctuary covers 31 acres—small enough to feel personal but large enough to support a variety of animals.

The guided walk takes approximately two hours, during which you’ll encounter animals like zebras, warthogs, monitor lizards, wild boars, and hingeback tortoises. The guides are well-versed and speak multiple languages, including English, French, German, Polish, Spanish, and Italian, which helps create an engaging atmosphere for international visitors.

The Animal Encounters: Feeding and Observing

The highlight for many is the chance to hand-feed the Maasai giraffes. Guests often love the novelty of interacting closely with these gentle giants, often described as a “dream come true.” You’ll also see zebras grazing nearby and have the chance to feed warthogs—an unusual experience that leaves many visitors with a smile.

Other animals like Maasai ostriches and peacocks are observed during the walk, adding to the variety of species seen in such a small setting. Some reviewers, like Anna, highlight how exciting it is to feed not just giraffes but also zebras and ostriches.

The Value of Guided Tours and Included Fees

All park fees, government taxes, guiding fees, and transfers are included in the $95 per person price. This simplifies planning and removes the need to worry about extra costs upon arrival. The transfer service ensures you are picked up from your hotel in Diani Beach and dropped back afterward—ideal for travelers who want a smooth, stress-free experience.

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The Realities: Pros and Cons

While the tour offers a friendly, educational experience, some reviews raise red flags. One traveler described the enclosures as “far too small” and noted that some animals appeared emaciated, raising concerns about animal welfare. Others felt the experience was too short for the price paid, with some mentioning that similar zoo visits cost significantly less.

However, many visitors, like Anthony, praised the guides for their kindness and the overall atmosphere, calling it a “dream come true.” The guides, such as Thabita, especially, received compliments for their professionalism and friendliness, which enhance the experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

giraffe feeding - A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pick-up and Drive: Starting from your Diani Beach hotel at 10:00 AM, the drive to Bora Bora Wildlife Sanctuary is quick and easy, taking about 20 minutes. This short transfer means you don’t spend hours in transit, making it suitable for those with limited time.

Check-in and Orientation: Upon arrival, you’ll check in and get an overview of the sanctuary’s purpose—an important aspect for those interested in conservation and animal protection.

Walking Tour and Animal Encounters: The guided walk lasts roughly two hours. You’ll walk through the 31-acre park, where your guide will point out animals, explain their behaviors, and share conservation insights. The highlight? The opportunity to feed the giraffes directly—a major draw for families and animal lovers alike.

Feeding Time: Most guests find the giraffe feeding the most memorable part. The giraffes are known to be quite tame, so you’ll have plenty of chances to get close and even take photos. Zebras and warthogs are also friendly and accustomed to visitors, making for some lively interactions.

Return and Drop-off: After around two hours, you’re transported back to your hotel, with plenty of time left in the day for other activities or relaxation.

Why This Tour Might Suit You

giraffe feeding - Why This Tour Might Suit You

This experience is perfect if you’re after a quick, accessible wildlife encounter that focuses on interaction and education. It’s ideal for families with children looking for a memorable activity, or for travelers who don’t want to commit to a large safari.

If your main goal is to see vast landscapes and big-game wildlife, this isn’t a substitute for a national park safari. But if you’re nearby and want a taste of Kenya’s fauna up close, this is a good choice. Keep in mind the mixed reviews—while many loved the guides and the personal feel of the sanctuary, some visitors questioned animal welfare and value.

Final Thoughts

The giraffe feeding tour at Bora Bora Wildlife Sanctuary offers a charming, intimate look at some of Kenya’s animals, with the convenience of hotel transfers included. It’s a balanced experience—offering genuine moments with animals, guided insight, and a manageable time commitment.

However, travelers should be aware that, given some concerns raised about animal conditions, it’s wise to approach with an open mind and focus on the educational aspect. The tour’s value depends on your expectations: if you’re after a quick, fun experience with friendly guides, it delivers. If you’re seeking a large-scale wildlife adventure, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Overall, for those in Diani Beach wanting a simple, family-friendly activity that’s easy to book and enjoy, this giraffe feeding tour can be a delightful, memorable inclusion to your Kenya trip.

FAQ

giraffe feeding - FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes transfers within the Diani Beach area to Bora Bora Wildlife Sanctuary and back to your hotel, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The guided walk and animal feeding last about two hours, with travel time from and to your hotel being roughly 20 minutes each way.

Are park fees and guiding fees included?
Yes, both the park entrance fees and the guiding fees are included in the $95 per person price.

Can I feed the animals myself?
Yes, guests are given the opportunity to feed the giraffes, zebras, and warthogs during the tour, which is often the highlight.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Absolutely, children typically enjoy the chance to feed animals and see wildlife up close, making it family-friendly.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak multiple languages including English, French, German, Polish, Spanish, and Italian, accommodating international visitors.

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

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and camera. Food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks if needed.

Is this experience worth the price?
It depends on your expectations. Many find it a worthwhile, fun activity, especially with the included transfers and guided commentary. Others feel it’s overpriced compared to similar zoo experiences, so consider what matters most to you.

This giraffe feeding tour in Kenya’s Bora Bora Wildlife Sanctuary provides an approachable, educational animal experience that’s perfect for a quick wildlife fix close to Diani Beach. While it has its critiques, many visitors leave with fond memories and adorable photos of giraffes and zebras up close.

You can check availability for your dates here: