Nairobi National Park Baby Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Center

Discovering Nairobi’s top wildlife attractions in one seamless tour offers a fantastic way to experience Kenya’s natural beauty without straying far from the city. This tour by Fasan Tours & Safaris takes you on a thoughtfully curated journey through Nairobi’s most beloved sites, blending the thrill of a game drive with heartwarming conservation visits.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get to see more than 70 species of animals in their natural habitat—think lions, cheetahs, and giraffes—early in the morning, which is often the best time for animal sightings. Second, visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers a chance to get up close with orphaned baby elephants being cared for before they are released back into the wild. Lastly, the Giraffe Centre gives you an unforgettable face-to-face encounter with the rare Rothschild giraffes, promoting awareness and conservation.

One potential consideration is the admission fee for the national park, which isn’t included in the base price, making the overall cost slightly higher for some travelers. The tour’s value is especially attractive for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting a well-rounded taste of Nairobi’s fauna and conservation efforts.

This experience suits those wanting a day packed with wildlife encounters and conservation stories, but it’s also flexible enough for travelers with limited time who want a rundown of Nairobi’s natural attractions.

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Key Points

Wildlife in Natural Habitat: Experience over 70 animal species during an early morning game drive.
Conservation Focus: Visit David Sheldrick Trust’s Elephant Orphanage, caring for over 120 rescued elephants.
Face-to-face Giraffe Encounters: Meet Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, learning about endangered species.
Inclusive Transportation: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and transport by a customized tour van streamline your day.
Additional Visits: Tour includes a stop at Kobe Beads Factory for a cultural touch.
Cost Breakdown: The $80 price covers entry fees for the elephant sanctuary and giraffe center, bottled water, a guide, and lunch break.

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Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

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The Itinerary and Its Appeal

Starting with hotel pickup, the early morning departure means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy optimal animal viewing conditions. The Nairobi National Park is uniquely positioned just outside the city center, offering a safari experience with skyscrapers in the background—an unusual but captivating setting. We loved the way the guide explained the park’s vast diversity, mentioning that over 70 species of animals can be seen, including the iconic lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

The guided game drive lasts about 2-3 hours, and the vehicle is a comfortable, customized van suited for wildlife spotting. Reviewers have pointed out that early mornings are best for sightings, and many appreciated the guide’s expertise—”Our guide was fantastic at pointing out animals and sharing interesting facts about their behaviors.” We found that the timing often means fewer vehicles and more authentic animal encounters.

Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Following the game drive, the tour heads to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This is a highlight for many visitors, especially those interested in conservation. The orphanage has reared over 120 baby elephants, often rescued from poaching or injury. The sight of tiny elephants being fed and playing together is truly moving.

Guests have praised the dedication of the staff and the chance to learn about the complex efforts involved in reintroducing these elephants to the wild. One reviewer commented, “Seeing the tiny elephants being fed and cared for made me realize how much effort goes into wildlife protection.” The orphanage usually allows visitors to watch the feeding session, which is both adorable and educational.

The Giraffe Centre Experience

Next, you visit the Giraffe Centre, which serves as both a conservation and education hub for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, you can hand-feed these tall, gentle creatures—an experience that many find unforgettable. The center’s mission to breed and protect Rothschild giraffes is crucial, as their population is critically low.

Guests note that the giraffes are very approachable, and some mention being surprised by how they gently take food from your hand. The center also offers insight into ongoing conservation programs, making it both fun and informative. Visitors often comment on how close they got to the giraffes—their long tongues and curious eyes leave a lasting impression.

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Lunch and Cultural Touches

After these wildlife encounters, the tour pauses for lunch at a nearby restaurant. While the menu isn’t included, the break allows travelers to relax, reflect, and enjoy local cuisine. Some reviews mention that the lunch options are decent and convenient, complementing the morning’s activities.

The tour also includes a visit to Kobe Beads Factory, adding a cultural element to the day. This stop allows guests to see traditional bead-making techniques and purchase handcrafted souvenirs, supporting local artisans.

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Overall Value and Practicalities

For $80, this tour offers significant value, considering it covers entry fees to the elephant orphanage and giraffe center, plus transportation, bottled water, and a guide. Despite the additional $43 park entrance fee not being included, many find the overall experience worthwhile, especially with the ease of round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off.

Travelers have highlighted that the small group size and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making it more engaging and personalized. The flexible booking options, including the ability to reserve and pay later, add convenience, especially for spontaneous travelers.

Transportation and Timing

The tour’s timing—starting early in the morning—maximizes animal sightings and avoids midday crowds. The transport is a comfortable van, well-suited for Nairobi’s traffic, and the overall duration is manageable for a full day outing. Expect the tour to last roughly 8 hours, including travel, visits, and lunch.

Considerations and Tips

Admission fees for the national park are extra and should be budgeted accordingly.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as some parts of the day can be sunny.
Camera or phone with zoom capabilities will help capture animals from afar.
Arrive early for the best wildlife sightings—many reviews mention seeing lions and cheetahs in the cooler morning hours.
Lunch expenses are separate, so plan accordingly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a diverse, manageable day of animal viewing and conservation education. It’s also well-suited for families or first-time visitors who prefer a guided, all-in-one experience without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. Nature lovers will appreciate the authentic encounters and the chance to learn about Kenya’s efforts in wildlife preservation.

If you’re short on time but eager to see some of Nairobi’s most important conservation sites, this tour offers a comprehensive and meaningful glimpse into the country’s natural treasures. It balances adventure, education, and cultural appreciation—and does so with a reasonable price tag.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour price?
No, lunch is at your own expense, but a stop is scheduled for you to enjoy a nearby restaurant during the day.

Are the entry fees to the elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre included?
Yes, the tour price covers the entry fees for both the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.

What animals can I expect to see during the game drive?
You can expect to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, rhinos, zebras, gazelles, elands, wildebeests, hyenas, and many more.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full day usually runs around 8 hours, including pickup, travel, visits, and lunch break.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a customized van suited for safaris and city travel, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day.

Can I book this tour on the spot or do I need to reserve in advance?
You can reserve now with the option to pay later, providing flexibility in planning your trip.

This Nairobi tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines wildlife, conservation, and cultural elements—all accessible from the city. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, traveling with family, or just want a taste of Kenya’s natural side, it’s a practical and heartfelt way to see the best of Nairobi in one day.