Nairobi: National Park, Elephant Orphanage, and Giraffe Tour

If you’re looking to experience the wild side of Kenya’s bustling capital, this guided tour offers a compelling mix of wildlife encounters and local craftsmanship. It’s designed to showcase the stark contrast between Nairobi’s skyscrapers and its cherished animals – a true reflection of the city’s vibrant diversity.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are three key aspects: the chance to see wildlife with a backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline, the opportunity to meet and learn about conservation efforts firsthand, and the experience of supporting local artisans. Plus, the inclusion of stops like the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center means you’ll get a well-rounded day connecting with Kenya’s iconic creatures.

However, a noteworthy consideration is that the tour has received some mixed reviews, especially around organization and the unpredictability of wildlife sightings—specifically, the absence of lions during one visit. If you’re a flexible traveler eager to support conservation and enjoy authentic encounters, this tour can be very rewarding despite some logistical hiccups.

This experience suits travelers seeking an affordable introduction to Nairobi’s wildlife and culture, especially those keen on photography and learning about local conservation initiatives.

Key Points

• Wildlife and city views combine for unique photo opportunities.
• Supports local artisans through visits to the Kobe Tough Beads Factory.
• Conservation-focused visits to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center.
• Transport is provided with a fun pop-up rooftop vehicle.
• Tour duration and cost are accessible, but entry fees are separate.
• Reviews highlight some disorganization, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Nairobi’s Wildlife and Culture

This tour provides a curated glimpse into the contrast-packed world of Nairobi. For around $80 per person, you get a chance to see the city’s famous wildlife and contribute to conservation efforts, all in a manageable day. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect.

The Nairobi National Park Game Drive

Starting the day with a game drive in Nairobi National Park is arguably the highlight. This is no ordinary park—it’s right on the city’s doorstep, creating an unusual, almost surreal scene where skyscrapers rise in the distance behind herds of zebras, giraffes, and even lions. Although one reviewer mentioned disappointment about not seeing lions, the park still offers impressive sightings of giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, and other plains animals.

The park’s reputation as a “breathtaking contrast” is well-earned: you’re witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat with the city skyline as a backdrop. The vehicle used is described as a pop-up rooftop bus, which enhances your ability to spot animals and take photos. Keep in mind that the entry fee of $43 per person is not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to budget accordingly.

Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)

Next, a visit to the Elephant Orphanage is a heartwarming experience. Here, the focus is on rescue and rehabilitation, and you’ll get a close-up look at orphaned elephants during feeding time. This part of the tour underlines Kenya’s strong commitment to wildlife conservation.

A reviewer fondly recalled the playful antics of elephants during feeding, emphasizing how touching the experience is. Expect to learn about the challenges faced by these gentle giants and how their rescue efforts are making a difference. The $20 entry fee is an additional expense to consider, but many find the emotional value worth it.

The Kobe Tough Beads Factory

A unique feature of this tour is the stop at Kobe Tough Beads, where artisans craft jewelry from recycled materials. This visit provides a welcome break from wildlife and offers insight into how sustainable practices can empower local communities.

You’ll observe the intricate bead-making process, and if you’re interested, purchase handmade jewelry as souvenirs. Supporting local artisans adds a layer of authenticity and positive impact to your experience.

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The Giraffe Center and Giraffe Feeding

Finally, the Giraffe Center offers an enchanting moment—feeding the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. These tall, elegant creatures are remarkably approachable, and feeding them is often a highlight for visitors. The center’s conservation work aims to protect these rare giraffes, and learning about their habitat adds context to their plight.

Guests often mention the tranquility of the setting and the joy of interacting directly with the animals. Expect to spend some time snapping photos and absorbing the peaceful environment.

Practicalities and Tips

Transport is included in the form of a comfortable vehicle with a pop-up roof, making it easier to focus on wildlife spotting and photography. The tour begins early, providing ample daylight for each stop, but be prepared for the possibility of slight delays or disorganization—something a couple of reviewers pointed out.

The tour costs $80, but do remember that entry fees for the park, elephant orphanage, and giraffe center are separate. Budget roughly an additional $78 for all entry tickets if you plan to visit each site.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and enough water to stay hydrated. Personal belongings should be kept secure, as busy spots can be crowded.

What’s not allowed: Drones, fireworks, and intoxication—standard safety rules—but also note that barefoot walking isn’t permitted.

Review Highlights and Authentic Insights

One reviewer, Sonia, shared a less-than-ideal experience regarding the pickup, which highlights the importance of confirming arrangements beforehand. She described the team as “disorganized,” especially with communication issues around the driver’s whereabouts. Despite this, she noted that “everything went well in the end,” and she enjoyed the activities.

Another traveler remarked, “Overall the tour was okay but a bit disappointed we did not see any lions,” emphasizing that wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. This is a key point for future travelers: patience and flexibility are essential.

The presence of wildlife, especially giraffes and zebras, is consistently praised, with many enjoying the chance to photograph these animals against the city backdrop. The conservation efforts and meaningful interactions at the elephant orphanage and giraffe center are often highlighted as the tour’s most rewarding aspects.

Final Thoughts

This Nairobi tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to connect with Kenya’s natural heritage and support local conservation. The highlights—the game drive, elephant sanctuary, and giraffe feeding—are well-chosen for those eager to see iconic wildlife. The visit to Kobe Tough Beads adds a cultural and sustainable shopping element, enriching the experience further.

While the organizational hiccups and wildlife unpredictability might be a letdown for some, the overall experience remains valuable for travelers looking for authentic, up-close wildlife encounters combined with cultural insights. It’s an ideal day trip for those who want a taste of Nairobi’s wild side without a hefty price tag.

Best for:

• Wildlife enthusiasts eager for close-up encounters
• Travelers interested in conservation and sustainability
• Visitors with flexible schedules who can adapt to minor delays
• Anyone wanting a practical intro to Nairobi’s natural surroundings

FAQ

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation convenient for most travelers.

How much does the entry to Nairobi National Park cost?
The entry fee is $43 per person, which is not included in the tour price. Budget accordingly.

Can I see lions on this tour?
While lions are present in the park, one review specifically noted disappointment about not seeing them during the visit, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and plenty of water are recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour’s focus on wildlife and conservation makes it suitable for older children, but parental discretion is advised based on walking and outdoor activity levels.

What are the main attractions of this tour?
You’ll visit Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage, Kobe Tough Beads Factory, and the Giraffe Center—each offering distinct, memorable experiences.

To sum it up, this tour packs a lot into one day and offers a meaningful glimpse into Kenya’s wildlife and community efforts. It’s best suited for travelers seeking an affordable, authentic, and engaging way to explore Nairobi’s natural side, especially those with a flexible attitude toward minor organizational issues and wildlife unpredictability.

You can check availability for your dates here: