Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre

Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre: An Authentic Wild Safari Close to the City

If you’re visiting Nairobi and craving a genuine taste of Africa’s wildlife without straying too far from urban life, this tour offers an excellent option. With a focus on iconic species like lions, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, it combines the thrill of a safari with meaningful conservation visits.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to see big game just minutes from downtown Nairobi. Second, the opportunity to interact with animals at the elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre — a rare intimacy that feels both fun and educational. Third, the value-packed pricing makes it accessible for most travelers.

That said, the tour does involve entrance fees that aren’t included in the listed price, and it’s worth noting that the national park is quite small compared to Kenya’s larger reserves. This might mean less chance of spotting the big cats if your main goal is a classic safari, but the close-up encounters more than compensate.

This trip is perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone looking to combine city sightseeing with nature, all in one day. It’s an especially good choice if you want a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, conservation education, and interactive animal experiences.

Key Points

• Close-to-City Safari: Only 7 km from Nairobi, offering a quick yet immersive wildlife experience.
• Interactive Animal Encounters: Feed giraffes, watch baby elephants being fed, and learn about conservation.
• Variety of Wildlife: Lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and over 20 bird species.
• Comprehensive Tour: Combines wildlife viewing with visits to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.
• Value for Money: At $85, the tour provides a well-rounded experience with guided transport and expertise.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees are separate but manageable, with $43 for the park, $20 for the Elephant Orphanage, and $15 for the Giraffe Centre.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation
Your day begins with hotel or airport pickup, making logistics straightforward. The guide from Macaw Safaris Kenya Ltd. is usually knowledgeable and friendly, helping set the tone for a relaxed day of adventure. The tour uses comfortable transport, and binoculars are provided — invaluable for birdwatching or spotting distant animals. The group size tends to be manageable, ensuring everyone gets a good view and attention from the guide.

Nairobi National Park
Despite its proximity to the city, Nairobi National Park offers a surprisingly varied landscape, with open plains, acacia trees, and rocky outcrops. Established in 1946, this park is the oldest in Kenya and features the Black Rhino Sanctuary, giving visitors a rare chance to see these critically endangered animals. The park’s size might limit the variety of large predators, but you’ll still get sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas if luck is on your side.

Travelers have expressed appreciation for the park’s stunning views and the chance to observe animals in naturalistic settings so close to urban life. One reviewer mentioned how the sight of lions lounging was a highlight, while another appreciated the diversity of bird species, including seasonal European migrants. The park’s small size means you won’t spend hours driving around, making it an efficient but still rewarding safari experience.

Elephant Orphanage
Next, the visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is often cited as a highlight. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, many of whom have lost their mothers to poaching or human-wildlife conflict. As you walk through the center, you’ll see playful young elephants, some being fed by their caretakers. Watching the tiny calves splash in water or happily munching on their milk bottles creates a tangible connection to conservation efforts.

Based on reviews, visitors love the personalized experience — some even get to touch or kiss the elephants. The guides are usually quite informative, explaining the stories behind each rescued animal and the ongoing efforts to protect Kenya’s elephant population. The fee, around $20, is well worth contributing to a vital cause, and many consider this part of the tour the most meaningful.

Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre offers a semi-wild environment where Rothschild giraffes roam freely. Visitors can get close enough to feed these gentle giants with their own hands, an experience many find both unique and memorable. Several reviews mention how the giraffes are surprisingly calm and accustomed to human interaction, making it easy to get a good look and even a kiss if you’re feeling brave.

The centre also provides educational info about giraffe conservation, highlighting the threats these animals face and what’s being done to secure their future. The views of giraffes grazing against the sky or approaching to take food are genuinely charming, especially for children and families.

Cost and Value
While the tour price is $85 per person, the entrance fees for the national park ($43), Elephant Orphanage ($20), and Giraffe Centre ($15) are paid separately. When you consider the guided transport, the opportunity for close animal encounters, and the educational component, it offers good value. It’s an affordable way to tick off several must-see wildlife experiences in a single day, especially for travelers on a tight schedule.

Additional Details and Tips
Timing-wise, this tour is usually half a day, allowing you to enjoy the morning or afternoon without it feeling rushed. The experience is suitable for all ages, although younger children might particularly enjoy feeding animals and spotting birds. It’s worth bringing your camera, some snacks, and sunscreen — the open areas can get quite sunny.

The flexibility of booking “reserve and pay later” offers peace of mind, and cancellation policies are straightforward — cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers looking for a quick yet meaningful wildlife experience close to Nairobi. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors wanting an overview of Kenya’s iconic animals, or anyone eager to combine city sightseeing with wildlife encounters.

If you are interested in conservation or enjoy interactive animal activities like feeding giraffes and elephants, this experience offers a genuine taste of Kenya’s efforts to protect its most beloved species. It’s also perfect for those with limited time but wanting to see a broad spectrum of Kenya’s wildlife in one accessible day.

However, if you’re after a deep safari adventure focusing on spotting big predators or exploring vast wilderness, other visits like larger national parks might be more fitting. Still, for a balanced, accessible introduction to Kenya’s wildlife, this tour hits most marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the tour last?

The tour is typically a half-day experience, allowing plenty of time to visit the park, elephant orphanage, and giraffe centre comfortably.

• Is transportation included?

Yes, the tour includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off, provided by the tour operator.

• What are the entry fees?

Entrance fees for Nairobi National Park are $43 for adults and $22 for children. The Elephant Orphanage is $20, and the Giraffe Centre costs $15, paid separately.

• Are binoculars provided?

Yes, binoculars are included during the tour, helping you spot wildlife from a distance.

• Can children join this tour?

Absolutely, children tend to love feeding giraffes and elephants, making it a family-friendly outing.

• Is this tour suitable for wildlife photography?

Yes, the views and animal encounters provide good opportunities for photography, especially with the provided binoculars.

• What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, camera, and some snacks or water, as some parts of the day are outdoors and sunny.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife viewing, interactive animal encounters, and environmental education, all at a reasonable price point. While it’s not a full-fledged safari with large predators in vast landscapes, it compensates with intimate experiences and close-up animal interactions. The proximity to Nairobi makes it especially appealing for those with limited time but eager to see Kenya’s most recognizable species.

Travelers who appreciate seeing animals up close without hours of driving will find this tour satisfying. The combination of personal touch, conservation focus, and stunning views makes it a memorable introduction to Kenya’s natural beauty — perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a taste of African wildlife without the hassle of a longer trip.

In essence, this experience shines for those wanting a convenient, educational, and fun wildlife outing with plenty of opportunities for interaction. It’s a great way to connect with Kenya’s iconic animals in a relaxed, friendly setting that respects conservation efforts while offering plenty of memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: