Nairobi National park

Nairobi National Park
Location: Central Kenya, Kenya
Country: Kenya
Price: $69 per person
Supplier Name: Living bush safaris

Engaging Introduction

Our review explores a popular day tour that combines a game drive at Nairobi National Park with visits to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, it’s clear that many travelers find it an appealing blend of wildlife spotting and close encounters with Kenya’s gentle giants.

What draws us to this experience are three key highlights: the chance to see the Big 4 within an urban park, the rewarding visit to rescue and rehabilitate baby elephants, and the unforgettable interaction with giraffes. That said, a potential consideration is the entry fees—these aren’t included in the initial price—and can add up if you’re on a tight budget.

This tour suits travelers who want a full day of authentic Kenyan wildlife encounters, especially those short on time but eager for a meaningful experience that combines nature, conservation, and local charm.

Key Points

• Unique location: Only city-based national park in the world, offering a quick wildlife escape.
• Wildlife highlights: The Big 4 (lion, buffalo, rhino, cheetah) and more.
• Conservation focus: Visit to David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage provides insight into rescue efforts.
• Interactive experience: Touch and feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.
• Value for money: $69 includes transport, guide, and water but excludes entry fees.
• Timing: The tour spans roughly 4-5 hours, making it ideal for a half-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Nairobi National Park: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Kenya’s wildlife in a surprisingly accessible setting. The game drive within Nairobi National Park typically lasts about 2-3 hours, and it’s one of the most memorable parts of the day. Since it’s the only park within a city, it provides a rare chance to spot wildlife in an urban environment—something that makes for some striking photo opportunities and a quick nature escape from Nairobi’s hustle.

Guides like John or Samuel, highly praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, use their experience to help you spot the Big 4 and other animals. Reviewers mention that “the guides are very knowledgeable, and they really help you spot animals you might miss on your own.”

The park’s landscape offers a mixture of open plains and acacia trees, creating stunning visuals that enhance your game viewing experience. It’s common to see lions lounging in the shade, herds of buffalo and zebra grazing, and rhinos often in protected areas. Cheetahs are a rarer sight but occasionally spotted by attentive guides.

Visiting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

After the exhilarating game drive, you’ll head for the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located about 30 minutes away. The highlight here is the chance to spend about an hour with adorable baby elephants that have been rescued from the wild, many of them orphaned by poaching or human-wildlife conflict.

The visit runs from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and booking in advance is necessary—something that seasoned travelers emphasize as essential for securing a spot. Reviewers often describe this as a “touching experience,” with many noting that seeing these tiny elephants being fed and playing is genuinely unforgettable.

The orphanage is actively involved in conservation and rehabilitation, making your visit not just a cute encounter but also an educational one. You’ll gain insight into the efforts to protect Kenya’s elephants and the importance of anti-poaching campaigns.

Giraffe Centre: Feeding and Photographing

Next, the tour proceeds to the Giraffe Centre, roughly 30 minutes away, where the main draw is feeding the giraffes from a raised platform. This is an interactive experience—most visitors love the chance to touch and feed the gentle Rothschild giraffes and take memorable photos.

Many reviewers mention that “the giraffes are surprisingly friendly, and it’s fun to get up close,” making it a popular stop for families and animal lovers alike. The centre works to protect the endangered giraffe species and offers a chance to learn about their habits and habitat.

Once your visit is complete, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, concluding a day packed with wildlife encounters, conservation insights, and unique photo opportunities.

Practical Details and Tips

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Pricing and Value

The tour costs $69 per person, which covers transportation, hotel pickup and dropoff, a driver-guide, and bottled water. However, the entry fees for the park ($43), elephant orphanage ($20), and giraffe centre ($15) are not included and should be budgeted separately. When adding these, the total cost is roughly $98—a reasonable investment considering the breadth of experiences.

Travelers often find the guided game drive especially valuable, as guides are adept at spotting animals and sharing insights that enhance the experience. The small group size ensures a more personal, engaging adventure.

Timing and Duration

The entire tour lasts around 4 to 5 hours. The game drive itself takes 2-3 hours, followed by the visits to the orphanage and giraffe centre. The schedule is structured around the 11 a.m. elephant orphanage visit—booking ahead ensures you don’t miss this highlight.

What to Bring

A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended for the open vehicle. Since bottled water is included, stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Don’t forget your camera—these moments are picture-perfect.

Additional Considerations

• The tour is available in English, making communication straightforward.
• Flexibility to reserve and pay later offers peace of mind if your plans change.
• Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if needed.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience combines wildlife viewing with conservation-focused visits, making it ideal for travelers who want to see Kenya’s Big 5 in a quick, accessible way. The guides’ expertise and the intimate nature of the stops provide a richer understanding of Kenya’s efforts to protect its natural heritage.

The visit to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre adds a hands-on element that’s perfect for animal lovers or those wanting more than just a typical safari. Plus, the affordability of the tour makes it a practical choice for many visitors.

While some travelers mention that entry fees can add up, the overall value remains high given the variety of experiences packed into a half-day. It’s a good fit for those with limited time in Nairobi but eager for meaningful wildlife encounters.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals strongly to first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and conservation efforts. It’s also well-suited for families seeking engaging animal encounters in a manageable timeframe.

Travelers who appreciate guided insights and want to maximize their chances of spotting key animals will find the guides knowledgeable and helpful. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a cost-effective yet authentic safari experience that fits into a busy itinerary.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to see animals in an accessible setting, while conservation-minded travelers will appreciate the educational aspect of the orphanage and giraffe centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the interactive experiences at the elephant orphanage and giraffe centre, making it a family-friendly option.

Are the entry fees included in the price?
No, the entry fees for Nairobi National Park ($43), elephant orphanage ($20), and giraffe centre ($15) are paid separately. Budget accordingly.

How long does the game drive last?
The game drive generally lasts about 2-3 hours, providing ample time to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

Can I book this tour without paying upfront?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour includes transport with hotel pickup and dropoff, typically in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle suited for safaris.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring essentials like sun protection, camera, and water. Bottled water is supplied on the tour.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the experience provider offers services in English, ensuring smooth communication.

To sum it up, this Nairobi day tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife viewing, conservation education, and interactive animal encounters. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to maximize their limited time in Kenya with authentic experiences and knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family, or a conservation supporter, this adventure provides a meaningful taste of Kenya’s natural treasures in a compact, accessible format.

You can check availability for your dates here: