Nairobi Park, Optional Giraffe Centre & Sheldrick Orphanage

Traveling to Kenya and eager to see its iconic wildlife without venturing far from the city? This full-day Nairobi tour offers a fantastic blend of adventure, education, and authentic encounters. For just $49 per person, you get a chance to see some of Kenya’s most beloved animals in their natural habitat, plus the opportunity to interact directly with giraffes and baby elephants — all within an easy, well-structured day.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the game drive in Nairobi National Park is a rare chance to witness wildlife against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline. Second, the optional visits to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre give you an up-close look at conservation efforts and adorable wildlife interactions. Lastly, the tour is flexible enough to tailor your experience; if you’re not interested in the additional visits, arrangements can be made to drop you off. The main consideration? The entrance fees are paid separately, adding to the overall cost, but the value of seeing key wildlife is undeniable.

This tour suits travelers who want a cost-effective, comprehensive wildlife experience that combines safari adventure with conservation education. It’s ideal for those with limited time in Nairobi but eager to see iconic species and learn about their protection.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $49, this tour provides great value, especially considering the included activities.
• Close Proximity to Nairobi: The park is only 7 km from the city, making it an accessible yet wild experience.
• Diverse Wildlife & Birdlife: Expect to see lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and over 300 bird species.
• Flexible Itinerary: Options to join or skip visits to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center.
• Expert Guide & Comfortable Transport: A professional guide in a safari van with a pop-up roof ensures great wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Additional Fees: Entrance fees are separate (around $45 for Nairobi National Park, $15 for Giraffe Centre, $20 for Sheldrick), so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Nairobi National Park: The Heart of the Tour

Starting early at 6:00 am, your guide picks you up from your hotel for the approximately 3-hour game drive. The drive through Nairobi National Park offers a rare chance to spot “the Big 5” (excluding elephants, which are nearby at the David Sheldrick Orphanage), along with cheetahs, zebras, and gazelles. The park’s openness means you’ll have sweeping views of savannah plains, patches of forest, rocky valleys, and gorges—all with the city skyline looming in the background.

Guests frequently mention how surreal it is to see lions lounging or rhinos grazing just outside the city center. One reviewer noted, “It’s amazing how wild animals roam so close to Nairobi’s busy streets.” Birdwatchers will enjoy the chance to see species like the Secretary bird, crowned cranes, and vultures, with over 300 species recorded here.

The guided game drive is optimized for spotting wildlife, with the guide aiming to maximize sightings. The open-top safari van allows unobstructed views, and the small group size helps with personalized attention. While the park is home to many animals, seeing the elusive rhinos or lions depends on luck and timing, especially early in the morning.

Optional Visits: Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Post-game drive, you have the option to visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Open only from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, this short visit offers insight into the heartbreaking stories of orphaned elephants rescued from various situations. Visitors often comment on how touching it is to watch baby elephants being fed and cared for, with one review stating, “You can see how much love and effort goes into raising these gentle giants.” The orphanage plays a key role in conservation and rehabilitation, reintroducing elephants into the wild when possible.

This stop is especially meaningful for animal lovers and those interested in Kenya’s conservation efforts. Keep in mind that the entrance fee ($20) is paid separately. Many reviews highlight the emotional impact of witnessing these young elephants and learning about the challenges they face.

Giraffe Center: Feeding the Gentle Giants

After a quick lunch (own expense), the tour continues to the Giraffe Centre, located nearby. Here, visitors get to meet the Rothschild giraffes, a rare and endangered species. The center offers educational talks about giraffe behavior and the importance of conservation. The highlight? The chance to feed these tall creatures by hand and even get a “giraffe kiss” — a quirky, memorable experience.

Guests often describe the giraffes as surprisingly gentle and curious, making it a delightful interaction. One reviewer remarked, “Feeding the giraffes was such a fun, hands-on experience—definitely a highlight of the day.” The center also provides insight into giraffe conservation challenges, adding an educational layer to the visit.

Practical Details & Tips

• Transportation: The tour includes transport in a safari van with a pop-up roof, ideal for wildlife viewing and easy to hop on and off for quick photo stops.
• Timing: The tour starts early at 6:00 am, perfect for catching animals active during cooler morning hours. The entire day lasts approximately 8-10 hours, including travel, game drive, and visits.
• Cost Breakdown: While the tour price is $49, expect to pay around $80-$100 total after including entrance fees ($45 National Park, $15 Giraffe Centre, $20 Sheldrick). Budgeting for lunch and personal expenses is advisable.
• Group Size: Small group tours tend to get more personalized attention, with reviews often highlighting friendly guides like James, who is praised for his knowledge and enthusiasm.

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Things to Keep in Mind

• Entrance fees are paid separately at each site, so prepare some cash or card.
• Pets and drones are not allowed, for safety and conservation reasons.
• The tour is conducted in English, so non-English speakers should consider translation options if needed.
• Flexibility is a plus—if you’re not interested in the extra visits, the guide can arrange for an Uber to drop you off, giving you control of your day.
• The early start means packing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an affordable, comprehensive introduction to Nairobi’s wildlife. Whether you’re a first-timer, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone with limited time, you’ll appreciate the mix of safari adventure and conservation education. It offers a great balance of excitement and insight, all wrapped into one well-organized day.

If you’re keen on authentic animal encounters—like feeding giraffes or seeing baby elephants—and want a tour that respects your pace and interests, this experience ticks all the boxes. It’s also well-suited for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a meaningful excursion without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since it includes interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and observing baby elephants, which kids often find fascinating.

How long is the game drive?
The game drive lasts about 3 hours, giving ample opportunity to spot animals and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Do I need to pay the entrance fees?
Yes, entrance fees for Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and Sheldrick Orphanage are paid separately, totaling roughly $80-$100 depending on what you choose to visit.

Can I skip the visits to the orphanage or giraffe center?
Absolutely. The tour can be adjusted to drop you off at your hotel if you prefer not to visit these sites.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, camera, binoculars, and some cash for entrance fees and souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The guide conducts the tour in English, so non-English speakers might need additional translation or guide assistance.

How flexible is the schedule?
The tour starts early but offers some flexibility at the end for drop-offs, making it adaptable to your preferences.

What if I don’t want to participate in all activities?
You can opt out of certain visits; just communicate this with your guide, and they can arrange for alternative transportation back to your hotel.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the inclusions, wildlife viewing, and conservation insights, many find it to be an excellent value for a full-day experience in Nairobi.

In essence, this Nairobi tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Kenya’s wildlife and conservation efforts, all within a manageable and affordable day. Perfect for those who want to see iconic animals, learn about their protection, and enjoy some memorable interactions, all without the need for a multi-day safari. It balances adventure and education, making it a smart choice for many travelers visiting Nairobi.

You can check availability for your dates here: