Nairobi:Giraffe Center, Baby Elephant and Beads factory Tour

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines wildlife encounters, meaningful community projects, and a taste of local craftsmanship, this tour hits all those marks. While we haven’t personally taken it, the detailed reviews and tour info paint a compelling picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience:

• The chance to get up close and personal with giraffes—feeding and even kissing these gentle giants.
• Learning about elephants and conservation efforts at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
• Supporting women’s empowerment through a visit to a bead and leather factory where skills are shared with local women.

A small consideration is the additional costs for entrance fees and optional extras, which can add up if you’re not prepared. Still, this tour offers genuine value for wildlife lovers and those wanting to support local community initiatives.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy wildlife, meaningful cultural interactions, and want a well-rounded day with lots of photo opportunities and authentic insights. Families with kids, first-time visitors to Nairobi, or anyone interested in conservation and local crafts will find this tour particularly engaging.

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Key Points

• Wildlife close encounters: Feed giraffes and see elephants in naturalistic environments.
• Community support: Visit a women’s empowerment program making jewelry and leather goods.
• Educational experience: Learn about elephant conservation and giraffe behavior from knowledgeable guides.
• All-in-one tour: Combines wildlife, culture, and local craftsmanship in a single day.
• Cost considerations: Entrance fees are separate from the tour price, so budget accordingly.
• Flexible booking: You can reserve now, pay later, and cancel 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to give a well-rounded glimpse into Kenya’s wildlife and local culture, all within a manageable day trip from Nairobi. The tour is operated by Day2day Tours and Safaris Ltd, a reputable company known for organizing engaging safaris and cultural outings. The overall price is around $41 per person, which covers transportation, a professional guide, bottled water, and visits to key sites. Entrance fees for the Giraffe Center and Elephant Orphanage are not included in the base price, meaning you should plan for an extra $35 roughly—$15 for the Giraffe Center and $20 for the Elephant Orphanage.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers staying in Nairobi’s city center. The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for personal interaction with guides and other participants, but it is structured enough to maintain a lively, shared experience. Expect a comfortable minibus with friendly, knowledgeable guides to keep the journey engaging and informative.

Timing and Pacing

The tour typically departs early morning, with a focus on maximizing your time at each stop. The morning begins with the Giraffe Center, where you’ll spend about an hour feeding and learning about these iconic animals. Next, the Elephant Orphanage visit allows for close-up encounters with rescued elephants, including feeding and observation. The final highlight is a visit to a women’s bead and leather factory, where local artisans craft jewelry and accessories—lasting around an hour.

The Stops and What You’ll Experience

Giraffe Center

The highlight for many is the chance to stand eye-to-eye with Rothschild giraffes. You can feed them from a raised platform and even give them a kiss—an experience that’s both fun and slightly surreal. Guides often share insights into giraffe behavior and conservation efforts, making this more than just a photo op. Günter, one reviewer, noted that while the experience was “great,” the cost was high because all fees are paid to the guide, which some found less transparent. Regardless, the opportunity to interact so closely with giraffes is a rare treat.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Located within Nairobi National Park, this sanctuary cares for orphaned elephants rescued from poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Visiting here offers an educational look into elephant conservation, and you’ll see the young elephants in a naturalistic setting. The guide explained that the park entrance fee is $43, which is separate from the tour fee, and that this ticket also grants access to a potential game drive if you wish. One reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guide Erik, who made the visit both informative and engaging.

Beads and Leather Factory

This part of the tour shifts the focus to local craftsmanship and women’s empowerment. The women artisans produce jewelry and leather goods, giving you the chance to see their skills firsthand. The guide mentions that you’ll enjoy a cultural performance—a song by the women—that adds a lively, authentic touch. The factory visit also supports social development, making it a meaningful stop. Some travelers noted that witnessing the process from start to finish helps appreciate the craft and the story behind each piece.

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The Value of This Tour

At around $41, plus the extra entrance fees, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, culture, and community support. It’s ideal for those seeking a comprehensive Nairobi experience without spending an entire day at a park or museum. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially after a long flight or busy city schedules.

While the price is reasonable, it’s worth noting that all fees are paid directly to the guide, which some travelers, like Günter, felt lacked transparency and increased costs. If you’re comfortable with this arrangement and value the convenience, it’s a minor issue. Otherwise, you might prefer to buy entrance tickets directly at sites.

Authenticity and Education

Guides like Erik are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the information engaging without feeling over-the-top. Their insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts enrich the experience, especially if you’re keen to learn about Kenya’s efforts to protect its wildlife.

Support for Local Women

The factory visit stands out as a highlight for those interested in local crafts and community development. Watching women actively involved in creating jewelry and leather goods fosters a deeper connection to the place and its people. The chance to enjoy a song performed by the women adds a cheerful, personal touch to the visit.

Additional Considerations

• Entrance Fees and Extra Costs: Expect to pay about $35 for entrance fees unless you purchase combined tickets or plan ahead.
• Timing Flexibility: Tours are generally flexible, but booking in advance ensures you secure a spot and can tailor your schedule, especially if you want to include a game drive at Nairobi National Park.
• Language Options: The tour is available in English and Spanish, catering to diverse travelers.
• Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk option if your plans are uncertain.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see giraffes and elephants in naturalistic settings. It’s also great for those interested in supporting local communities and learning about Kenya’s conservation efforts. Families with children will enjoy the interactive nature of feeding giraffes and elephants, while culturally curious travelers will appreciate the craftsmanship visit.

It’s less suited for travelers with very tight budgets or those preferring a fully self-guided experience, given the additional entrance fees. But for most, the combination of animal encounters, cultural insight, and community support makes this a worthwhile outing.

The Sum Up

This Nairobi tour offers a well-balanced day that combines wildlife, culture, and social impact. The close-up giraffe feeding and the visit to the elephant orphanage make for memorable, photo-worthy moments, while the factory visit adds a meaningful, hands-on element. The knowledgeable guides, especially Erik, enhance the experience with their insights and friendly demeanor.

The main advantage is the convenience—hotel pickup, all-in-one itinerary, and the opportunity to support local women through craft sales. The main drawback is the added entrance fees and the payment structure that some travelers find less transparent, which can make the overall cost feel higher.

This tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Nairobi, animal lovers, and those looking for an authentic cultural experience. It offers a heartfelt glimpse into Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts and vibrant community life—all in one accessible package.

FAQ

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, the entrance fees for the Giraffe Center ($15) and Elephant Orphanage ($20) are paid separately, so budget for around $35 extra.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics easy and stress-free.

What is the duration of the tour?
While the exact time isn’t specified, you can expect a full-day experience with visits to all sites, typically starting early in the morning.

Can I visit Nairobi National Park on the same day?
Yes, your park entrance ticket (around $43) can be used for a game drive if you choose to extend your visit after the elephant orphanage.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, especially for kids who enjoy animals and interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and elephants.

What language options are available?
The tour is offered in English and Spanish, catering to a wide range of travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This tour makes for an engaging, heartfelt look at Nairobi’s wildlife and community projects. Whether you’re a wildlife fanatic, culture lover, or simply seeking a meaningful adventure, it delivers a memorable day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: