National park,Giraffe Center and Baby Elephant in Nairobi

If you’re planning a trip to Kenya’s bustling capital and want a taste of its incredible wildlife without venturing far from the city, this tour offers a fantastic option. Led by knowledgeable guides, it combines a safari adventure, close encounters with giraffes, and heartwarming moments at the elephant orphanage—all in a single day.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to see 4 of the Big 5 animals in Nairobi National Park (minus elephants). Second, you’ll get an up-close look at giraffes, famous for their gentle demeanor and striking appearance. Lastly, the opportunity to feed baby elephants provides a touching and memorable moment.

That said, the tour does require some planning—entry fees and additional costs for certain activities aren’t included in the base price, so budget accordingly. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded, authentic wildlife experience that’s manageable in a day and with a taste for both adventure and conservation stories.

Key Points

• Wildlife diversity: Spot 4 of the Big 5 animals during the game drive.
• Close giraffe encounters: Learn about giraffes and even feed them.
• Heartwarming moments: See baby elephants being fed and cared for at the orphanage.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Flexible booking: Keep plans open with a pay-later option and cancellation flexibility.
• Value for money: With a comprehensive itinerary, the $80 price offers good value, though extra costs apply for entry and feeding activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Early Pickup and Drive to Nairobi National Park

The day starts with a prompt pickup from your Nairobi accommodation, usually early morning, setting the tone for a full day of wildlife discovery. The drive to Nairobi National Park is short, but the anticipation builds quickly, knowing you’re about to see some of Kenya’s most iconic animals in their semi-wild habitat just minutes from the city.

Game Drive in Nairobi National Park

Once inside, your safari begins. The game drive lasts until approximately 11:00 AM, giving you ample opportunity to spot lion, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, rhino, and antelope.

The guide—often someone like Douglas, praised for their extensive knowledge and friendly attitude—will help you identify animals and share interesting facts. Reviews mention that visitors felt lucky with timing, often seeing lions and rhinos in their natural environment, which adds an exciting element to the safari.

The open-roof safari van makes for fantastic photo opportunities and a more immersive experience, allowing you to stand or stretch for better views. The early hours are often the best for animal sightings, as wildlife tends to be more active in the cooler morning.

Visit to the Elephant Orphanage

After the game drive, you’ll head over to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a well-known elephant orphanage. This stop is particularly touching—here, baby elephants are fed milk from bottles, and the keepers share stories about how each orphaned elephant was rescued.

Visitors frequently mention how well-cared for the elephants are, and many reviews highlight the emotional impact of witnessing these young animals’ care stories. The orphanage is not just a tourist stop but a vital conservation effort, making it a meaningful part of your visit.

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Giraffe Center Experience

Next, the Giraffe Center offers an intimate look at the gentle giants. Guides will explain giraffe behavior and conservation efforts while allowing guests to feed giraffes by hand under supervision. This hands-on experience is often a highlight, especially for families or animal lovers.

The center provides a relaxed atmosphere after the more energetic game drive and orphanage visit, and reviews often praise the friendly staff and the chance to get so close to these remarkable animals. It’s a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Return and Drop-off

After a fulfilling day, your guide will return you safely to your Nairobi hotel or residence, often feeling enriched by the insights and sights of the day.

What Makes This Tour Worth It?

The Wildlife Diversity

Seeing 4 of the Big 5 (excluding elephants, which are not present in Nairobi National Park) in such a short drive is a significant perk. The park’s unique location means you get a safari experience without traveling hours away, making it perfect for those with limited time or who want an accessible wildlife fix.

Authentic Encounters

From feeding giraffes to watching baby elephants nurse, the tour offers genuine, personal moments. The guides’ knowledge and attentiveness ensure you’re not just observing animals but understanding their conservation stories and behaviors.

The Guide’s Role

Multiple reviews emphasize the importance of knowledgeable guides like Douglas, who enhance the experience with their expertise. They point out that timing often plays a role—being in the right place at the right time—thanks to guides’ local insights.

Value and Flexibility

At $80 per person, the tour provides a well-rounded day of activities, with the only additional costs being for entry fees, feeding activities, and optional extras. The inclusion of bottled water, pickup, and drop-off makes it convenient and stress-free.

Considerations and Limitations

While the experience is comprehensive, travelers should note that entry fees (around $43 USD) and feeding costs ($20 USD) are separate. If you’re on a tight budget, these extras can add up but are typical for wildlife excursions.

The tour runs until late morning for the game drive, so if you prefer a more leisurely start or longer safari, you might want to explore other options.

The Experience: What You’ll Really Feel

Imagine rolling through open plains with the Kenyan sunrise warming your face, spotting a herd of giraffes munching leaves high in the trees. The thrill of catching sight of a lion lounging in the shade or a rhino grazing quietly enhances the sense of adventure.

Later, at the elephant orphanage, the sight of tiny elephants nursing from bottles and the stories behind each rescue tug at the heart. It’s a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect these majestic creatures and the importance of conservation.

At the Giraffe Center, feeding a giraffe from your hand and watching its long tongue gently grasp the food is a surreal moment—something you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

Small Group Atmosphere

Most reviews indicate that the tours are conducted in small groups, which fosters a more intimate experience. The guides, like Douglas, are praised for their patience, knowledge, and friendly manner, often sharing extra stories and answering questions.

Timing and Pacing

The schedule is well-planned—early start, full morning of activities, and a timely return. This makes it ideal for travelers who want a full day but need to be back in Nairobi by early afternoon or evening.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples who want a snapshot of Kenya’s wildlife without the long drives. It’s especially suited for those keen on conservation stories, as the elephant orphanage and giraffe center highlight ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable species.

Travelers with limited time in Nairobi will appreciate how much is packed into one day, and those interested in photo opportunities will love the chance to get close to animals in a safe, controlled environment.

It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for value—offering a diverse itinerary at a reasonable price, with knowledgeable guides making the experience informative and engaging.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Nairobi accommodation in a safari mini-van with an open roof for optimal viewing.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bottled water is provided, but it’s good to carry some extra if you want.

How much do entry fees cost?
The national park entry fee is about $43 USD, and additional costs like feeding the baby elephants or giraffes are around $15-$20 USD.

Can I feed the giraffes?
Yes, under supervision, you can feed giraffes by hand at the Giraffe Center. The guides will assist and ensure safety.

How long is the game drive?
The game drive lasts until around 11:00 AM, providing ample time for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The close encounters with animals and the manageable schedule make it suitable for families, especially with children interested in wildlife.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English, with guides experienced in communicating with diverse groups.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

How flexible is the booking?
Offers include a “Reserve & Pay Later” option, allowing you to keep your plans flexible. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Nairobi tour provides a rewarding peek into Kenya’s rich wildlife and conservation efforts—perfect for first-timers or those short on time. The chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat, coupled with intimate experiences at the giraffe center and elephant orphanage, makes for a well-rounded, meaningful day.

The guides’ expertise, along with the chance to feed giraffes and watch baby elephants, elevates this tour beyond standard safaris. It balances adventure, education, and heartfelt moments—all at a reasonable price.

For travelers seeking a convenient, authentic wildlife experience in Nairobi, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s suited for those who value expert guidance, genuine encounters, and a taste of Kenya’s conservation stories in a single day.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family wanting memorable moments, or a curious traveler eager for cultural insights, this experience offers a compelling introduction to Nairobi’s natural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: