David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Giraffe Center

If you’re visiting Nairobi and want to see some of Kenya’s most iconic animals while also supporting vital conservation work, a trip to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Center offers a compelling blend of education, interaction, and authentic wildlife experience. This tour, priced at $150 per person, promises a chance to meet rescued elephants and endangered giraffes face-to-face, making it perfect for animal lovers, families, and conservation enthusiasts alike.

From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience—covering elephant rescue stories, giraffe feeding, and a peek into local crafts and history. We love the chance to get hands-on with the animals, the knowledgeable guides who make every visit meaningful, and the beautiful scenery along the way. One thing to keep in mind: the elephant orphanage is only open for a short window between 11 am and 12 noon**, so timing is key. This limits flexibility but ensures you see the elephants at their most active and adorable.

This experience suits travelers eager to see wildlife up close while supporting conservation projects. It’s especially good for those with limited time but wanting a genuine peek into Kenya’s efforts to protect its iconic species.

Key Points

• Close encounters with baby elephants and giraffes foster a memorable connection to wildlife.
• The guided tours are led by knowledgeable staff, enriching your understanding of conservation.
• The short opening hours for the elephant orphanage require careful planning.
• Entrance fees are included, providing seamless access.
• The tour combines wildlife with a visit to a unique local craft factory, supporting social enterprise.
• Optional extension to the Karen Blixen Museum offers historical context.
• The price provides good value for a full-day, immersive experience.
• The tour is flexible, with options to customize your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup and Transport

The day kicks off with hotel pickup, which is included in the price. You’ll be driven comfortably in a vehicle suited for small groups, ensuring a smooth and relaxed start. This is a real plus—no worries about navigating busy Nairobi streets or missing out on transportation logistics. The guides are friendly and informed, often sharing insights about Nairobi’s neighborhoods during the drive.

The Elephant Orphanage: Heart of the Experience

Your first stop is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust—the world’s most renowned elephant rescue center. Entry is strictly between 11 am and 12 noon, and visitors are only allowed during that window, which many reviews highlight as a highlight of the trip. Expect to see rescue elephants of various ages—some as tiny as a few days old, others approaching adolescence.

Guides, often including experienced conservationists, share heartfelt stories about how each elephant arrived at the orphanage—most were rescued from areas affected by human-wildlife conflict or poaching. We loved the personal touch of learning each elephant’s story and name, creating an emotional connection to these gentle giants.

The main activity here is watching the elephants being fed, but the real treat is seeing them interact naturally—playing, bathing, and napping. Reviewers consistently mention how touching and genuine this experience feels, especially as you witness baby elephants being bottle-fed by the staff.

A key point: the orphanage’s limited open hours mean you should plan your visit carefully to avoid missing out, and it’s usually best to arrive early since the area can get crowded.

Giraffe Center: Feeding Endangered Giants

Next, you’re driven to the Giraffe Center, located nearby. Here, the focus shifts from rescue stories to conservation efforts for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The center is set in lush surroundings, providing plenty of space for these graceful animals.

One of the best parts of this stop is the opportunity to feed the giraffes directly—using specially provided pellets, you’ll get to see them stretch their long necks for a treat. Several reviews rave about how interactive and fun this experience is, especially for kids and families. You’ll also love snapping selfies with these tall, striking animals, often standing just a few feet away.

Guides give insights into the giraffe’s conservation struggles, explaining how habitat loss and poaching threaten their future. This educational component adds depth to the experience, making your visit more than just a photo session.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional: Kazuri Beads Factory

After giraffe viewing, the tour includes a visit to the Kazuri Beads factory, a social enterprise supporting single mothers from Nairobi’s poorer neighborhoods. Here, you’ll see how beautiful beads and pottery are produced—from raw clay to finished pieces.

This stop offers a meaningful look into local craftsmanship and social impact. Many visitors appreciate how engaging the factory tour is, and some even purchase unique souvenirs directly supporting the community. It adds a layer of cultural exchange and helps you understand Kenya beyond just wildlife.

Lunch and Optional Extension: History and Relaxation

Following the factory visit, you have the option to enjoy lunch—either at a local eatery or a pre-arranged spot. Afterward, you can choose to be dropped back at your hotel or, at no extra cost, visit the Karen Blixen Museum. This historic site tells the story of the famed author of “Out of Africa,” giving you a taste of Kenya’s colonial past and a chance to see the house made famous by the movie.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour is designed to be flexible and comprehensive. It’s generally a full-day experience, starting in the morning and wrapping up in the late afternoon. The price of $150 covers all entrance fees, the guide, and door-to-door transportation—making it a convenient and cost-effective way to see multiple highlights in one day.

Reviewers emphasize the value of the knowledgeable guides, who make the stories behind the animals come alive. Their insights add meaning and context that enrich your understanding of conservation challenges.

Timing is crucial—since the elephant orphanage is only open for an hour, previous guests recommend an early start to maximize your experience. The tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention and ample opportunity for questions.

What’s Not Included

If you want to include a visit to Nairobi National Park, it costs an additional $45 per person, as it’s operated by Kenya Wildlife Service and located inside the park. Many find this worthwhile for a more extensive wildlife experience, but it’s optional.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for animal lovers and those curious about conservation. Families will appreciate the hands-on nature of giraffe feeding and the emotional stories at the elephant orphanage. It’s also suitable for travelers with limited time, offering a rich taste of Nairobi’s wildlife and social projects.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed, educational day that combines wildlife, culture, and community impact, this tour hits all those marks. It’s not for someone seeking a full safari experience—there’s no game drive here—but for a meaningful introduction to Kenya’s animal rescue efforts, it’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a wonderful balance of wildlife encounters, cultural insight, and social impact. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s wildlife conservation work, along with some unforgettable moments with elephants and giraffes. The guides’ expertise and the well-organized itinerary help you make the most of your day.

While the limited opening hours for the elephant orphanage require some planning, this constraint ensures you see the elephants at their most lively and adorable. The addition of the Kazuri Beads factory and optional museum visit adds cultural and historical layers to your trip, making it a rounded experience.

This tour provides excellent value for those wanting an authentic, impactful day in Nairobi. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to connect with Kenya’s iconic animals while supporting meaningful conservation efforts.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The entrance fees to the giraffe center and elephant orphanage, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Can I visit the Nairobi National Park?
Yes, but it costs an additional $45 per person and is not part of the main tour. It’s usually booked separately as an add-on.

What are the opening hours for the elephant orphanage?
It is strictly open between 11 am and 12 noon, so plan your day accordingly to see the elephants at their best.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids generally love feeding giraffes and seeing the elephants play, making it a family-friendly experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour runs approximately a full day, from pickup in the morning to drop-off in the late afternoon.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, and a camera are essential. Bring some cash if you want to purchase souvenirs at Kazuri Beads.

Can I request a specific guide or make the tour private?
Most bookings are for small groups, but you can inquire about private options. Guides are experienced and friendly.

Is there an option to extend the tour?
Yes, you can opt for additional visits like the Karen Blixen Museum during the optional extension without extra transport costs.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan your trip.

This tour combines meaningful wildlife encounters with cultural insights, making it a valuable addition to any Nairobi itinerary. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, love animals, or simply want a day of authentic Kenyan experiences, it’s a well-rounded choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: