David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Giraffe Center with Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Nairobi and want a well-rounded, authentic glimpse of Kenya’s iconic wildlife — without the hassle of multiple bookings — the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Giraffe Center with Lunch tour offers an engaging, value-packed day. As a travel writer, I’ve seen many safari experiences, but what makes this tour stand out is its blend of conservation, up-close animal encounters, and hearty local cuisine.

Three things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the chance to feed and kiss giraffes, the touching moments with baby elephants at the orphanage, and the legendary meal at Carnivore restaurant. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Kenya’s wildlife while enjoying the flavors of authentic African cooking.

One consideration is the duration — the entire day is quite packed, starting early and ending in the late afternoon, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, active itinerary. Plus, while the tour is quite comprehensive, it does come with an extra cost if you want to include Nairobi National Park, which isn’t part of the main package.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful wildlife experience, those interested in conservation stories, and anyone craving a taste of Kenyan cuisine in a lively setting.

Contents show

Key Points

Balanced itinerary covering both wildlife and culture
Guides are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable
Close animal encounters with giraffes and elephants
Inclusions make the experience good value, especially with lunch
Flexible booking options and customizable add-ons
Transport is comfortable, well-maintained, and reliable

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Nairobi

Pickup and Departure

The day begins with a hotel pickup around 8 am — a punctual start that sets the tone for a smooth trip. The guide, often someone like George, is praised for his professionalism and friendly demeanor, making sure everyone feels comfortable from the start. Expect a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle, with enough space for your group, which helps keep the journey relaxed.

Giraffe Center: Feeding and Kissing Giraffes

Arriving at the Giraffe Center by around 9 am, you’re greeted with an opportunity that’s as charming as it is educational. The center’s main attraction is the chance to feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, which are used to human interaction. You’ll be given a bowl of food, and watching these gentle giants approach and extend their long necks to take treats is both amusing and awe-inspiring.

Reviews mention guides like Isaac sharing fascinating facts about giraffe behavior and conservation efforts, which adds layers of understanding to the experience. Visitors often comment on the close-up interaction — including the delightful moment of giving a giraffe a “kiss” on the cheek, thanks to their affectionate nature. The experience is particularly memorable for children and animal lovers.

Elephant Orphanage: Rescued Babies and Conservation Stories

Next stop is the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, home to baby elephants rescued from various parts of Kenya after losing their families to poaching or human-wildlife conflict. The orphanage provides a behind-the-scenes look at efforts to rehabilitate these animals, with guides explaining the care process and the importance of conservation.

Guests have noted the emotional impact of seeing up to 21 orphans, including a heartwarming mention of an orphaned black rhino. The elephants often come close during feeding times, allowing visitors to touch and even share a moment of connection, which is rare and precious. The guides, like George, are praised for their knowledge and ability to share these stories with sensitivity and passion.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant

After a morning filled with animal encounters, you’ll head to Nairobi’s renowned Carnivore restaurant, considered one of Africa’s greatest culinary experiences. The restaurant’s claim to fame is its variety of exotic meats roasted over charcoal and carved at your table.

Guests consistently rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious,” with many mentioning the chance to try meats like crocodile, ostrich, or even camel. The atmosphere is lively and informal, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning. The reviews highlight the generous portions and excellent service, making it a satisfying end to the day.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Nairobi

Additional Options and Extras

While the main tour covers the giraffe center, elephant orphanage, and lunch, there’s an optional add-on for Nairobi National Park at $45 per person. This is worth considering if you want to see more wildlife in the wild, but note that it’s managed by Kenya Wildlife Service and requires additional planning.

Practical Details and Value

The all-inclusive price of $193 per person includes entrance fees, lunch, and hotel transfers, which simplifies logistics and makes it a good value for a full-day experience. The company, Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safari, owns the vehicles and guarantees daily departures, adding a layer of reliability many travelers appreciate.

The tour’s flexible booking and a cancellation policy that allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance add to its appeal. The small group size, professional guides, and well-maintained vehicles ensure you’re comfortable throughout.

What the Reviews Say

Most reviews echo high satisfaction, with a perfect 5-star rating from all 15 reviewers. Guests mention the guides’ friendliness and expertise, noting that guides like Isaac and George go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. One guest praised the “amazing experience,” highlighting the personalized attention and the chance to get close to animals they’d only previously seen in the wild.

Another reviewer appreciated the opportunity to see the elephants “close enough to touch,” and many echoed the sentiment that the experience at the giraffe center was both fun and educational.

How This Tour Benefits Travelers

Wildlife Encounters: The chance to physically feed and interact with giraffes and elephants makes this tour stand out. These moments are not just photo ops but educational experiences that deepen understanding of conservation issues.

Conservation Focus: Visiting the elephant orphanage and learning about their rescue stories highlights Kenya’s efforts to protect endangered species. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the country’s wildlife priorities.

Local Cuisine: The lunch at Carnivore isn’t just an afterthought; it’s considered one of the best dining experiences in Nairobi. With a variety of meats and a lively atmosphere, it’s a true taste of African hospitality.

Ease and Comfort: With hotel pickup, a friendly guide, and reliable transportation, the logistics of the day are taken care of, allowing you to focus on the experience instead of planning.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an authentic wildlife adventure combined with engaging storytelling. It suits families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a day to connect with Kenya’s iconic animals and culture in a relaxed, friendly setting. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of Nairobi’s conservation efforts and culinary delights, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.

Can I include Nairobi National Park?
Yes, for an additional USD 45 per person, you can visit Nairobi National Park, which is inside the park and managed by KWS.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
The tour departs at 8 am, making it suitable for those wanting a full day of activities. The morning timing helps avoid heavy traffic and ensures you’re at each site during animal feeding times when animals are most active.

Are guides experienced and friendly?
Absolutely. Guests praise guides like Isaac and George for their knowledge, friendliness, and dedication to making each visitor’s experience memorable.

Is the meal at Carnivore included?
Yes, the lunch at Carnivore restaurant is included in the price, offering a variety of roasted meats in a lively setting.

How long is the entire tour?
From pickup to drop-off, expect a full-day experience, typically starting at 8 am and returning in the late afternoon.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, along with sunglasses and sun protection, are recommended. Also, bring cash if you wish to buy souvenirs or additional drinks at the restaurant.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compelling blend of wildlife interaction, educational storytelling, and hearty local cuisine. It’s a meaningful way to experience Kenya’s conservation efforts firsthand while also enjoying a memorable culinary experience. The combination of close animal encounters, expert guides, and delicious food makes it a standout choice for those looking to maximize their day in Nairobi.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value authentic interactions over mere sightseeing, and who want to support wildlife conservation efforts while indulging in local flavors. The consistent glowing reviews and high ratings reflect the quality and authenticity of this experience — making it a worthwhile addition to any Kenyan adventure.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a curious traveler eager to learn more about Kenya’s efforts to protect endangered species, this tour provides a well-rounded, enjoyable, and meaningful day out.