Day tour to Giraffe, Elephant and Nairobi National park

Exploring Kenya’s capital through a wildlife-focused day tour offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, conservation education, and scenic city views. This tour, provided by Black Santa Safaris, promises an engaging look into Kenya’s iconic animals and the efforts to protect them—all in just a single day.

What we love about this experience is how it balances close-up animal interactions with meaningful conservation stories, all while delivering the excitement of a game drive. The chance to feed giraffes and meet orphaned elephants adds a personal touch that makes the trip memorable. Plus, the views of Nairobi’s skyline framed by the park create a stunning backdrop that elevates the whole experience.

One potential consideration is the tour’s timing—it’s a packed schedule, so if you prefer a slow, leisurely exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those wanting a rundown of Kenya’s wildlife highlights in a day, this trip hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic and insightful experience of Nairobi’s natural world.

This tour suits anyone eager to see iconic African animals, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy a scenic game drive without sacrificing time or breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, the variety packed into this day makes it a highly worthwhile choice.

Key Points

• Authentic animal encounters include feeding giraffes and meeting baby elephants.
• Conservation education is woven into each visit, offering insight into endangered species and efforts to save them.
• Scenic views of Nairobi’s skyline from within the park add a special touch to the game drive.
• Expert guides like Black Santa bring stories and knowledge that enhance the experience.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours.
• Value for money at $259 per person, considering entrance fees and guided tours, offers an immersive experience in just one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

This full-day adventure begins with convenient hotel pickup within Nairobi, making the start smooth and hassle-free. Black Santa Safaris, the provider, is known for knowledgeable guides—something that reviewers emphasize, like Nancy E., who said, “Black Santa is knowledgeable and personable and will give you a great tour.” Having a guide who can share detailed stories about the animals and their conservation status makes a significant difference.

Giraffe Centre: More Than Just Tall Animals

The first stop is the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, the experience isn’t just about seeing these majestic creatures from afar; it’s about getting hands-on. Visitors are encouraged to feed the giraffes, which is a highlight that adds a personal touch to the visit. The ability to get close and even share a “giraffe kiss” makes this a favorite part for many.

This visit also provides educational insights into why giraffes are endangered and what conservation efforts are underway. The guide explains giraffe behaviors, traits, and the threats they face, making it not just a fun stop but an informative one. The reviews praise the educational aspect, with Nancy E. noting that the centers are “wonderful,” and highlighting how guides make the experience engaging and insightful.

David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary: Learning About Orphans

Next is the Elephant Orphanage, with a short, scheduled visit from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Here, you will see adorable baby elephants and learn about how they came to be orphans—often victims of poaching or human-wildlife conflict. The guide will share stories of individual elephants, emphasizing the conservation efforts to reintroduce them into the wild.

This visit is especially touching because of the chance to witness these vulnerable animals up close and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation programs. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation, and many reviewers find this part emotional and inspiring. As Nancy E. pointed out, the centers are “wonderful,” and the stories behind the elephants add depth to the visit.

Lunch Break: Flexibility and Options

After the sanctuary visits, you’ll have about an hour for lunch—either on your own or packed. The tour doesn’t include food, but this break allows flexibility for travelers to choose local eateries or bring a picnic. This pause is appreciated by many, giving you a moment to relax and reflect before the afternoon game drive.

More Great Tours Nearby

Nairobi National Park: The Wildlife Show

The highlight for many is the Nairobi National Park game drive, which starts after the park’s main gate opens. For approximately three hours, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the park in search of lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and other wildlife. The park’s proximity to Nairobi’s city skyline creates a surreal contrast you won’t forget.

Guides aim to maximize animal sightings, and if lucky, you might witness lions settling in for the evening or rhinos grazing peacefully. Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and their ability to spot animals that might otherwise go unnoticed. Nancy E. mentions that the guides are personable and knowledgeable, which adds a lot to the enjoyment of the drive.

End of Day: Comfortable Return

By around 5 pm, the tour wraps up, and you’ll be driven back to your Nairobi hotel. This well-paced schedule means you get a full day without feeling overly rushed, though the tight timing at each stop ensures you see as much as possible.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The tour price of $259 per person covers entrance fees to Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and the Elephant Sanctuary, as well as a driver/guide and hotel pickup/drop-off. These inclusions make the experience convenient and straightforward, especially for those unfamiliar with Nairobi.

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan for a meal during the lunch break. Many travelers opt for local eateries or bring snacks, which adds flexibility to the day.

The value is evident when you consider the combination of wildlife encounters, conservation education, and scenic views—all guided by professionals. With the option to reserve and pay later, travelers can secure their spot without immediate commitment, and cancellations are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.

Why This Tour Makes Sense

This day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want a comprehensive, authentic look at Kenyan wildlife and conservation efforts. The combination of close-up encounters with giraffes and elephants, along with a game drive in Nairobi’s unique park setting, offers a well-rounded experience.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides—reviewers consistently mention guides like Black Santa who make the experience richer through storytelling and their enthusiasm. If you’re someone who enjoys learning while seeing animals in their natural habitat, this is a solid choice.

While the schedule is quite full, it ensures you leave with a meaningful understanding of Kenya’s efforts to protect its wildlife, plus some excellent photo opportunities. If you’re after a relaxed, unhurried day, you might find this tour slightly intense, but for most, it hits a perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a smart, value-packed way to see some of Kenya’s most beloved animals and learn about conservation in just a single day. The inclusion of the giraffe center and elephant sanctuary adds a personal, hands-on element, making it more than just a typical safari. The scenic game drive wrapped in Nairobi’s skyline makes for memorable views, perfect for photography and reflection.

The guides, praised for their knowledge and personable manner, are a significant part of what makes this trip stand out. Their stories and insights turn an ordinary safari into an engaging educational experience. For travelers looking for a practical, authentic day out that combines wildlife, conservation, and city views, this tour delivers.

The experience is well-rated and offers excellent value for the price. It’s an ideal choice for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of Kenya’s rich natural heritage without leaving the city.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?
The tour runs from hotel pickup in the morning until returning around 5 pm, covering approximately a full day’s worth of activities.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transportation provided by the guide throughout the day.

Are entrance fees covered?
All entrance fees for the Giraffe Centre, Elephant Sanctuary, and Nairobi National Park are included in the price.

Can I bring my own food?
While food and drinks are not included, you’ll have about an hour for lunch, so you can choose to buy a meal or bring your own snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activities are family-friendly, especially the chance to feed giraffes and see baby elephants, but check with the provider about specific age restrictions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a game drive, along with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, are recommended.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, and you can reserve now with the option to pay later. Cancellations are fully refundable up to 24 hours before the tour.

This day tour to Giraffe, Elephant, and Nairobi National Park combines education, wildlife, and scenic beauty—perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of a single day in Nairobi. With engaging guides and a well-structured itinerary, it’s a rewarding way to connect with Kenya’s iconic animals and conservation efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here: