From Nairobi: National Park, Baby Elephant & Giraffe Centre

Experience the Best of Nairobi’s Wildlife in One Day: A Practical Review of the “From Nairobi: National Park, Baby Elephant & Giraffe Centre” Tour

If you’re looking for a affordable, straightforward way to see some of Kenya’s most iconic animals without venturing far from the city, this tour offers a solid introduction. It promises a full day of wildlife encounters, educational stops, and the chance to get up close with elephants and giraffes.

From what we’ve gathered, three things stand out about this experience: the proximity to Nairobi’s city center, making it super convenient; the opportunity to interact with baby elephants and Rothschild’s giraffes, which is often a highlight; and the knowledgeable guides, who are praised for their friendly attitude and ability to share insights.

However, one possible drawback is the variable nature of the game drive at Nairobi National Park, with some reviews mentioning that animals like lions and zebras aren’t always guaranteed to be seen or that the guide might not focus on wildlife spotting. If you’re eager for a classic safari experience with high chances of spotting big cats, this might not meet all expectations.

This tour is perfect for travelers short on time, families with children, or anyone wanting a quick yet informative wildlife fix in Kenya’s capital. If you’re keen to learn about conservation efforts and see some adorable elephants and giraffes, this could be your ideal outing.

Key Points

• Convenient location: Easy access from Nairobi city center makes it ideal for a day trip.
• Wildlife variety: Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras (though sightings are not guaranteed).
• Close animal interactions: Get hands-on with baby elephants and feed Rothschild’s giraffes.
• Educational focus: Learn about Kenya’s conservation efforts from friendly guides.
• Value for money: At $36, it provides a comprehensive experience—though park entrance fees are extra.
• Varied reviews: Some guests love the guides and interactions, others note wildlife sightings can be hit or miss.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Nairobi National Park
The tour kicks off with a visit to Nairobi National Park, which is notable for its closeness to the city. Just a short drive from downtown, it’s one of Kenya’s oldest parks, offering a chance to see a good variety of animals without needing a multi-day safari. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll hop into a safari vehicle and set off on what can be an exhilarating game drive.

Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and possibly lions, though the latter isn’t guaranteed. Several reviews mention the thrill of spotting lions and other big game, with one traveler specifically recalling seeing a lion—”seeing a lion” was a real highlight for them. The landscape here is beautiful, with open plains and scattered acacia trees, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Elephant Orphanage (David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust)
Next on the list is the Elephant Orphanage, a favorite among visitors. Here, orphaned elephants rescued from challenging situations are cared for and rehabilitated. The experience includes a chance to see these gentle giants up close, learn about their stories, and understand the importance of conservation.

One reviewer, Sara, praised their guide Jacinta, describing her as “talkative, attentive, and very good service,” which suggests the staff make the visit engaging and educational. The orphanage also offers the opportunity to interact with baby elephants, which is often a highlight for families and animal lovers.

Giraffe Centre
The final stop is the Giraffe Centre, home to Rothschild’s giraffes—one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies. Visitors have the chance to feed and pet these gentle giants, making for unforgettable moments and fantastic photo ops. The Giraffe Centre is an excellent place to learn about giraffe conservation efforts, especially since it supports the preservation of this rare species.

A guest noted, “feeding and petting Rothschild’s giraffes” made their visit “fun and unforgettable.” It’s a chance to connect directly with wildlife and learn about ongoing conservation work.

Practical Aspects and What to Expect

Transportation and Guide Service
Included in the package is transport via a safari vehicle, with convenient pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation. The guides are described as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, making the entire day smooth and informative.

Pricing and Value
At $36 per person, the tour offers good value considering it covers transportation, guide services, and entrance fees for the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. However, note that park entrance fees are not included and cost about US$43 per adult and US$25 per child. You’ll want to factor this into your budget if you’re planning to see the national park itself.

Tour Duration and Structure
The tour is full-day, with a typical schedule that starts early to maximize wildlife sightings at Nairobi National Park, usually concluding with the giraffe feeding. Timing is important; some reviews mention that the game drive can be a bit limited if animals aren’t active or visible during your visit.

What to Bring
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking around the giraffe centre and potentially standing outside the vehicle for photos. Since drinks are provided, but food isn’t, carrying snacks or a packed lunch is advisable if you’re hungry between stops.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

One reviewer shared, “Our guide Jonathan was great!” highlighting the importance of a friendly, knowledgeable guide in enriching the experience. Others appreciated the personal interactions, especially at the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre, calling it “fun,” “educational,” and “unforgettable.”

However, not all feedback is glowing—some guests found the on-site registration process a bit cumbersome, especially if they don’t have internet access. Also, a couple of travelers expressed disappointment that they didn’t see the lions or zebras in the park, with one specifically noting, “the guide doesn’t even want to look for lions, zebras, etc., but it’s in the description.” That’s a reminder that wildlife sightings can sometimes be unpredictable, especially in a short visit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers eager to quickly tick off some of Kenya’s iconic animals without the expense or logistics of a multi-day safari, this tour offers a solid, budget-friendly option. The visit to Nairobi National Park provides a taste of the African wilderness, even if animal sightings aren’t guaranteed every time. The interactions with baby elephants and giraffes are genuinely memorable, especially for families or animal lovers.

The team of guides appears dedicated and friendly, making the experience more personal and educational. The cost is reasonable, but you should budget for the additional park entrance fees if you want to see the park itself. Remember, wildlife is unpredictable, so managing expectations is key.

This tour is an excellent choice if you want a convenient, engaging, and affordable wildlife experience in Nairobi. It’s especially suited for those new to Kenya’s wildlife or travelers with limited time who still want to enjoy authentic animal encounters.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Book This Tour?

• Short-term travelers looking for a quick wildlife fix close to Nairobi
• Families wanting a fun, educational outing with young children
• Animal enthusiasts eager to interact with elephants and giraffes
• Budget-conscious visitors seeking good value for a full day of activities
• First-time visitors wanting an introduction to Kenya’s conservation efforts

It might not satisfy those chasing big cat sightings or a classic 4×4 safari experience, but it’s a lovely, practical way to see some wildlife and learn about local conservation efforts.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since it includes interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and seeing baby elephants. However, small children should be able to handle a full day out and be comfortable with the outdoor environment.

What does the tour include?
It includes transportation in a safari vehicle, pick-up and drop-off, a professional guide, and entrance fees to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. Drinks are also provided, but food is not.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential. Bringing water, some snacks, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is advisable, especially since food isn’t included.

Are animal sightings guaranteed?
No, wildlife viewing depends on the day and animal activity. Some guests report seeing lions and other big game, but sightings are not always guaranteed.

How much does the park entry cost?
Park entrance fees are about US$43 per adult and US$25 per child, payable separately from the tour price.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides are available in languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian.

To sum it up, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, educational insights, and fun animal interactions at a fair price point. It’s ideal for those wanting a taste of Kenya’s fauna without the complexity or cost of a multi-day safari. While wildlife sightings are subject to chance, the opportunity to get close to elephants and giraffes and learn about conservation makes it a worthwhile choice for many travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: