Giraffe Center, Baby Elephant And National Park Day Tour

Travelers considering a day of wildlife encounters in Nairobi will find this tour from Kana Tours And Safaris offers a well-balanced blend of iconic animal sightings and conservation education. It’s especially appealing for those who want to combine close-up animal interactions with a game drive, all at an accessible price point of $43 per person.

What makes this experience stand out are the hands-on giraffe feeding, the chance to observe adorable baby elephants, and the thrilling game drive in Nairobi National Park. An added bonus is the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the comfort of a customized van with a pop-up roof for better game viewing.

One thing to keep in mind is timing — the elephant sanctuary operates only from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, so you’ll want to schedule accordingly. This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone eager to see Kenya’s flagship species up close while learning about their conservation.

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Key Points

Close encounters with giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, including feeding and the possibility of a kiss.
Insight into elephant conservation at the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary, with a focus on orphaned babies.
Exciting game drive in Nairobi National Park with a knowledgeable guide to spot lions, zebras, and more.
All-inclusive round trip from your Nairobi hotel, with bottled water and extensive game viewing on a comfortable van.
Flexible booking options with pay later and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Affordable price considering the multiple stops, animal encounters, and game viewing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary and Experience

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Convenient Pickup and Transport

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Nairobi, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and driven in an air-conditioned van fitted with a pop-up roof. This setup is a real plus since it allows for uninterrupted viewing during game drives, giving you better chances to spot wildlife without the usual crowding or obstruction. The small group size, typical of such tours, ensures more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Visiting the Giraffe Centre

The first stop is the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, you’ll be introduced to these gentle giants and learn why they are critically endangered. The feeding platform offers a unique opportunity to get nose-to-nose with giraffes, and many reviews highlight how memorable it is to feed and even kiss these tall animals—a moment that often gets captured in photos and hearts alike.

Travelers who have visited mention the informative guides who share insights into giraffe behavior, conservation efforts, and the challenges they face in the wild. Expect to spend around 45 minutes here, enough time to interact closely and absorb educational info.

The Elephant Orphanage Experience

Next is the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary, a highlight for animal lovers. Known for its work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, the sanctuary offers a short but touching glimpse into the plight of these gentle creatures. Visitors have the chance to see baby elephants being fed and playing, with the sanctuary’s staff explaining how they care for and prepare the orphans for reintroduction into the wild.

Reviews praise the sanctuary’s organized and transparent operations, with many noting the emotional impact of seeing these young elephants up close. Keep in mind that this part of the tour is only open from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, so timing is key here.

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Lunch Break

After the elephant sanctuary, you’ll have approximately an hour for lunch (own expense). There are plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a quick meal or snack, giving you a moment to relax before the game drive.

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Nairobi National Park Game Drive

The final and most thrilling part of the day is the game drive inside Nairobi National Park, which begins through the main park gate. The park is surprisingly diverse, considering its proximity to Nairobi’s city center.

Your guide will aim to show you as many animals as possible, with chances of seeing lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and possibly big cats in their natural environment. Travelers report that the guides are experienced and knowledgeable, often sharing fascinating facts about the animals and park ecology.

The drive lasts around three hours, giving ample time for spotting wildlife and taking photos. Many reviews mention the excellent visibility provided by the pop-up roof. The park’s landscape varies from open plains to wooded areas, providing a scenic backdrop for your game viewing.

End of Tour and Return

Around 5 pm, the tour departs the park and heads back to Nairobi. The return journey is comfortable and uneventful, with the guide sharing tips for further wildlife adventures in Kenya. Expect to be dropped off at your hotel or residence, making this tour a seamless part of your Nairobi itinerary.

Practical Details and Value

At $43 per person, this tour offers a solid value, combining multiple wildlife experiences with transportation, a guide, and bottled water. Entry fees to the National Park are additional ($43 for adults, $20 for children), and the Giraffe Centre costs around $15, while the elephant sanctuary charges about $20. These costs are reasonable given the quality of encounters and the convenience of a guided day.

The tour’s flexibility, with options to cancel 24 hours in advance and pay later, makes it accessible and low-risk for travelers planning their Kenya trip. The small-group setup means you’ll avoid the crowds common on large safaris, allowing for more intimate interactions with the animals.

The comfort of the transport, combined with knowledgeable guides, ensures an informative yet relaxed day. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or wildlife enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive yet affordable Kenyan safari experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Animal lovers keen to see giraffes and elephants up close
Families wanting a manageable, child-friendly day of wildlife
Visitors on a tight schedule who want a snapshot of Kenya’s iconic species
Conservation-minded travelers interested in learning about animal rescue efforts
Budget-conscious travelers who value all-in-one experiences at a fair price

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, transportation in a climate-controlled van with a pop-up roof, a driver/guide, bottled water, and extensive game drives.

Are entry fees included?
No, entry fees to the National Park ($43), Giraffe Centre ($15), and Elephant Sanctuary ($20) are extra and payable on the day of the tour.

What animals can I expect to see during the game drive?
You might see lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and other plains animals. The guide aims to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the animal encounters and game drive, especially the chance to feed giraffes and see baby elephants. Check the specific age requirements with the provider.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The Giraffe Centre visit takes about 45 minutes, the Elephant Sanctuary about 45 minutes (open from 11am-12pm), and the game drive roughly 3 hours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, camera, and some cash for optional extra fees or souvenirs. Remember, the tour includes bottled water, but lunch is on your own.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the air-conditioned van with a pop-up roof ensures comfort and excellent visibility during game drives.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially if you want to secure your spot and enjoy the flexible payment options.

This tour ticks many boxes for anyone eager to experience Kenya’s wildlife in a single day. It balances animal encounters, conservation education, and game viewing, all wrapped into a convenient package that respects your budget and time. Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor, it offers a meaningful glimpse into Kenya’s iconic species and ongoing conservation efforts.