Guided Tour: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre-Nairobi

Planning a trip to Nairobi and looking to combine wildlife encounters with meaningful conservation? This guided tour by Gracilie Ventures offers a seriously rewarding day that’s perfect for animal lovers, families, or anyone wanting a genuine connection with Kenya’s iconic species. For just $35, you get a chance to engage directly with giraffes and baby elephants, learn about local conservation projects, and enjoy a well-organized, informative experience.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the chance to hand-feed Rothschild’s giraffes—standing eye to eye with these gentle giants is a surreal moment. Second, witnessing adorable baby elephants in their daily routines at the Elephant Orphanage really tugs at the heartstrings. Third, the tour’s focus on educational insights and conservation work adds depth and purpose to your visit.

The one consideration? The tour does require some walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, the total cost excludes entry fees for the attractions and optional extras like food and drinks, which can add up if you’re not prepared.

This experience suits travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those eager for authentic interactions and to support wildlife protection efforts. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a meaningful day in Nairobi will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Close encounters with giraffes that allow you to feed and even kiss these majestic animals.
• Support conservation through visits to reputable organizations like AFEW and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
• Educational value with insights into Kenya’s unique wildlife and ongoing protection efforts.
• Affordable pricing that offers a full day of engaging activity for just $35.
• Convenient logistics with pickup, drop-off, and transportation included.
• Flexible booking options—reserve now, pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Works

This tour is a thoughtfully curated mix of fun and education. We loved the way it balances interactive animal encounters with the opportunity to learn about vital conservation efforts. The Giraffe Centre provides a rare chance to get up close with Rothschild’s giraffes, which are often elusive in the wild. It’s a chance to feed these tall, graceful creatures, with many visitors mentioning how special it is to share a moment—some even describing a “gentle kiss” with a giraffe as a highlight.

At the Elephant Orphanage, the focus shifts to baby elephants, many of whom have faced trauma in the wild. Watching them being fed and bathed offers powerful insights into the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work carried out by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. One reviewer noted, “Seeing the little elephants being cared for and learning that my visit supports their recovery made it all the more meaningful.” This direct link to conservation is a significant part of what makes this tour stand out.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The day begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point, with transportation in a safari-style vehicle that ensures plenty of space and comfort during the drive. The total cost includes this pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

Giraffe Centre Visit
Upon arrival, you’ll step into a lush, well-maintained environment where Rothschild’s giraffes roam freely. Here, you can participate in hand feeding these tall, gentle creatures—an experience that’s often described as both humbling and fun. Numerous reviews highlight how “standing eye to eye with a giraffe” creates unforgettable memories. Some visitors even mention the playful antics of the giraffes, stretching their long necks or trying to steal the food at the last moment.

Beyond the feeding, you’ll learn about the conservation work at the Giraffe Centre, which aims to protect this vulnerable subspecies. The guide or staff often share interesting facts, such as their unique tongue and social behavior, adding educational value to the interaction.

Elephant Orphanage Visit
Next, the tour proceeds to the Elephant Orphanage, operated by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Here, you’ll witness the adorable baby elephants being fed milk bottles, watched over by dedicated caretakers. Many reviews describe this as a “heartwarming experience,” especially seeing the elephants bathe and play in the mud. Visitors often comment on how “these little giants are resilient and full of personality,” which makes watching them all the more special.

The trust’s work is explicitly focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs, and your visit directly contributes to their ongoing efforts. During the visit, you may learn about the story behind each elephant’s rescue, which adds meaning to the cute moments.

Additional Details
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, with enough time at each attraction to enjoy the experience fully without feeling rushed. Bottled water is provided throughout, and there is an opportunity for coffee or snacks if you want to purchase them during the breaks.

Value and Cost Analysis

While the tour itself costs $35 per person, additional expenses include entrance fees:

• Nairobi National Park (if visiting separately) $43
• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage $20
• Giraffe Centre $15

These fees are not included, but they’re reasonable considering the quality of the experiences. The tour’s value lies in combining these visits into one seamless, guided package, saving time and simplifying logistics. For the price, you get a hands-on experience with iconic wildlife, meaningful insight into conservation efforts, and the convenience of transportation—all highly valuable for travelers with limited time or those wanting a curated experience.

On top of that, with reserve and pay later options and free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, it offers flexibility for spontaneous plans or unforeseen changes.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be standing and walking during the visits.
• Remember that food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to purchase at the sites.
• Prepare for some outdoor exposure—sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are advisable.
• Keep a camera or smartphone handy for photos, especially during the close giraffe encounters.
• Be mindful that pets are not allowed at the attractions.

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Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for animal lovers and those interested in conservation. It suits families with children, couples, or solo travelers eager for authentic, hands-on wildlife encounters. If you’re looking for a meaningful day that combines fun with education, this tour definitely fits the bill.

Travelers wanting a cost-effective, well-organized experience with the added benefit of supporting reputable conservation work will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also suitable for those with limited time in Nairobi but who want to see and learn about Kenya’s iconic wildlife in a responsible way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, as well as transportation in a safari vehicle, making the entire experience hassle-free.

How much does the entrance fee cost?
You will need to pay entrance fees for the attractions separately—$15 for the Giraffe Centre and $20 for the Elephant Orphanage. The Nairobi National Park fee is $43 if you choose to visit it separately.

Can I support conservation during my visit?
Absolutely. Your visit directly contributes to the work of organizations like AFEW and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, helping fund their rescue and preservation efforts.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with some cash or cards for optional purchases, snacks, or drinks. Sunscreen and hats are recommended for outdoor exposure.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 4 to 5 hours, including travel time and visits to both the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, especially since children tend to love the close animal encounters and the opportunity to learn about wildlife.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later if needed.

Are there guides on the tour?
Yes, the tour is guided by knowledgeable staff who provide insights into the animals and conservation projects, enhancing the experience.

In essence, this Nairobi tour offers a touching, educational, and fun day out that resonates long after the animals have left your viewfinder. It’s a fantastic way to see Kenya’s remarkable wildlife, contribute to their protection, and walk away with stories to tell. For anyone looking for an authentic and impactful experience, this is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: