NAIROBI: DAVID SHELDRICK AND GIRAFFE CENTER DAY TRIP

Nairobi: David Sheldrick and Giraffe Center Day Trip Review

If you’re visiting Nairobi and want an up-close look at some of Kenya’s most beloved wildlife, the David Sheldrick and Giraffe Center day trip offers a well-rounded experience. It’s an ideal option for animal enthusiasts, families, or anyone eager to connect with Kenya’s conservation efforts without leaving the city.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to interact directly with Rothschild giraffes—hand-feeding these gentle giants is both fun and educational. Second, the adorable baby elephants at the sanctuary provide heartwarming moments, especially as you learn about their rescue stories. Lastly, the tour’s balanced mix of wildlife encounters and conservation education creates a meaningful experience.

That said, a possible consideration is that this tour focuses solely on the wildlife sanctuaries, so if you’re looking for a more extensive safari experience or visits to national parks, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Nonetheless, for those wanting a gentle, impactful day with animals, this trip is perfect. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, or anyone short on time but eager to see Kenya’s most iconic wildlife up close.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Close encounters with Rothschild giraffes allow for feeding and photography.
• Interaction with baby elephants offers adorable, memorable moments.
• Educational insights into Kenya’s conservation efforts enrich the experience.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics easy.
• Affordable price point offers great value for access to two iconic wildlife sites.
• No lunch included, so plan accordingly if you wish to eat during or after the tour.

Introduction and Overview

Many travelers to Nairobi find that dedicated wildlife experiences within the city are surprisingly rewarding. This tour, priced at $128 per person, is a compact yet meaningful way to see Kenya’s beloved animals and learn about the ongoing efforts to save them.

We love that it combines two of Nairobi’s most cherished wildlife sites—the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Center—into one day. The experience is designed to be both fun and educational, with plenty of chances for close-up photos and videos. It’s particularly appealing for those short on time but wanting an authentic wildlife encounter without heading into the savannah.

One thing to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t included, so you may want to grab a meal beforehand or afterwards. Also, while the tour is very well-organized, it’s a group experience with a driver and guide, so the atmosphere isn’t private. Still, the convenience of hotel pickup and transport makes logistics one less thing to worry about.

Who will love this? Animal lovers, families with kids, first-time visitors to Nairobi, or anyone interested in conservation stories will find this tour both satisfying and inspiring.

What You Can Expect From the Tour

The Giraffe Center

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel—comfortable, air-conditioned transport taking you directly to the Giraffe Center. Known for its rare Rothschild giraffes, this site offers a rare chance to hand-feed these gentle giants. Reviewers mention that feeding the giraffes is a highlight—you get to hold out leafy snacks and watch their long tongues at work.

The center also provides background on the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. It’s a lively, interactive environment where you can take close-up photos, especially with the giraffes leaning over the feeding platform, providing excellent opportunities for selfies.

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The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Next, you’ll head to the David Sheldrick Trust, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing orphaned elephants. This is where the real heart of the experience happens. Visitors often remark on how adorable the baby elephants are, and the sight of them playing or feeding is genuinely touching.

The Trust also offers insights into conservation challenges facing elephants, like poaching and habitat loss. Many reviews highlight that the guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories about each elephant’s rescue and rehabilitation journeys. With the opportunity to take photos and videos up close, you’ll leave with plenty of adorable memories.

Practical Details

The tour typically lasts around 4-5 hours, including transfers. The transport in a tour van is comfortable, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make it very convenient. Water and soft drinks are provided, keeping you refreshed through the busy morning.

What’s Not Included

While the experience itself is quite comprehensive, keep in mind that Nairobi National Park conservation fees are not included, and there’s no lunch provided. If you’re planning to extend your day, consider packing some snacks or lunch to enjoy afterward.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $128, this day trip packs a lot of value. You’re getting entry to two iconic wildlife sanctuaries, guided insights, and close interactions with animals—experiences that are often more expensive when booked separately. Considering the cost of private safaris, this is an accessible way to see Kenya’s wildlife within the city.

The educational aspect adds further value. Learning about conservation efforts helps frame your animal encounters within their broader environmental context, enriching the experience beyond just cute animal photos.

Authentic Encounters

Unlike crowded zoo visits, the Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Trust emphasize animal welfare and conservation, making your visit both meaningful and responsible. Reviewers mention that guides are approachable and enthusiastic, helping visitors appreciate the importance of each effort.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance to reserve your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Arrive early at the sites to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
• Remember, pets are not allowed, so plan accordingly.
• The tour is conducted in English, so ensure your language skills are sufficient for the guides’ explanations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families with children, as kids love interacting with animals. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors who want an introduction to Kenya’s wildlife before exploring larger national parks.

If you’re short on time but want a meaningful wildlife experience, this tour offers a quick yet impactful glimpse into Kenya’s conservation efforts. It’s less about safari game drives and more about getting up close to the animals and learning their stories.

Anyone interested in animal rescue and conservation will appreciate the educational component. However, if you’re after a traditional safari experience with game drives, you’ll want to add additional excursions to your itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Nairobi David Sheldrick and Giraffe Center day trip offers a delightful mix of wildlife encounters and conservation education that’s accessible and fun. With close interactions with giraffes and adorable elephants, it makes for memorable moments with minimal hassle, thanks to hotel pickup and organized transport.

The tour’s value lies not just in the photos and videos you’ll take, but also in the insights into Kenya’s ongoing efforts to protect its iconic species. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a family-friendly, authentic wildlife experience that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule.

While it doesn’t replace a safari adventure, it serves as a meaningful introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and conservation priorities, making it well worth considering for your Nairobi trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides transport in a comfortable van, including hotel pickup and drop-off, making planning straightforward.

What’s the cost of the tour?
The price is $128 per person, which includes entry to both the Giraffe Center and the Elephant Orphanage, as well as water and soft drinks.

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Yes, Nairobi National Park conservation fees are not included, so if you plan to visit there afterward, you’ll need to arrange or pay for those separately.

Can I take photos at both locations?
Absolutely. Both sites encourage photography, and visitors often comment on how great their photos turn out—especially with the giraffes leaning in close.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, and kids usually love the chance to feed giraffes and see baby elephants up close.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 4-5 hours from pickup to drop-off, covering both sites comfortably.

Do I need to prepare anything for the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera or smartphone for photos. Since lunch isn’t included, plan to eat before or after the tour.

Is there a chance to learn about conservation during the visit?
Yes, guides share insights about the efforts to rescue and care for the animals, making it both fun and educational.

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

This Nairobi day trip offers a practical, engaging, and meaningful way to connect with Kenya’s wildlife and conservation efforts—all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of organized transport. It’s a fantastic option for a short visit or for those eager to see iconic animals close up without leaving the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: