Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre

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Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Nairobi and want a taste of Africa’s iconic wildlife without venturing far from the city, this tour offers a compelling option. It combines a safari experience with visits to two of the most beloved conservation centers in Kenya—the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert guides who know exactly how to position you for great sightings. Second, the up-close interactions with giraffes and baby elephants that create memorable moments. Lastly, the excellent value—a full day of activities for just $38 per person, not including entry fees.

Of course, there are some considerations. The transportation is in a smaller van rather than a larger land cruiser, which might mean a slightly less luxurious ride, especially on rough terrain. Also, the park entrance fee isn’t included in the price, so budget accordingly.

This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families with kids, or anyone keen on seeing Kenya’s animals in their natural habitat without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Wildlife Close-Ups: Guides are highly skilled at spotting animals, ensuring you see lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more.
Conservation Focus: Visits support vital projects like the Elephant Orphanage, making your trip meaningful.
Value for Money: At $38, including transportation and guided commentary, it offers great bang for your buck.
Flexible & Organized: With options to reserve and pay later, plus full-day scheduling, it’s accessible and well-run.
Authentic Experiences: Feeding giraffes and observing baby elephants foster genuine, heartfelt moments.
Quality Guides: Praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to enhance the safari experience.

Looking for more options in Nairobi? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with Nairobi National Park

The day kicks off with a pickup in a safari vehicle that features a pop-up roof—perfect for wildlife spotting. The park itself is a surprising sight: an urban wilderness where you can see giraffes munching on trees, lions lounging, and rhinos grazing—all with Nairobi’s skyline behind them.

Many reviews highlight the skill of the guides, like Kevin and Harrison, who seem to excel at finding wildlife that might be missed by less experienced eyes. One review even mentions a guide Douglas who “maneuvered the van into the perfect position to get close” to a lion, demonstrating real talent.

The group size is often small—sometimes just a few people—giving you a more intimate experience and more chances for personalized spotting tips. The terrain can be rough, but guides are praised for their ability to navigate ditches and muddy patches without fuss.

The Safari Drive: What You’ll See

Expect a variety of animals during your game drive. Reviews consistently mention sightings of lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, buffalo, and even elusive big cats like leopards or hunting lions—especially early in the day when animals are most active.

The guides’ keen eyes and strategic positioning mean you’re likely to come very close to many animals, often resulting in fantastic photo opportunities. One reviewer shared that their guide “worked hard to find animals” and that they saw “giraffes, hippos, buffalo, lions, rhinos, and more”.

The vehicle’s open roof allows for unobstructed views, which makes a huge difference when trying to capture photos or simply appreciate the scenery. The safari lasts several hours, often more than the estimated 6-7 hours, giving you ample time to explore and enjoy.

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Visiting the Elephant Orphanage

After the game drive, the tour continues with a visit to the Elephant Orphanage, operated by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Here, you’re treated to the adorable spectacle of baby elephants being fed and playing in mud baths—an experience that many reviews describe as “heartwarming” and “wonderful.”

The orphanage not only offers cute moments but also serves as a vital conservation effort. Guides share stories of rescued elephants, explaining the challenges they face in the wild and how this facility helps prepare them for life back in the wild. One reviewer noted that “seeing the rescued elephants and learning about conservation made the experience very meaningful.”

There's plenty more to explore in Nairobi

The Giraffe Centre Experience

Feeding giraffes is a highlight for many travelers. You’ll stand eye-to-eye with these tall, graceful creatures as they lean down to take treats from your hand. Reviewers rave about the “majestic” and “beautiful” giraffes, with some saying it’s “absolutely unforgettable.”

The Giraffe Centre offers a chance to learn about the conservation of the endangered Rothschild giraffes, with guides explaining the importance of preserving this iconic species. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to get so close to the animals and take memorable photos.

Additional Stops and Cultural Touches

Some tours include a visit to a women empowerment beads and leather center, where you can learn about local crafts and support community projects. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was “helpful in explaining the history” and that the experience added cultural depth to the day.

Practical Details

The entire day is conveniently organized, with pickup and drop-off included in the booking. You’ll travel in a comfortable vehicle with bottled water provided, ensuring you stay refreshed. Entry fees for the park, elephant orphanage, and giraffe center are paid separately—approximately $43, $20, and $15 respectively.

Most guides are multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, or French, which broadens accessibility. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to rough terrain, but overall, it’s designed for a wide range of travelers.

What Do Reviewers Say?

Reviews consistently emphasize the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with many mentioning guides like Kelvin, John, and Harrison as making a difference. Many say they saw “all the animals they hoped for” and appreciated how guides “helped take good pictures” and shared interesting facts.

Valuable insights include the observation that the vehicle is smaller than a typical land cruiser, which some found perfectly fine but others noted as a slight difference. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the experience is excellent value for the price.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed introduction to Kenya’s wildlife, especially suited for those who want to experience the essence of an African safari while staying close to Nairobi. The mix of wildlife viewing, conservation education, and hands-on animal interactions makes it both fun and meaningful.

It’s particularly ideal for families, first-time visitors, or travelers on a budget who still want quality. With highly praised guides, a flexible booking system, and diverse activities, this trip guarantees a day full of memorable moments and wildlife encounters.

Overall, if you’re seeking an affordable, authentic, and well-organized safari experience that supports conservation efforts, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off in a safari vehicle equipped with a pop-up roof, included in the overall experience.

What are the additional costs I should budget for?
You should budget around $43 for Nairobi National Park entrance, $20 for the Elephant Orphanage, and $15 for the Giraffe Centre. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I reserve my spot and pay later?
Absolutely. The tour offers a “reserve & pay later” option, giving you flexibility to book now and settle closer to your travel date.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews indicate it’s family-friendly, especially with opportunities to feed giraffes and see baby elephants. However, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to rough terrain.

How long does the tour last?
Typically, it’s a full-day experience, often exceeding 6 hours, including travel, game drive, and visits to the centers.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and French, ensuring accessibility for diverse travelers.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
Most sightings happen early in the day when animals are most active, so a morning start is ideal. The tour’s flexible timing allows you to choose based on your schedule.

Final Words

This Nairobi tour, combining a wildlife safari, elephant rehabilitation center, and giraffe feeding, offers genuine value and memorable experiences. The guides’ expertise makes spotting animals easier and more enjoyable, and the chance to interact with Kenya’s iconic creatures makes it special.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, this full-day adventure delivers a taste of Africa’s natural beauty in a convenient, affordable package. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking authentic encounters, conservation awareness, and a fun-filled day amid Nairobi’s vibrant landscape.