Nairobi: National Park, Elephant Orphanage, & Giraffe Center

Exploring Nairobi’s highlights in a single day offers a fantastic way to get a taste of Kenya’s vibrant wildlife and local community. This tour from PROBE AFRICA SAFARIS LTD combines wildlife viewing, educational encounters, and cultural insights—all in one seamless experience.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the mix of wildlife and animal care, especially the chance to see African animals in their natural habitat during a 4-hour game drive. The visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is heartwarming, giving you a close-up look at adorable baby elephants. The Giraffe Center offers a uniquely interactive experience, feeding giraffes and learning about conservation efforts. Plus, the inclusion of a crafts factory tour adds a local flavor that enriches the day.

One potential consideration is the cost of entry fees, which aren’t included in the base price. For those on a tight budget, this might add up, but it’s worth noting that the price covers transportation, guided assistance, and some local factory visits. This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families, and anyone eager to explore the best of Nairobi in a day without sacrificing depth or quality.

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Key Points

Comprehensive experience: Combines wildlife, animal rescue, and cultural visits in a single day.
Wildlife close-up: Enjoy a 4-hour game drive with chances to see lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and more.
Unique animal encounters: Feed and learn about elephants and giraffes in their sanctuaries.
Local craftsmanship: Visit a beads and leather factory to explore Kenyan artisan skills.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing insights and stories.
Additional fees: Entry costs are extra, so budget accordingly for park and sanctuary fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of Your Nairobi Day Tour

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Morning Pickup and Early Start

The tour kicks off early, with pickup between 5:30am and 6:00am. This early start is crucial for avoiding the mid-morning traffic and maximizing your time in the parks. As you settle into the comfortable van with a pop-up roof—perfect for wildlife viewing—you’ll appreciate how smoothly the day begins, especially with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Nairobi National Park: The Heart of the Day

The highlight for many is the 4-hour game drive through Nairobi National Park. Despite its proximity to the city, the park offers impressive wildlife sightings. Expect to see lions lounging in the grass, herds of giraffes nibbling treetops, and zebras crossing open plains. Bird watchers will enjoy the variety of avian species fluttering overhead.

Guests who’ve experienced the park with guides note that the guides are well-informed and passionate about wildlife. One reviewer shared, “Our guide was fantastic, recognizing animals instantly and sharing interesting facts that made the game drive more engaging.” The park also houses rare black rhinos, which are a special sighting, though not guaranteed.

The van’s design, with its elevated roof, ensures good visibility for photos and spotting animals from a distance. Keep your camera ready; moments like a cheetah stalking across the grass or a herd of buffalo crossing are unforgettable.

Visiting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Post game drive, the tour moves on to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This sanctuary is renowned for caring for orphaned elephants rescued from poaching or human-wildlife conflict. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see these gentle giants up close.

The highlight? Watching the adorable baby elephants being fed milk, a scene described as both touching and educational. The staff shares stories of rescue efforts and conservation work, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Kenya’s wildlife challenges and successes.

The entry fee of $20 per person is additional, but many feel it’s a small price for such a meaningful experience. Reviewers often mention how the guides are eager to answer questions and provide insight into ongoing conservation efforts.

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The Giraffe Center Experience

Next, the tour brings you to the Giraffe Center, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, you can interact directly with these tall, graceful animals—feeding them from your hand and learning about their habitat and conservation.

Guests report that feeding the giraffes is a fun, memorable activity. It’s an excellent opportunity for photos and for children to connect with wildlife. The guide may share interesting facts, like how these giraffes are part of a successful breeding program aimed at saving the species.

The entrance fee here is $15, so factoring that into your budget is wise. Visitors often mention that the staff at the Giraffe Center are friendly, passionate, and eager to educate visitors.

There's plenty more to explore in Nairobi

Local Crafts and Cultural Insights

The day wraps up with a visit to the Kobe Beads Factory, where artisans craft traditional Kenyan beads and leather products. This stop offers a chance to purchase souvenirs directly from the creators and learn about local crafts. From vibrant bead necklaces to leather wallets, the factory showcases Kenya’s talented artisanship.

Guests report that the factory tour is informative and a nice cultural touchpoint, often one of the quieter moments of the day where you can reflect on what you’ve experienced so far.

Returning to Your Hotel

After a full day of wildlife, wildlife rescue, and cultural exploration, the tour concludes with drop-off back at your hotel. The timing is flexible, but most guests find the return around late afternoon, giving ample time to relax or plan the next activity.

Cost and Value

The $209 per person price covers transportation, guided commentary, bottled water, and the factory visit. However, park and sanctuary entry fees are extra—around $60 for Nairobi National Park, $20 for the Elephant Orphanage, and $15 for the Giraffe Center. While adding these costs, many guests feel the overall experience offers excellent value for a comprehensive day tour in Nairobi.

Considering the quality of guides and the diversity of experiences packed into one day, this tour offers a great balance. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors wanting an all-in-one introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and conservation efforts without the need for multiple bookings.

Practical Tips

Arrive early to make the most of your game drive.
Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and binoculars if possible.
Budget for the additional entry fees.
Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as spots fill quickly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day experience is perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone wanting an efficient yet meaningful introduction to Nairobi’s natural treasures. The mix of game drives, animal sanctuaries, and cultural visits appeals to those interested in conservation and local craftsmanship.

If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded experience, this tour offers great value. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer guided excursions that remove the stress of organizing transport and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, making the experience hassle-free.

How long is the game drive in Nairobi National Park?
The game drive lasts approximately 4 hours, with plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of animals.

What animals can I expect to see during the game drive?
Expect to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and possibly the rare black rhino.

Are the entry fees included in the tour price?
No, entry fees are additional—around $60 for Nairobi National Park, $20 for Elephant Orphanage, and $15 for the Giraffe Center.

Can I feed the animals at the sanctuary and Giraffe Center?
Yes, at the Elephant Orphanage, you can watch baby elephants being fed, and at the Giraffe Center, you can feed the giraffes from a feeding platform.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, children generally enjoy feeding the giraffes and watching the animals. The guides are friendly and engaging for all ages.

Do I need to pay upfront or can I reserve and pay later?
You can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

This Nairobi tour offers a well-rounded day that balances wildlife encounters with cultural insights. It’s practical, engaging, and a wonderful way to appreciate Kenya’s natural beauty and conservation efforts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’re likely to find this experience enriching and memorable.