Nairobi: National Park, Elephant Orphanage, & Giraffe Centre

Getting a taste of Nairobi’s wildlife and culture in one day is quite the adventure, and this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Kenya’s vibrant capital. While it’s a package that balances iconic animal encounters with cultural insights, it’s especially suited for travelers who want to see a variety of Nairobi’s best-known sights without breaking the bank.

Three things we particularly like about this experience are: the chance to see baby elephants up close at the Elephant Orphanage, learning about the Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and exploring Karen Blixen’s house—a beautifully preserved slice of history. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, coupled with professional guides, makes it easy to enjoy the day without worries.

One thing to consider: entrance fees to some sites, like Nairobi National Park, aren’t included in the base price, which can add up if you decide to include a game drive. This tour is best for those eager to combine wildlife spotting, cultural heritage, and authentic experiences in Nairobi in a single day.

Key Points

• Diverse experience blending wildlife, history, and culture
• Guided tours provide insightful commentary and local tips
• Flexible options allow choosing which sites to visit
• Good value at $76 per person, especially considering the highlights
• Authentic encounters with elephants and giraffes
• Extra costs for some sites, so plan your budget accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

Starting with Nairobi’s Cultural Heart: Karen Blixen Museum

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, located in the house where the famous author of Out of Africa lived between 1914 and 1931. Walking through this well-preserved home, you’ll get a glimpse of life in colonial Kenya, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Ngong Hills—the very landscape that inspired Blixen’s writing. The house’s collection of farm tools, wagons, tractors, and coffee-processing equipment paint a vivid picture of early 20th-century life.

Reviewers like Kathy appreciated the serenity and charm of the place, mentioning that the outdoor exhibits and gardens make it a great spot for photos or even a relaxed outdoor event. Guides often inform visitors about Blixen’s passion for art, with some tours including a visit to the Karen Art Corner, supporting local artists.

Visiting the Elephant Orphanage

Next, you’ll head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, famed for its rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. The visit runs from 11 am to 12 pm daily, which means timing is important if you want to see the baby elephants being fed. Reviewers like Rahaf and Anthony highlight how engaging this experience is, especially seeing the tiny elephants being fed milk and playing around—an adorable sight that captures the essence of conservation work.

Be aware that the entry fee is around $20 (payable via eCitizen), and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) requires an additional $43 park fee for Nairobi National Park if you choose to extend your visit for a game drive. These fees are separate but worth noting because they significantly add to the overall cost if you opt for a full wildlife experience.

The Giraffe Centre: A Close-Up with Rothschild Giraffes

A short drive from the elephant sanctuary takes you to the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. You’ll get the chance to feed these gentle giants and learn about conservation efforts. Many visitors, including Kathy, mention how the guide’s help in navigating ticket payments (via phone) was appreciated, especially for those unfamiliar with local apps.

The $15 entry fee is reasonable, and the hands-on interaction with the giraffes makes it a highlight—kids and adults alike love the chance to feed such tall, graceful animals up close.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional: Kazuri or Kobe Beads Factory

For those interested, a quick visit to a beads factory—either Kazuri or Kobe—can add a crafty, cultural touch to the day. The reviewers mention that these visits support local artisans, making the experience more than just sightseeing but also contributing to community livelihoods.

Nairobi National Park: The Bonus Wildlife Spotting

While not included in the basic package, many travelers choose to extend their day with a game drive in Nairobi National Park, just outside the city. If you decide to include it, expect to pay an additional $45 (via eCitizen), which covers access to the park. Visitors have reported seeing lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife—sometimes even on a short drive.

Reviewers like David appreciated the intimate feel of the park and the chance to see so many animals up close, especially since the park is just a short drive from the city center. Keep in mind, a game drive might require more time and extra costs, but it’s a great way to round out your day with a true safari experience.

The Practicalities: How the Tour Works

Transport & Group Size

The tour, operated by Day2day Tours and Safaris Ltd, provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. The vehicle is described as spacious and comfortable, suitable for small groups, which enhances the experience by allowing more personalized attention from guides.

Timing & Flexibility

The scheduled start is flexible, with guides offering continuous tours at different times. You get around 1 hour at the Karen Blixen Museum, an hour at the Elephant Orphanage, and about 15 minutes at the Giraffe Centre, with optional extensions. Lunch is at your own expense, giving you the freedom to choose a local eatery that suits your taste and budget.

Cost & Value

At $76 per person, this tour offers a good mix of cultural and wildlife experiences, especially considering the entry fees for sites like the Elephant Orphanage ($20), Giraffe Centre ($15), and Karen Blixen Museum ($15). For travelers wanting a comprehensive Nairobi experience without the hassle of arranging multiple tickets or transport, this package is quite practical.

Additional Costs & Considerations

Note that Nairobi National Park entry fees are not included in the base price, and they’re quite steep at $45, payable via eCitizen. Some reviews mention feeling the overall costs add up, but many agree that seeing the animals in their natural setting justifies the expense.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

From Kathy’s experience, the guides are flexible and attentive, with one reviewer praising guide Erich for making the 10-hour layover trip smooth and enjoyable. She mentions how Erich helped with the logistics, including airport transfers, which can be a huge relief for busy travelers.

Danielle, another reviewer, notes that the experience at Nairobi National Park was “great,” though she was surprised by the extra costs involved—highlighting the importance of being prepared for additional fees. Rahaf appreciated the helpful guide who assisted in paying for tickets via his phone, making the process seamless.

Anthony’s review captures the overall vibe: “It was excellent,” emphasizing the hospitable guides and the chance to see a diversity of animals in one day. Other travelers mention how close-up encounters with giraffes and elephants felt more intimate than larger safaris, thanks to the small group setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers, families, or couples who want a full day exploring Nairobi’s highlights without the complexity of organizing multiple tickets or transportation. It’s perfect for those with limited time who want a diverse snapshot of Kenyan wildlife and history.

If you’re hoping to see big game in a safari setting, be aware that the Nairobi National Park extension requires extra planning and budget, but it’s well worth considering if wildlife is your main focus. The tour’s flexible nature also suits last-minute bookings or travelers with a short layover in Nairobi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the animal encounters, especially at the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage, but check age restrictions with the provider.

How much should I budget for additional site fees?
Expect to pay around $20 for the Elephant Orphanage, $15 for Giraffe Centre, and $15 for Karen Blixen Museum if you choose to visit those sites. Nairobi National Park requires an extra $45 if you plan to include a game drive.

What is the best time of day for the Elephant Orphanage?
The 11 am to 12 pm feeding session is the highlight and tends to be the most lively, so plan your visit around this schedule.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, the tour offers some flexibility, like skipping certain sites or adding a game drive, depending on your interests and time.

How long does the entire tour last?
Typically, it runs around 4 to 6 hours, depending on how many sites you visit and whether you include additional activities.

Are there any language restrictions?
Guides operate mainly in English, making it easy for most travelers to understand and ask questions.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify, so contact the provider in advance if accessibility is a concern.

This Nairobi tour packs a lot into a single day, offering an accessible way to witness some of Kenya’s most loved animals and cultural highlights. The thoughtfully curated stops give travelers a balanced mix of wildlife, history, and authentic local crafts. The guides, praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, truly enhance the experience, making it engaging even for first-time visitors.

While additional entry fees can add up, the overall value remains strong, especially considering the convenience of hotel transfers and small group sizes that foster an intimate, personalized setting. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to make the most of limited time in Nairobi, particularly if wildlife viewing is high on the list.

If you’re after a meaningful, well-organized day that combines conservation awareness, cultural insights, and memorable animal encounters, this tour delivers on all fronts—and leaves you with stories to tell long after the day ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: