Nairobi National Park, Elephant Santuary & Giraffe center.

If you’re short on time but eager to see some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife, this tour offers a practical way to squeeze in a wildlife adventure without leaving Nairobi. From spotting the Big 5 in a surprisingly lush urban park to feeding gentle giraffes and baby elephants, it’s a day packed with memorable moments.

Three things we love about this experience are the close proximity of the sites, which makes for a seamless day; the chance to interact directly with giraffes and elephants, which turns sightseeing into a hands-on experience; and the affordable price point that offers great value for a full wildlife encounter.

That said, one consideration is the timing of the elephant sanctuary visit, which is limited to just one hour a day — so planning ahead is key to making sure you don’t miss out. This tour is best suited for travelers with a few hours in Nairobi, especially those who want an authentic wildlife experience without venturing far outside the city.

Key Points

• Close to the city: Nairobi National Park is only 7 km from the city center, making it a convenient escape for wildlife lovers.
• Interactive experiences: Feeding giraffes and elephants makes this tour both fun and memorable.
• Cost-effective: At $120, it combines multiple attractions into one day at a reasonable price.
• Wildlife diversity: Spot the Big 5, plus over 200 bird species.
• Limited but meaningful: The elephant sanctuary visit is only an hour, but offers a unique chance to see baby elephants and rhinos up close.
• Great views: Enjoy stunning city skyline vistas from the parks and the Giraffe Center.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Overview of the Tour

This tour, operated by Cedar Tours and Safaris, offers a well-rounded introduction to Nairobi’s wildlife treasures. It starts with a pickup from your hotel or the airport, setting the tone for a hassle-free day. The drive to Nairobi National Park takes approximately 15 minutes from central Nairobi, so you’re not losing valuable time in transit.

Nairobi National Park

Once inside, your guide will facilitate the entry fee payment, which is around $43 if paid by credit card. The park itself is remarkably close to the urban hustle, providing a striking contrast between the city skyline and sprawling savannah.

Expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours on game drives, during which you’ll be on the lookout for lions, cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, buffalo, ostriches, and a variety of antelope species. The guides are highly experienced, often pointing out subtle animal tracks or bird species you might not notice on your own. We’ve read reviews mentioning guides who are both knowledgeable and engaging, making the game drive more enjoyable.

Elephant Sanctuary

After the game drive, you’ll head directly to the Elephant Orphanage, situated within the park. This saves an extra fee and makes for a more efficient schedule. The sanctuary is only open for one hour daily, so arriving early is recommended for a better view of the baby elephants and rhinos.

Here, you’ll get to see young elephants being fed, playing in the mud, and wallowing in water with the wardens. Visitors often remark on how adorable and lively these baby animals are — “Getting so close to the elephants was a highlight,” one reviewer shared. Learning about their rescue stories and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts makes this stop both fun and meaningful.

Lunch Break

Following the sanctuary visit, many travelers opt for a quick lunch — either bringing their own or enjoying a meal at a nearby spot recommended by the driver. The tour doesn’t include lunch, but the driver can suggest local options where you can sample traditional Kenyan dishes like nyama choma or ugali.

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Giraffe Center

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the Giraffe Center which is open until 5:30 p.m. It’s here that you’ll get an up-close experience with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. You can feed them with your own hands, take photos, and learn about conservation efforts. One reviewer loved the chance to “hand-feed the giraffes and get a really good look at their long tongues,” which makes for a captivating experience.

While at the center, you’ll enjoy skyline views of the Giraffe Manor hotel, adding a touch of luxury to the scenery. Spending about 45 minutes to an hour here is enough to appreciate the gentle giants and snap some fantastic photos.

Drop-off & Final Notes

At the end of the day, your guide will drop you back at your hotel, airport, or residence. The entire experience is designed for efficiency but also offers enough time to soak in the sights and sounds of Nairobi’s wildlife.

What’s Included & Not?

Included in the $120 price tag:

• Wi-Fi onboard (just ask your driver to turn it on)
• Entry fees to the Elephant Sanctuary and Giraffe Center
• Pickup and dropoff at your hotel or airport
• Reserved entry to the Elephant Orphanage
• Bottled water to keep hydrated

Excluded costs:

• The Nairobi National Park entry fee (about $43, payable by credit card)
• Lunch and gratuities

Practical Tips & Tricks

• Book ahead to secure your entrance to the Elephant Sanctuary, which is limited to one hour daily.
• Arrive early at the sanctuary for a better chance of a close encounter with the elephants.
• Bring snacks or breakfast if you want to maximize your time, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Ask your guide about the best spots for photos, especially at the Giraffe Center, where the skyline view is a bonus.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and sitting in a vehicle.
• Keep your camera ready — wildlife sightings can be spontaneous and rewarding.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for short-stay visitors wanting a snapshot of Kenya’s rich wildlife without a multi-day safari. It’s also ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or those with limited time but eager to see diverse animals and learn about conservation efforts. If you enjoy hands-on encounters with animals and scenic views combined with a hassle-free schedule, this tour should be on your list.

The Sum Up

This Nairobi tour packs a lot into a few hours, offering a balanced mix of game-viewing, animal interaction, and scenic spots. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge, adding depth to the experience without overwhelming. The value is clear, given the inclusion of entry fees and the convenience of pickup and drop-off.

While it’s not a full-day safari, it delivers a memorable glimpse into Kenya’s wildlife both within and just outside the city. If you want an authentic, fun, and educational experience that’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary, this tour provides excellent bang for your buck.

For those seeking a quick but meaningful wildlife adventure, enhanced by stunning views and genuine animal interactions, this trip is a compelling choice. Just remember to plan your timings well to make the most of the limited hours at the sanctuary.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children typically enjoy feeding giraffes and seeing the baby elephants, making it a family-friendly option.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour generally lasts around 6 hours, including travel, game drive, sanctuary visits, and drop-off.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes suitable for outdoor activities and layers if the weather is cool. Closed shoes are recommended for walking.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the tour is structured, some guides may be able to accommodate special requests if arranged in advance.

Are there opportunities for photos?
Absolutely — the giraffe feeding, animal sightings, and skyline views provide fantastic photo ops.

Do I need to bring cash?
Entry fees and optional meals are usually paid via card or cash; check with your guide beforehand.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers find this tour enjoyable, as it’s a group experience that offers a good social atmosphere.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here: