Nairobi;Nairobi National Park, Baby Elephant& Giraffe Center

If you’re considering a day of wildlife encounters right in the heart of Kenya’s capital, this tour offers a compelling mix of safari-style adventure and close-up animal experiences. While it doesn’t promise the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, it delivers a rare opportunity to see wildlife against an urban backdrop, blending nature with city life in a way that’s both accessible and memorable.

Three things we really appreciate about this experience are the accessible location, the opportunity to feed giraffes and elephants, and the insightful guides who make each stop informative and engaging. That said, potential travelers should be aware that organization and communication can be improved, as some reviews highlight. Also, the tour’s price, excluding entrance fees and optional feeding experiences, should be considered to assess overall value.

This tour suits nature lovers, families with children, and first-time visitors eager for a quick wildlife fix close to Nairobi’s city center. If you’re after a straightforward, family-friendly introduction to Kenyan fauna, it’s a solid choice—just keep your expectations balanced with the realities of a shorter, more structured safari experience.

Key Points

• Close wildlife encounters with elephants and giraffes in accessible locations.
• Informative guides enhance understanding of animal conservation efforts.
• Flexible booking options allow you to keep plans open until the last minute.
• Inclusion of transportation makes the day hassle-free, with a comfortable open-roof van.
• Entry fees and optional experiences add to the overall cost, so budget accordingly.
• Limited time at each site means you’ll get a snapshot rather than an in-depth visit.
• Weather and timing can influence visibility and animal activity.
• Authentic interaction at the Giraffe Center, including the chance to feed giraffes by hand.
• Authentic stories from guides, like the one reviewer mentioning guide George’s great attitude, add a personal touch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Overview of the Experience

This full-day tour is designed to maximize your wildlife viewing while keeping logistics straightforward. After an early pickup from your Nairobi accommodation—an aspect appreciated by travelers who don’t want to worry about organizing transport—the journey begins with a 4-hour game drive in Nairobi National Park. The van’s open-roof design ensures unobstructed views of the animals and the city skyline behind them, which makes it a visually striking experience.

Nairobi National Park Game Drive

The highlight of this tour is the game drive, lasting up to 11:00 AM. This part provides a taste of Kenya’s rich wildlife—lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos often make appearances, especially during the early hours when animals are most active. Traveling in a van with a pop-up roof is a practical choice, allowing you to stand comfortably for better spotting opportunities. Our source review mentions that guide/driver George was “great” at spotting animals and sharing interesting facts. However, some travelers note that organization and communication could be improved, which might mean that the timing and coordination of each stop vary.

Giraffe Center Visit

After the game drive, the tour continues with a visit to the Giraffe Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, you’ll learn about giraffe conservation efforts and, under supervision, have the chance to feed giraffes by hand—a truly memorable experience. The Giraffe Center costs $15 per person, and many find the interaction a highlight, especially for children or animal enthusiasts.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Next, the focus shifts to baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This orphanage plays a crucial role in rehabilitating elephants and rhinos, and it’s a great place to learn about conservation challenges. Visitors can see baby elephants being fed milk from bottles—a heartwarming sight—and listen to stories from the keepers about how each baby was orphaned. The entrance fee here is $43 for adults, with a smaller fee for children, and the place is popular for its intimate and educational atmosphere.

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Cost and Value Considerations

The $65 per person price covers pickup, drop-off, and transport in a comfortable van, along with bottled water and the guide’s expertise. Nevertheless, the park entrance fee ($43), and optional activities such as the Baby Elephant area ($20) and Giraffe Center ($15), are additional. Comparing this to other options, you’re paying mainly for convenience and guided insights, which many travelers find worth it, especially those unfamiliar with Nairobi.

Timing and Logistics

Starting early ensures good animal sightings during the game drive, but keep in mind that the total tour lasts about 6–7 hours. The tour’s structure allows for a quick but comprehensive visit to Nairobi’s most famous wildlife spots, making it ideal for those with limited time. The guide’s knowledge significantly enhances the experience, as was highlighted by a reviewer who praised George’s professionalism.

What We Love & What to Keep in Mind

Many travelers find the guided commentary at each site to be one of the tour’s strengths. Guides often share fascinating insights about animal behavior and conservation challenges, making each stop more meaningful. The opportunity to feed giraffes by hand is especially popular, offering a personal connection to these gentle giants.

On the downside, some reviews suggest that organization could be smoother—timing for each activity may feel rushed, and communication about schedules can sometimes be vague. If you’re someone who prefers a highly structured or leisurely experience, you might find the shorter visit at each location a bit limiting.

The cost is reasonable, considering it covers transportation and guided expertise, but additional fees for entry and optional experiences can add up. For travelers who want a more in-depth or exclusive experience, exploring full-day or private safaris might be worth the extra investment.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour offers a practical, family-friendly way to see some of Kenya’s most beloved animals without venturing far from Nairobi. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick wildlife fix, or families with young children eager to engage with animals in a manageable setting.

If you value guided insights and interactions with animals, this experience delivers. The open-roof vehicle adds a fun, immersive element to the game drive, and the visits to the Giraffe Center and Elephant Orphanage provide educational value and heartwarming moments. However, travelers seeking an in-depth safari or a more luxurious experience may find the short duration and additional costs limiting.

Overall, it’s a good choice for those who want a balanced, accessible introduction to Kenya’s wildlife, combined with an appreciation for conservation efforts and a touch of adventure—all within easy reach of Nairobi.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6–7 hours, including travel, game drive, and visits to the Giraffe Center and Elephant Orphanage.

What is included in the price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, transportation in a van with a pop-up roof, bottled water, and the guide’s expertise.

Are park entrance fees included?
No, the park entrance fee ($43) is additional and payable on the day of the tour.

Can I feed the giraffes?
Yes, for $15 per person, you have the option to feed giraffes by hand at the Giraffe Center.

Is there an opportunity to see baby elephants?
Absolutely, at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can see baby elephants being fed and learn about their rescue stories.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the animal encounters, especially feeding giraffes and seeing baby elephants.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, comfortable clothes, and camera gear. Some optional feeding experiences cost extra, so bring cash if interested.

How organized is the tour?
Most travelers find the guides knowledgeable and friendly, but some reviews mention that the schedule can feel rushed or slightly disorganized.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, this tour provides an accessible, engaging introduction to Nairobi’s wildlife and conservation efforts. With knowledgeable guides, opportunities to get up close with animals, and the convenience of transportation, it’s well-suited for those looking for a practical yet memorable day out. Just remember to factor in additional costs and the possibly brisk pace to ensure it matches your travel style.

You can check availability for your dates here: