6 daysNairobi
6 Day Masai Mara, Mara River and Giraffe Centre by World of Wild
5.0(11)Free cancellation
from$2,000
Photo: Jorge Láscar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsGiraffe Centre, Nairobi
Nairobi
The Giraffe Centre in Karen, Nairobi, was set up in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife to save the Rothschild's giraffe, then down to a few hundred in Kenya. Its breeding programme has returned giraffes to parks such as Lake Nakuru, and today it is one of Nairobi's most popular sights.
From a raised wooden platform you can feed the giraffes pellets at eye level, and learn about them from the centre's guides.
What to expect
- Feeding platform: Staff hand out pellets, and the giraffes lean in for them. Some will take a pellet from your lips.
- Talks: Guides explain the giraffes' behaviour and the centre's conservation work.
- Nature trail: A walk through the Gogo River Bird Sanctuary across the road, for birds and quiet forest.
- Giraffe Manor: The famous hotel next door, where giraffes visit the breakfast room, is for overnight guests only.
Combining it
The Giraffe Centre is about 15 minutes from the Sheldrick elephant orphanage and close to the Karen Blixen Museum. Visit the orphanage at 11am, have lunch in Karen, and come here in the afternoon when it's quieter. See our Nairobi stopover guide.
Tip: Go in the afternoon to avoid school groups, which often visit in the morning.
Practical information
| Fee | KES 1,500 adults, KES 750 ages 3 to 12, under 3s free |
| Opening hours | 9am to 5pm daily |
| Run by | The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) |
| Location | Karen, about 15 minutes from the elephant orphanage |
| Time needed | About an hour |
Who it suits
Families, photographers and anyone with a spare hour in Nairobi. It's a small centre, so don't expect a safari experience: the appeal is getting very close to the giraffes. Fees go towards conservation education for Kenyan schoolchildren.
Where it is
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Giraffe Centre, Nairobi: questions
How much is the Giraffe Centre?
KES 1,500 for non resident adults and KES 750 for children aged 3 to 12; under 3s are free.
What are the Giraffe Centre opening hours?
9am to 5pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.
Can you stay with the giraffes?
Giraffe Manor next door is a hotel where giraffes visit at breakfast, but it's only open to overnight guests.