Giraffe Center & Elephant Orphanage Guided Day Tour
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore Nairobi City visiting the Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage a must do activities in Nairobi. Get an outstanding experience getting up close and personal with Rothschild Giraffes at an eye level, seeing baby elephants at the elephant orphanage, see them feed the young baby elephants on bottled milk as you take selfies. You can adopt a baby elephant here. This is one of the most informative and moving short tours within Nairobi city.
Available options
Giraffe Center & Elephant Orphanage Guided Day Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Pick up and drop off from Nairobi Airport/hotel
Small Group Tour
Transport in a private vehicle
Elephant Orphanage entrance fee
Giraffe center entrance fee
What you'll see
The tour start by picking you from Nairobi Airport or your Nairobi Hotel. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, the headquarter for the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife made famous by "Daisy Rothschild", a giraffe calf rescued from Soi, on the Western Kenya border. Daisy and her family form only a small part of a herd of these gentle giants, living in a semi wild state at Giraffe Manor. You will also learn their behaviours, traits and more conservation education. These animals will come to a protecting wall to be fed.
The next step is David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - Tour Elephant Orphanage a walk through the little center from 11am - 12pm in an open space, with a rope fence around it. The youngest elephants come trotting out of the bush to greet their keepers who stand at the ready with giant bottles of milk. For the next 10-15 minutes you can watch each little one slurp and gargle their milk. When they're done, there's water to play with and keepers to nudge and get hugs from. While you get to watch them play and take photos. You find out how old they were when they arrived at the orphanage, where they were rescued from, and what got them into trouble. The most common reasons for getting orphaned being: mother's poached, falling into wells, and human/wildlife conflict. Once the youngest are all fed, they are led back into the bush, and it's the turn of the 2-3 year olds. Some of them can feed themselves, and some are still fed by their keepers. It's very cute to watch them hold their giant milk bottles in their trunks and close their eyes with joy as they make quick work of several gallons of milk.
You will then be dropped off back to the Airport or your Nairobi Hotel
What's not included
Lunch
Pay extra for Nairobi National park which is mandatory to access elephant orphanage
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
6 reviews
5★
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
To Pay an extra $85 per person for Nairobi National park which is mandatory if visiting elephant orphanage
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.
Top Attractions
Nairobi National Park
This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Nature
Half day to full day
KES 400-1000
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.
Historical
2-3 hours
KES 500-1000
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.
Cultural
2-3 hours
KES 500-1500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.
Main Course
Contains meat
Ugali
A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Coffee tasting
Spas
Picnics
Museum visits
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
June to October
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: English, Swahili
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Nairobi Railway Station
By bus
Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Westlands
Karen
Day trips
Lake Naivasha
90 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
Mount Longonot
80 km from Nairobi • Full day
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park
160 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.
Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair • July
Nairobi Film Festival • October
Kenyatta Day • June 1
Pro tips
- Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
- Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
