Nature on your doorstep in Nairobi
Visiting Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city but, beyond the urban pace that comes with city living, Nairobi is the only capital city in the world to house a national park. So it’s been given the nickname of the ‘safari capital of Kenya.’
Nestled between all of the vibrant experiences this city offers, you are treated to an abundance of nature right on your doorstep. So, if you are doing a trip in or through Nairobi, check out our top three spots you can’t miss whilst spending a few days there:
Giraffe Centre
Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust (elephants and rhinos)
Nairobi National Park (see the big 5)
You simply can’t come to Nairobi without visiting Giraffe Centre.
This is one of the only chances you will probably ever have, of getting right next to rescued and orphaned giraffes, including the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. And…you get to feed them!
This was a true highlight for us in Kenya and with an incredible story behind it!
Giraffe Centre was founded in 1979 by couple Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. They began the Giraffe Centre after discovering the sad plight of the Rothschild Giraffe, a subspecies of the giraffe found only in the grasslands of East Africa. Due to habitat loss, there were only 130 of them left in the wild.
The started a breeding programme, on their land in Nairobi, which became the inception for Giraffe Centre today. From building the 60-acre sanctuary in Nairobi, to having now re-introduced hundreds of Rothschild Giraffe’s back into the wild of Kenya’s national parks, Giraffe Centre literally saved a species from extinction.
1. Giraffe Centre
Giraffe Manor vs Giraffe Centre
Now this was a big question we asked ourselves before travelling to Nairobi. To stay at the giraffe hotel or not?
Fancy waking up to giraffes outside your window? Or sharing breakfast with a giraffe that pops their head through to wish you a good morning?
This is what guests can get access to, staying at Giraffe Manor. We can’t argue that this historic building, one of the most iconic locations in the whole of Kenya, creates an experience like no other for its guests, but is it worth the $2000/night price tag to stay here?
If you’ve got the money! Why not! Unfortunately we didn’t…
But, we found that the giraffes at Giraffe Centre are all part of the reserve where Giraffe Manor happens to be. And they are free to roam as they like, so whether you choose to splash out on a once in a lifetime stay or head over to the rehabilitation centre itself, you are guaranteed to have a hands on, face-to-face experience with the giraffes in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi.
A Morning At Giraffe Centre
When we turned up to Giraffe Centre, it cost us 1500 ksh ($12) per person to get in which we thought was unbelievably cheap, considering your admission directly supports the ongoing conservation efforts of the centre.
As we walked through the entrance and down the path, we could already see long necks and heads bobbing in the background
A representative from Giraffe Centre offered us each a bowl that we filled with the health supplement food that made up part of the giraffes’ diets here, and we then approached the clearing, as instructed, and watched as three large females came bounding over towards us: Daisy, Betty and Salma.
One of the volunteers showed us how to hold the food and then the ladies did the rest. Feeling a giraffe’s tongue, wrapped around your hand, is an experience you definitely can’t prepare for! Firstly, they are known as prehensile, meaning they have muscular control to be able to grab things with them (imagine them pulling leaves off of an acacia tree whilst missing the thorns). So this very long, slightly wet, slightly rough hand engulfed our hands, grabbed what it wanted and then backed up.
It was incredible! Just spending time with these three giraffes gave us a huge glimpse into their world, their unique personalities and the importance of centres like this one. Daisy and Salma were much more forward, energetic and keen to get to the goods, whereas Betty was so gentle, so soft, and enjoyed a light face rub as she took her food.
After enjoying our time with the girls, we were interrupted by the gentle giant, Ed, who came over for his fill of the treats. We walked up to a higher platform to feed Ed, because he was so tall. At this higher elevation, we were eyelevel with this huge, beautiful creature and instantly took a liking to gentle Ed.
Accompanied by one of the volunteers, we learned all about the conservation efforts of the site, got to see the newborn baby that had just been born, days before, and understand the unique story of each of the giraffes we came into contact with during our morning there.
In an effort to spend as much time as possible with them, we went to a bench, and then had our lunch just watching as the giraffes went about their day to day, in their small community.
2. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Want to meet the gentle giants of Africa up close in an ethical, sustainable way?
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Africa’s oldest charities, is best known for its Orphans' Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.
The SWT operates a digital foster program which allows individuals to support their field projects by fostering an orphaned elephant, rhino or giraffe in their care. And you can also go and visit them whilst in Nairobi.
Visiting SWT
SWT are in the process of creating an online booking tool but, in the meantime, you have to make an appointment to visit the orphanage.
You can do this via their Nairobi office using the below information:
Contact Number: +254 (0) 202 301 396
Contact Form: Link
For all bookings, payment is made in cash (or MPESA) on the day of your visit.
Rates are:
2,000 Ksh / US$20 per person aged 12 years and above
500 Ksh / US$5 for children under 12 years of age
3. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi is the World’s only wildlife capital, housing a national park in the city. So you don’t have to venture far to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat, spanning out over 117 square kilometres.
Quick teaser for you: can you name the Big 5?
The accessibility from the city centre means Nairobi National Park can be done self-driving, on a tour, or by booking game drives from the gate.
You’ll be met with open grass plains, with Nairobi city centre as the backdrop, as well as over 100 animals species (including the critically endangered black rhino) and 400 bird species in the park.
Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.
Remember: animals are most active in the early morning and later in the evening. Aim to visit early in the day or later on for the best chance to see something exciting. Make use of the campsites to get the most out of your vist.
Rates and Fees
As of 2023, current entry rates for international visitors are as follows:
Adult: $43
Child: $22
Vehicle fee (under 6 seats): 300 KSH
Kenya Wildlife Service are cashless payment but you can pay with most major credit cards.
