Lonely Planet listed Nairobi as one of the best destinations in 2024. And trust me, there’s a lot to see and experience in this thriving African city. But here’s the truth – exotic wildlife is getting extinct, and fortunately, you still have time to see some of the most exciting creatures mother nature presents to the world. I am talking about the Giraffes at Giraffe Center Nairobi.
We all get crazy about the big cats, the Rhinos, and Buffalo, but we forget how gracious the Giraffes are. It’s safe to say that the giraffes are the closest thing alive today to the sauropods. They are wild but graceful and harmless.
At the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, you’ll get to see these cool herbivores and the magnificence of their graceful strides. Best of all – visitors get to feed these iconic creatures. Forget what you might have seen in Jurrasic Park (1993). Giraffes don’t bite. They might be huge, but they are also the most humble creatures in Africa.
Brief Background About the Giraffe Center Nairobi
Here’s the truth. The Giraffe Center in Nairobi is actually called The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) Giraffe Centre, but it’s locally and popularly known as the Giraffe Center.
The Giraffe Center isn’t just an animal center in Nairobi that welcomes visitors. Its core objective is protecting an endangered species of Giraffe—the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The Rothschild giraffe isn’t your normal giraffe. It’s a rare breed of the species that doesn’t have the iconic giraffe pattern below the knee.
Giraffe Center Nairobi Location
Unlike other animal shelters that are located a few miles away from the Central Business District in Nairobi, Kenya – the Giraffe Center in Nairobi is located in Langata, along Duma road, just a few minutes from the City Center.
Langata is an urban neighborhood in Nairobi, about 30 minutes away (by public transportation) from the city center during rush hour. During normal times, public transportation takes less than 20 minutes. If you are visiting the Giraffe Center in Nairobi from the Westlands area, you can use the Nairobi Express Way (Toll service road) and get to your destination quicker.
How to Get to Giraffe Center
If you are visiting the Giraffe Center in Nairobi via the Central Business District, the easiest way is to get to Kenyatta Avenue and connect to Ngong Road via Valley Road. Drive to Langata Road through Kabarnet Close, then Join Koitobos Road. Branch off at Duma Road. The Giraffe Center is located along Duma Road.
Giraffe Center Entrance fee
The Giraffe Center is a conservation center for the Rothschild giraffe. It also welcomes visitors to see these magnificent endangered wild animals—but at a fee. The entrance fee helps run the facility, ensuring the animals are well cared for and available for visitors to enjoy in the future.
The Girrafe Center entrance fees are as follows:
Non-resident visitors (Adults): KES 1,500
Non-resident Children (3 years – 12 years): KES 750
Resident Adults: KES 400
Resident Children (3 – 12 years): KES 200 (Free for children below 3 years old).
Schools: Free (if the booking was made 1 week in advance).
PS: According to the facility, residents are citizens of Kenya or members (countries) of the EAC (East African Community) with valid work permits).
Best Time to Visit Giraffe Center
The Giraffe Center Nairobi is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. School groups, and institutions need to book in advance (one to two weeks) and will be slotted in a preferred day to visit between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For first-time visitors, it’s advisable to experience the entire Giraffe Center experience, which begins at the Nairobi National Park (8 am to 11 am), just a few minutes from the City Center. The tour includes a brief stopover at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage (11 am—12 pm) and, lastly, the Giraffe Center (12 pm—5 pm).
The best time to visit the Giraffe Center is in the afternoon, preferably between 12 pm and 5 pm (it’s less crowded since schools are slotted between 9 am and 12 pm).
Full-day itinerary for Giraffe Center:
If you are in Nairobi and would like to experience a full wildlife experience within the city limits, the following itinerary will suit your Nairobi Adventure.
Nairobi National Park Drive: 8 am to 11 am.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage: 11 am – 12 pm
Giraffe Center: 12 pm – 5 pm.
Giraffe Center Nairobi Activities
There’s a lot you can do at the Giraffe Center in Nairobi other than look at the Rothschild giraffe.
Recreational Green Spaces
The city can be chaotic and draining, but the Giraffe Center in Nairobi offers green spaces where visitors can interact and take in the lush greenery. The center has expansive grounds filled with indigenous trees where residents and non-residents can enjoy a rejuvenating walk and be one with nature.
Giraffe Feeding
Perhaps the center of attraction at the Giraffe Center is the giraffe feeding activities. Visitors are allowed to feed the animals but with food purchased at the center’s shop. Remember, wildlife don’t eat junk food.
Bird Watching
The diversity of indigenous trees in the conservation area has made it a haven for birds, who flock to enjoy the magnificent canopy away from human civilization. Bird lovers will enjoy the variety of species that call the Nairobi Giraffe Center home.
Gift Shop
The center also features a gift and souvenir center that’s a direct reflection of the culture, tradition, and wildlife in Kenya and East Africa. Visitors can shop for various items while supporting the crafts of the indigenous people.