Situated in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre is one of the best places to interact with one of the endangered species of the Giraffe family, the Rothschild’s giraffe. This place is 20 kilometers from the town centre of the bustling Nairobi life. Established with a main aim of providing a home to the tall giants of Africa, the Giraffe Center offers an opportunity to the people to learn, enjoy, and feed a giraffe.
A visit to the pack will support the conservation work at the centre. The giraffes are kept in their natural environments where they thrive and enjoy their natural environment, while at the same time, they get to be pampered by the many visitors to the park who feed them delicacies.
Table of Contents
History of the Giraffe Centre
It was founded in 1979 by Betty and Jock Leslie-Melville a Kenyan-British couple who were passionate about wildlife conservation. During this time, they discovered that there were only 120 Rothschild’s giraffe remaining in the wild in the Western part of Kenya. They took immediate action by taking two Giraffes named Daisy and Marlon. With these two Giraffes, they would begin a breeding program on their Langata property in Nairobi.
These efforts led to the establishment of an Organisation called the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). This Organisation manages the Giraffe Centre and has been breeding and releasing dozens of giraffes into the protected areas. This has helped boost the population of these rare species. Read more about Giraffe centre.
More about the Giraffe Centre.
The main attractions at the Giraffe Centre are the opportunity to see the Rothschild’s giraffe( Giraffa Camelopardalis rothchildi). This species is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies in the world. One of the main characteristics of this species of giraffe is the light, creamy coat with less defined patches and no markings below the knees. It is beautiful, graceful, and rare.
Although at some point this species of giraffe was widespread in Eastern Africa, its population has been on the downward trajectory due to human encroachment and poaching. Institutions such as the Giraffe Centre have played a vital role in ensuring that these Giraffes continue thriving despite all the challenges. This place can be described as a conservation success story in East Africa.
Activities at the Giraffe Centre
Giraffe feeding experience
One of the most sought-after activities at the Giraffe Centre is getting to feed the Giraffes at close range. This interactive feeding platform allows guests to feed the animals with their bare hands using pellets provided at the centre. The pellets are made of molasses and grass, and the giraffes love them. The very friendly giraffes, such as Daisy the fourth, love to feed off your palm.
Learn more about Giraffe Conservation.
The interaction between Giraffes and humans gives visitors a chance to understand why Conservation efforts are important for the wildlife in Kenya. They can understand the need to continue supporting these efforts for the future of these animals.
Photography Opportunities
At the Giraffe Centre, photographers have an easy time as the place is scenic and has a good ambience for photo lovers. The backdrop of acacia trees and lush greenery will give you a good number of quality photos for your socials. Especially the early morning scenes are a worthwhile experience.
Nature Trails and bird watching
Apart from the Giraffe Centre, the Conservancy has a nature trail through the Gogo River sanctuary, a 1.5 km walking path where visitors can enjoy birdwatching and local flora. With over 100 bird species living in the area, nature lovers will enjoy watching them.
Family-friendly environment
The Giraffe Centre is a great place for family outings in Nairobi. Children enjoy interacting with the Giraffes in this open-air environment that has small shops for snacks and souvenirs.
Why the Giraffe center is Considered a Success story
The Rothschild’s giraffe is one of the most endangered species of the Giraffe family. Giraffe Camelopardalis (rothchildi), as they are known, was near extinction, but this program has seen the giraffes relocated to various Kenyan national parks and reserves, including the Lake Nakuru National Park and Mwea National Reserve. This has significantly contributed to the survival of the species in the world.
How to get to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
It is located in the Langata suburbs, about a 30 to 45-minute drive from Nairobi city centre. Several taxis are available in the town centre, or you can hire a private Tour Vehicle. Tour operators offer half-day or full-day excursions that include the Giraffe Centre and other nearby attractions. Whether it is a full day or half day excursion all depends on your preference. Your tour operator will advise and discuss with your preferences especially if you have other activities for the same day.
Operational hours of Giraffe centre
The Giraffe Centre is operational from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This included weekdays from Monday to Friday. It is also open on Saturdays and Sundays and any public holidays for the same 9AM TO 5PM. This means you can simply visit, pay the entrance fee at the gate and proceed with your excursion. However, groups like school students visiting in groups need to make a 2 weeks prior booking notification.
Giraffe centre Nairobi Kenya entry Fees
The Giraffe centre Nairobi entrance fee is well understood if we separate the resident and non-resident entry fees because this facility actually charges different fees for both group of visitors.
The entry Fees at stand as follows:
- Kenyan Citizen entry fees : KES 400 for adults and KES 200 for Children.
- Residents: KES 1,000 for Adults and KES 500 for Children.
- Non-Residents: USD 15 for Adults and USD 7.50 for Children ( This is Ksh. 1500 and Ksh. 750 respectively for adults).
Payment is accepted via M-pesa, Kenya’s mobile money service, debit and credit cards, and cash.
Please note that the entry is free for children under the age of 3 years. Therefore, if you are an adult and is accompanied by a child under the age of years, they will not pay a dime to enter giraffe centre with you. Not to say, children under the age of 3 years can enter alone and not pay (smiles ๐ ). Otherwise, how do they even enter ๐ .
The children entrance fees above apply to anyone 3 years upto 12 years and any student with a valid student identification document from a recognized institution.
Other attractions can be combined with a visit to the Giraffe Centre
You easy can combine a trip or excursion to Giraffe centre with other tourism activities without wasting time or breaking the bank. These are as follows:
- A visit to the Nairobi National Park – A safari in the Nairobi National Park will give you a chance to watch animals such as lions, rhinos, and Zebras. This can be done same day you visit Giraffe centre or you can give it a different day depending on how extensively you want to interact or tour each facility because they are not found within same locality though they are both things you can do in Nairobi.
- David Sheldrick Park – Visit the rescued bay elephant rescue centre and interact with the baby elephants. The entry fees at the elephant nursery is quite affordable so you have nothing to worry.
- Karen Blixen Museum – A home to one of the famous authors of the book Out of Africa.
- Bomas of Kenya – At this place, you will experience the Kenyan culture and dances.
Giraffe Centre is an epitome of home as it exemplifies eco-tourism and responsible travel. All these funds are raised from ticket sales and donations that support wild protection initiatives and community education programs. n addition, the funds also help in the improvement within the centre.