Things to Do at Giraffe Centre

Complete Guide to Giraffe Centre in Nairobi

About Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a unique conservation and education facility dedicated to protecting the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Established in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, the center began as a rescue mission to save a young giraffe named Daisy and has since evolved into one of Kenya's most beloved wildlife attractions. The center sits on 140 acres of indigenous forest and provides visitors with the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. What makes the Giraffe Centre truly special is its hands-on approach to wildlife interaction. Visitors can feed the giraffes from an elevated platform, bringing them eye-to-eye with these magnificent creatures. The center is home to a resident herd of Rothschild's giraffes, also known as Baringo giraffes, which are among the most endangered giraffe subspecies in the world. Through its breeding program and conservation efforts, the center has successfully reintroduced giraffes back into the wild, making it a crucial player in wildlife preservation.

What to See & Do

Giraffe Feeding Platform

An elevated wooden platform where visitors can hand-feed giraffes with special pellets and even give them a kiss

Nature Trail

A scenic walking trail through indigenous forest where you might spot warthogs, bushbucks, and various bird species

Giraffe Manor View

Glimpses of the famous Giraffe Manor hotel where giraffes regularly visit guests during breakfast

Educational Center

Learn about giraffe conservation, the Rothschild's giraffe subspecies, and the center's breeding programs

Photography Opportunities

Incredible close-up photo opportunities with giraffes against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)

Tickets & Pricing

Adults: KSh 1,000 (residents), KSh 1,500 (non-residents); Children: KSh 500 (residents), KSh 700 (non-residents). Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online

Best Time to Visit

Morning hours (9:00-11:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) when giraffes are most active and hungry

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours for a complete visit including feeding and nature trail

Getting There

The Giraffe Centre is located in the Langata suburb, approximately 20 kilometers from Nairobi city center. You can reach it by taxi, Uber, or private car via Langata Road. If using public transport, take a matatu to Langata Shopping Centre and then a short taxi ride to the center. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes from downtown Nairobi, depending on traffic. The center provides ample parking for those driving.

Things to Do Nearby

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Famous elephant orphanage where you can watch baby elephants being fed and learn about conservation efforts
Nairobi National Park
Kenya's first national park offering game drives with Nairobi's skyline as backdrop, home to lions, rhinos, and zebras
Karen Blixen Museum
Former home of the 'Out of Africa' author, showcasing colonial history and beautiful gardens
Kazuri Beads Centre
Women's cooperative producing handmade ceramic beads and pottery, offering factory tours and shopping
Langata Giraffe Centre Forest
Extended forest area perfect for longer nature walks and bird watching

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera with good zoom capabilities for amazing close-up shots of the giraffes
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the nature trail and avoid bright colors that might startle the animals
Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the giraffes
Combine your visit with the nearby David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a full day of wildlife experiences

Tours & Activities at Giraffe Centre