Things to Do at Giraffe Centre
Complete Guide to Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
About Giraffe Centre
What to See & Do
Giraffe Feeding Platform
An elevated wooden platform putting you at eye level with Rothschild's giraffes. Food pellets are included in admission. Hold a pellet flat in your palm and the giraffe's blue-black tongue will wrap around it - the texture is rough, warm, and surprisingly gentle. Multiple giraffes approach the platform simultaneously. Morning visits get the hungriest, most enthusiastic animals
Nature Trail
A 1.5 km forest walk behind the main buildings through indigenous vegetation with warthogs, dik-dik, and over 100 bird species. The trail occasionally reveals giraffes at ground level in a more natural setting than the platform. The forest is cool and shaded - a welcome break from the open platform. Most visitors skip it, which means you'll have the path mostly to yourself
Giraffe Kiss Experience
Hold a food pellet between your lips and lean forward from the platform. The giraffe takes the pellet with its tongue - the sensation is warm, wet, and sandpapery. Staff will photograph the moment on your phone. This is an unofficial tradition (not advertised) but the keepers are happy to help. Best attempted in the morning when giraffes are actively feeding
Educational Center
An indoor exhibit explaining the Rothschild's giraffe conservation program, the species' endangered status (fewer than 1,600 in the wild), and the center's breeding and release efforts. The displays are aimed at school children but contain information most adults don't know - giraffes' blood pressure, sleep patterns (30 minutes per day), and their silent communication through infrasound
Ground-Level Viewing
Beyond the platform, several areas allow you to watch giraffes from ground level - their full 5.5-meter height is more impressive when you're standing at their hooves. The property borders Nairobi National Park, and wildlife occasionally wanders through. The cafe terrace has views across the grounds where giraffes, warthogs, and birds share the space
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, though giraffes tend to be most active and interested in feeding during morning hours (9-11 AM) and late afternoon (3-5 PM)
Tickets & Pricing
Adults around $20-25 USD, children $10-15 USD (prices fluctuate with exchange rates). You can buy tickets at the gate - no advance booking needed, though weekends can get busy
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are ideal for smaller crowds and more giraffe interaction. Avoid midday when giraffes are less active and it's quite hot
Suggested Duration
Most people spend 1-2 hours here, which feels about right - enough time to feed the giraffes, walk the trail, and take plenty of photos without rushing
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Famous elephant orphanage just 10 minutes away where you can watch baby elephants being bottle-fed and playing in the mud - visiting hours are limited to 11 AM-12 PM
The former home of 'Out of Africa' author Karen Blixen, preserved as it was in the early 1900s - interesting if you're into colonial history or the famous film
Women's cooperative producing hand-painted ceramic beads and pottery - you can tour the workshop and see the entire process, plus it's good for authentic souvenirs
Unique game park just outside the city where you can see lions, rhinos, and zebras with Nairobi's skyline in the background - worth a half-day safari if you have time