The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a wildlife conservation facility located in Lang'ata, approximately 20 kilometers (12 mi) from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya. It's a major tourist attraction and educational hub. Here, we explore the history of the Giraffe Centre and provide essential information for planning your visit. From its origins to what you can expect during your visit, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a memorable experience. Whether you’re interested in feeding giraffes or learning about conservation efforts, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your trip. Additionally, we’ll guide you on how to make the most of your time in Nairobi with other attractions you can visit nearby.
Giraffe Center image source: Sara Ahmed Naqvi via Wikimedia Commons
The History of the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi began in 1979, initiated by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, whose population had dwindled due to habitat loss. The Giraffe Centre, officially known as the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) Kenya, was founded in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. The Leslie-Melvilles began with two giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, relocated from Western Kenya to their property in Lang’ata. This initiative led to the establishment of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and the creation of the Giraffe Centre, with a primary focus on breeding the Rothschild’s giraffe and reintroducing them to safe areas.
The couple established the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and relocated several giraffes to their property in Karen, where a breeding program began to revive their numbers. They wrote a book; “Raising Daisy Rothschild, about their experiences. The book was later made into a TV film, “The last giraffe”. During filming more giraffe were moved onto their property in Nairobi to act for the original two, who were now aging.
Over the years, the Giraffe Centre has expanded its mission beyond conservation to include education and public awareness. It opened its doors to visitors, allowing them to interact with giraffes while learning about conservation efforts. The success of its breeding program has seen many giraffes reintroduced to protected areas across Kenya.
Read also: Staying at Giraffe Manor
Today, the Giraffe Centre is a major tourist attraction and educational hub. Its raised platform lets visitors feed giraffes at eye level, creating unforgettable experiences. It continues to promote conservation through its outreach programs, ensuring the legacy of Rothschild’s giraffes thrives for future generations.
Feed Giraffes for at the GIRAFFE CENTRE in Nairobi, Kenya
Things to Do at the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is more than just a tourist stop - it’s a living conservation success story.
1. Feed and Interact with Rothschild’s Giraffes
Step onto the elevated feeding platform and experience the thrill of hand-feeding giraffes. Visitors can offer specially formulated pellets to these gentle giants and learn about their unique adaptations and behaviors. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with wildlife up close. Visitors receive pellets made of maize, wheat, and molasses, the giraffes’ favorite treat.
2. Learn About Giraffe Conservation
The Giraffe Centre serves as an educational hub, offering detailed information about the conservation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Engage with staff, explore informative displays, and discover the impact of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW).
AFEW staff and guides share information about giraffe species, their behavior, and ongoing conservation efforts. The education aims to raise locals’ awareness as to the importance of the species and their role in the ecosystem. All their education programmes are offered free of charge to the children.
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3. Take a Nature Walk in the Adjacent Sanctuary
Explore the serene natural trails within the nearby sanctuary. These trails meander through lush forests and offer opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, complementing the giraffe experience with a peaceful immersion in nature.
The Gogo River Nature Trail behind the main center offers a tranquil walk through indigenous forest. The trail meanders through a carefully conserved patch of indigenous forest, home to various bird species, small mammals, and a diverse array of plant life. Visitors can stroll along its pathways, enjoying the tranquil environment while learning about the flora and fauna through well-placed informational boards.
Visiting the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is open daily from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm including weekends and public holidays. Visitors are welcome throughout the day, with the final entry typically allowed an hour before closing. The Giraffe Centre is open year-round but may close briefly during extreme weather or maintenance.
The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, just a short drive from the city center. Nestled within the lush surroundings of the Giraffe Manor grounds, the center is easily accessible for tourists exploring Nairobi. To reach it, you can take a taxi, use ride-hailing apps.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Giraffe Centre is during its operating hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with mornings and midweek being ideal for fewer crowds. This ensures ample time to enjoy feeding and interacting with the giraffes in a relaxed atmosphere. The dry season (June to October and January to February) is particularly appealing, as it offers sunny days perfect for combining your visit with nearby attractions or nature walks. No matter the season, the experience promises unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants.
Read also: Giraffe Manor Experience
Giraffe Centre Tours
Giraffe Centre tours offer an up-close encounter with Kenya’s iconic Rothschild’s giraffe, providing a perfect mix of education and interaction. Guests learn about giraffe conservation efforts, the history of the center, and the vital role these elegant creatures play in Kenya’s ecosystem. The guided experience ensures a deeper appreciation of wildlife preservation and the challenges it faces.
A highlight is feeding the giraffes from a raised platform, where their gentle nature and towering height leave a lasting impression. Visitors can also explore the serene Nature Trail, adding a peaceful, natural element to the adventure.
For a seamless and enriching experience, Africa Kenya Safaris offers tours that include a visit to the Giraffe Centre. These excursions are expertly curated, combining the thrill of giraffe interaction with other Nairobi highlights, ensuring a memorable journey for all ages. Let Africa Kenya Safaris bring this unique wildlife experience to life for you!
Giraffe Centre Reviews
Planning a visit to the Giraffe Centre? See what past visitors have to say! Reviews from platforms like Google and TripAdvisor provide valuable insights into the unforgettable experiences, educational highlights, and unique moments that make the Giraffe Centre a must-see destination in Nairobi. From the joy of feeding Rothschild’s giraffes to the serene beauty of the Nature Trail, these testimonials offer a glimpse of what awaits you.
- E Onisimo (Google review): “Giraffe feeding is a soothing experience. Beautifully kept space. Great handwashing practice before and after. Majestic, gentle creatures. Best to go early in the morning. Less crowd and more time to take in the platform scene. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. Its a short activity- max 30min to 45. Highly recommended.”
- Gilberto O (TripAdvisor review): “A must-visit spot for anyone in Nairobi. My wife and I had an amazing time at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Getting up close and personal with the majestic Rothschild giraffes was an unforgettable experience. Feeding them and learning about their conservation was both fun and educational. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts about giraffes and their habitats. The serene environment and the chance to interact with these gentle giants made our visit truly special. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone in Nairobi, and we highly recommend it to nature and wildlife enthusiasts!”
- Alexander Vasilev (Google review): “The morning is probably the best time to go. Definitely worth a visit. They give you food to feed the giraffes and the huge creatures are actually very careful when they eat it. We went early in the morning right after the center had opened and this is probably the best time to go because there was no line for entry and there weren’t any other people inside so our photos turned out great. There is a souvenir shop at the end where you can support the center. The items in there are more expensive compared to other places like the vendors you see on the street or on the Safari trips/shops where you stop for rest.”
Giraffe Centre FAQs for Safari Tourists and Visitors
Planning a trip to the Giraffe Centre and have questions? Our FAQ section is tailored to answer all your queries about this iconic conservation site. From opening times and ticket details to tips for making the most of your visit, we’ve compiled essential information for safari tourists and visitors. Whether you’re curious about interacting with the giraffes or learning about the Centre’s conservation efforts, these FAQs will guide you in preparing for an unforgettable experience.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Giraffe Centre:
- Is the Giraffe Centre open on Sunday?
Yes, the Giraffe Centre is open on Sundays. - How much is the entry fee to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi?
The entry fee to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is generally affordable and varies depending on the visitor’s nationality. Kenyan residents typically pay a lower fee compared to international visitors. - Where is the Giraffe Centre located?
The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang’ata, just 5 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, Kenya. - What time does the Giraffe Centre close?
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi closes at 5:00 PM daily. - How can I get to the Giraffe Centre?
The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, just a short drive from the city center. To reach it, you can take a taxi, use ride-hailing apps. - Who owns the Giraffe Centre?
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is owned by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the endangered Rothschild giraffe. - Do I need to book in advance?
Not required for individual visitors. - Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. Kids love the hands-on feeding and safe environment. - What happens to the giraffes?
The Giraffe Centre operates a breeding program. - Is food available inside?
Yes. A small outdoor café serves coffee, juices, and light snacks, with shaded seating. - Are drones allowed?
No. - Are the giraffes kept in captivity?
No - the giraffes at the Centre live in a semi-wild, free-roaming environment within the sanctuary. - How many giraffes live at the Centre?
Usually between 10 and 15 giraffes, including males, females, and calves. - What exactly happens during the giraffe feeding experience?
Visitors stand on an elevated platform to feed giraffes pellets made from maize, molasses, and lucerne. - Can I pet the giraffes?
No - direct touching or hugging is not permitted, to avoid stressing the animals. - Is the Giraffe Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The feeding deck, visitor center, and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible via ramps. - What is the “Adopt a Giraffe” program?
Visitors can symbolically adopt a giraffe, helping to fund its feeding, veterinary care, and relocation to a national park. - Are pets allowed?
No. - Is the Giraffe Centre suitable for elderly visitors?
Yes.
The Giraffe Manor
The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan and is surrounded by 140 acres of its own park and forest. In 1974, Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty bought Giraffe Manor and turned it into the icon it is today. Aside from its beautiful façade and elegant interiors, Giraffe Manor is most known for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffe. During the day, they poke their long necks into the windows in hopes of receiving a treat. Then they return to their forest sanctuary at the adjoining Giraffe Center. The Center runs conservation and education programs for Kenyan school children and visitors from around the world.
Each guest of Giraffe Manor pays a donation to AFEW which goes towards their wildlife conservation projects across Kenya. At the Giraffe Centre, visitors can get extremely up close and personal to the world’s tallest species! Up on the feeding platform the giraffes love to interact with visitors, reaching out with their long, inquisitive tongues in hope of a treat.
More Nairobi Attractions
Beyond the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi offers a rich selection of attractions that highlight the city’s vibrant culture and wildlife. Visitors can explore historical, natural, and cultural sites that provide an unforgettable experience.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | An elephant and rhino orphanage dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned animals. |
| Nairobi National Museum | Showcases Kenya's rich history, art, and natural heritage. |
| Karen Blixen Museum | The former home of Karen Blixen, author of "Out of Africa." |
| Bomas of Kenya | A cultural center displaying traditional Kenyan villages and dance performances. |
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