A Visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi

A Visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi

If you have ever dreamed of being up close with animals of the wild, then the Giraffe Centre is a must see when you come to Nairobi.

Located about 20 km/12.5 miles from the city centre, it would take you about 40 minutes by car to arrive at the destination which borders the Nairobi National Park on one side and a residential estate known as Karen.

Just as the name suggests, the Giraffe Centre gives you the opportunity to get close to the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, feed them from your palms, and even play with them a little – if that’s what you call a kiss or lick from one of them. Some will even allow you to touch them/pet them if you want to.

Kenya is home to three subspecies of giraffes including the Maasai, Reticulated, and the Rothschild. This Centre is home to the Rothschild.

When you get in, you will see a wooden structure that has been constructed so that you are at head level with the animals. You will be given food pellets that you can offer to the Giraffes by hand or mouth and they are always glad and ready for the pellets. Standing at incredible heights, it is breathtaking just to be in the presence of so many of them at the same time.

I do not know if there is any other such place in Africa or even in the world, so enjoy the opportunity while there!

You also have an opportunity to ask the very knowledgeable staff questions about the giraffes or the Centre.

You may also spot warthogs playing around in the mud in the same area.

In addition, the Centre also has a main shop with curios and a separate Maasai shop where they sell great souvenirs that you can take back home.

The Giraffe Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Entrance fee is Kshs. 400 for adult residents, Kshs. 200 for children (3-12 years), Kshs. 1500 for non-residents adults and Kshs. 750 for no-residents children (3-12 years). It is free for children under the age of 3.

It is always best to use a taxi or uber services when visiting the centre as it is close to other tourists’ attractions in Nairobi including the Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Bomas of Kenya. This way, you get to visit many attraction sites all in one day.