Giraffe Centre Nairobi
Get up close and personal with majestic Rothschild giraffes, feeding them from a unique platform while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Giraffes are most active
Giraffe Centre Nairobi
Best Time
Giraffes are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get up close and personal with majestic Rothschild giraffes, feeding them from a unique platform while supporting vital conservation efforts.
"An amazing experience learning about the giraffe centre and the brilliant work they're doing!"
Bring Your Card! 💳
Remember, it's card payments only for entry and gifts. No cash accepted!
Giraffe Kisses! 💋
Be prepared for long, slimy tongues! Giraffes can be enthusiastic feeders.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feeding the Giraffes
Feeding Platforms
Get up close and personal, feeding these gentle giants with provided pellets. A truly magical and interactive wildlife moment.
Learning About Conservation
Information Center
Discover the vital work being done to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe species. Educational and inspiring.
+1
Warthog Encounters
Nature Park
Beyond giraffes, meet the resident warthogs who often join the feeding frenzy. A fun surprise for visitors!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Feed the Giants Up Close
Card Payments Only!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Card! 💳
Remember, it's card payments only for entry and gifts. No cash accepted!
Giraffe Kisses! 💋
Be prepared for long, slimy tongues! Giraffes can be enthusiastic feeders.
Wash Your Hands! 🧼
Handwashing stations are available before and after feeding for hygiene.
Go Early for Less Crowds
Mornings are best for a more relaxed experience and better giraffe interaction.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Card! 💳
Remember, it's card payments only for entry and gifts. No cash accepted!
Giraffe Kisses! 💋
Be prepared for long, slimy tongues! Giraffes can be enthusiastic feeders.
Wash Your Hands! 🧼
Handwashing stations are available before and after feeding for hygiene.
Go Early for Less Crowds
Mornings are best for a more relaxed experience and better giraffe interaction.
Great for Kids! 👨👩👧
An amazing educational experience that teaches kids about giraffe species.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Giraffe Centre as a highlight of their Nairobi trip, praising the unique opportunity to feed and interact closely with Rothschild giraffes. The educational aspect of conservation efforts is also highly appreciated, making it a fun and meaningful experience for all ages. Some minor points of feedback include the gift shop prices and the strict card-only payment policy.
"The highlight here is to feed giraffes directly. You are given some dry food in a small dish upon entry and you will stand on a platform and the giraffes will come to you and eat those food from your hand. Interesting experience and certainly worth a visit. Half hour should give you enough time to visit."
Harry Zheng
"The Giraffe Center is such an interesting and fun place to visit! The area is big, clean, and well maintained, and the toilets are also very clean. You can feed the giraffes up close, which is an amazing experience. The staff are nice and helpful, and I didn’t have to wait long in line. A great spot for both adults and kids — highly recommended!
The things selling in their shops are a but expensive and they only accept card !"
PegiTa (PegiTa)
"We had a wonderful experience visiting the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Feeding the giraffes was an absolute highlight – they provide the feed for free to everyone, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. There were plenty of giraffes around, and it was such a unique feeling to be up close with them.
We also enjoyed the informative session where they explained more about giraffes and warthogs, which added a nice educational touch to the visit. One important thing to note is that they do not accept cash, so be sure to carry a card or use mobile payment options.
Overall, it was a memorable and fun experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Nairobi!"
Uva Prakash P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Giraffe Centre is located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, about a 40-minute drive from the city center, depending on traffic. Many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber. Some tour operators also offer combined tours that include the Giraffe Centre and other attractions.
While public transport is available in Nairobi, it can be less direct and more time-consuming to reach the Giraffe Centre. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are generally more convenient for tourists.
The Giraffe Centre is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes or holiday hours.
Most visitors find that 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient to enjoy feeding the giraffes, learn about conservation, and explore the grounds.
The main feeding platforms are generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to contact the centre directly for specific accessibility information if you have concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary for adults, children, and residents. For example, one TikTok mentioned an adult fee of 400 KES and a child fee of 200 KES. It's best to confirm the current prices upon arrival or on their official channels.
No, the Giraffe Centre strictly accepts card payments (credit or debit) and mobile payment options. Cash is not accepted for entry fees or gift shop purchases.
Yes, the dry food pellets for feeding the giraffes are typically provided free of charge to everyone upon entry, making the experience more enjoyable.
While advance booking might not be strictly necessary for general entry, it's always a good idea to check their website for any online ticketing options, especially during peak seasons.
Discounts may be available for Kenyan citizens and residents, and for children. It's recommended to inquire about these upon arrival or check their official information.
🎫 🦒 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is feeding and interacting with Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform. You'll be given pellets to offer them by hand or directly from a small dish.
Giraffes have long, rough tongues and can be quite enthusiastic eaters. Be prepared for them to lick the food from your hand or a dish. Some visitors describe it as a 'giraffe kiss'!
Yes, the Giraffe Centre is also home to warthogs that often roam the grounds and may even join in the feeding.
The giraffes are accustomed to human interaction, and the staff ensure safety protocols are followed. It's important to listen to their instructions and maintain a respectful distance.
Absolutely! Photography and videography are encouraged. It's a fantastic opportunity to capture memorable moments with these magnificent creatures. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Mornings generally offer softer light, which is ideal for photography. Also, visiting on weekdays can mean fewer people in your shots.
You can capture close-ups of giraffes eating from your hand, their expressive eyes, and interactions with other visitors. Wide shots showing the scale of the giraffes against the backdrop are also great.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and follow any guidance from the centre staff. Avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a zoom lens can be useful for capturing details from a slight distance.
Be patient and let the giraffes approach you. Try to capture the moment they take food from your hand or dish. Getting down to their eye level (safely) can also yield compelling portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the excitement of feeding, the centre provides valuable lessons about different giraffe species and conservation efforts, which can be a fantastic introduction to wildlife for children before heading on a safari. Remember to bring your cards for payment, and be ready for some enthusiastic 'giraffe kisses' – a guaranteed giggle-inducer for kids!
Solo Travelers
It's a perfect activity for a few hours, offering a unique wildlife encounter without requiring extensive planning. Just ensure you have a card for payment, and you're all set for an unforgettable interaction with these gentle giants.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more personal interaction. Remember the card-only payment policy to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rothschild Giraffe: A Conservation Success Story
+1Visitors have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to this conservation mission by visiting the centre and participating in the feeding program. The funds generated help support breeding programs, habitat protection, and educational initiatives. Learning about the challenges these giraffes face, from habitat loss to poaching, adds a significant educational layer to the experience, making it more than just a fun outing.
+1By engaging with the giraffes up close, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for these animals and the importance of conservation efforts. It's a chance to connect with wildlife in a responsible and impactful way, understanding that your visit contributes to the survival of a beautiful species.
+1Navigating the Giraffe Centre Experience
The main attraction is the raised feeding platform, where you stand at eye level with the giraffes. As they approach, you can offer them the pellets. Be prepared for their long, prehensile tongues, which they use to delicately (or sometimes not so delicately!) pluck the food from your hand or the dish. Some visitors describe this as a 'giraffe kiss,' a memorable and often humorous experience.
Beyond the feeding, the centre offers an educational component where staff share insights into the giraffes' behavior, diet, and conservation status. You might also encounter warthogs roaming the grounds, adding another layer of wildlife viewing to your visit. The entire experience is designed to be both fun and informative, making it a must-do for many visiting Nairobi.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit