Giraffe Centre Nairobi: Experience Feeding Giraffes

Among the most unique wildlife attractions in Kenya, the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi gives the visitor a rare chance to have close contact with endangered Rothschild's giraffes in their semi-natural environment. Located just a short drive from Nairobi’s city center, the Giraffe Centre offers conservation, education, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, making it a must-visit destination for both first-time and returning travelers.

This guide provides essential information about the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, such as what to expect, the best time to visit, main activities, and useful tips for traveling. The Giraffe Centre offers a memorable Nairobi experience for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and responsible travelers.

The Giraffe Centre offers a joyful and educational experience in a peaceful, green setting

Overview of the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a well-known conservation and education centre that focuses on the protection of the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. The centre was established in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) in response to the rapid decline of this rare giraffe subspecies in Kenya. Located in the Langata area, just outside Nairobi's city center, the Giraffe Centre allows visitors to observe giraffes up close in a semi-natural setting.

Beyond tourism, the Giraffe Centre is an essential part of wildlife conservation and environmental education. It runs outreach programs for local schools, promotes sustainable environmental practices, and actively supports giraffe breeding and relocation initiatives across Kenya. Today, the centre is a tourist attraction site as well as a significant conservation centre and thus worth visiting by eco-friendly and educational tourists.

The Rothschild's giraffe: An endangered giant of East Africa

The Rothschild's giraffe is also one of the most endangered and rare in the world. It is native to some parts of Kenya and Uganda and can be identified by its lighter coat pattern, absence of marks below the knees, and its cream colored patches. In the past, its population was drastically reduced due to habitat loss and human activity. Conservation programs, including breeding and relocation initiatives led by the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, have been the way forward in conserving this iconic species as well as sensitizing people on the issues of conserving wildlife.

Where is the Giraffe Centre Nairobi located?

Giraffe Centre is a tourist destination within the Langata region of Nairobi, which is about 20 kilometers south of the city centre. It is located near the Nairobi National Park, and therefore, it can be easily accessed through a variety of other tourist spots and hotels in Nairobi. The centre is located approximately 30–40 minutes by road from central Nairobi, based on the traffic. The Giraffe Centre is accessed by visitors through taxi, personal vehicle, or a guided tour of the city. Its strategic point enables the visitors to explore other sites with it, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or Nairobi National Park.

The Giraffe Centre is well known for its educational attributes, with its Nature Education Centre educating thousands of Kenyan children each month

Travelers looking for affordable adventures can also explore amazing places to visit in Nairobi on a budget beyond the Giraffe Centre.

How to get to Giraffe Centre, Nairobi?

Getting to the Giraffe Centre is simple, with several convenient transport options available for different travel styles and budgets.

• Taxi or ride-hailing apps: Uber or Bolt from Nairobi CBD takes around 30–40 minutes.
• Private car: Accessible via Langata Road with clear signs and on-site parking.
• Guided tour: Includes transport and visits to nearby attractions like David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
• Public transport: Take a matatu to Lang’ata, then a taxi to the entrance. Best for experienced travelers.

You will locate the Giraffe Centre on Nyumbi Road, off Duma Road in Nairobi's Lang'ata suburb

Opening hours and entrance fees: Plan your visit easily

By making arrangements before visiting the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, you would be able to tailor a pleasant experience. Knowing the opening hours and the entry fees enables a visitor to plan his or her itinerary properly, particularly when visiting the Giraffe Centre along with other attractions that are located in Nairobi.

Opening hours

The Giraffe Centre is operating on a daily basis, even during the weekends and on holidays. The regular opening hours are generally between 9: 00 a.m. and 5: 00 p.m., and the final entrance is usually in the late afternoon. The morning time is usually deemed to be the best time to pay a visit since the weather is cool and the giraffes have a tendency to be more active. Early arrival is also conducive to ensuring that visitors do not meet a lot of people, particularly at the time of year when tourism hits a high and when school holidays are held.

Before visiting, it is always better to look at the official Giraffe Centre site or call the centre to confirm that the centre is open, as sometimes the centre can change the opening hours because of special events, repair work, or even holidays.

The Centre is a sanctuary where you can feed, interact with, and learn about the Rothschild giraffes that live there

Entrance fees

Visitor Category	Adults	Children (3–12 years)
Non-Residents (International Visitors)	KES 1,500	KES 750
Residents / East African Citizens	KES 400	KES 200
Children under 3 years	Free	Free

Notes:

• The price of entrance covers the access to the giraffe feeding platform, educational exhibits, and the nature trail.
• School groups may qualify for free or discounted entry if booked in advance.
• The payment is usually made through cash, card, or mobile money (M-Pesa).
• Visitors are advised to check official updates before arrival, as entrance fees may change.

The Giraffe Centre offers an educational and family-friendly experience with affordable entry fees and flexible visiting arrangements.

• Entrance fee includes: Access to the giraffe feeding platform, nature trail, and wildlife conservation education.
• Group discounts: Special rates available for schools, educational tours, and large groups with prior arrangements.
• Booking tips: Walk-ins are welcome, but weekday or early visits are recommended during peak seasons.
• Visitor experience: Ideal for all ages with interactive activities and conservation-focused learning.

Things to do at Giraffe Centre in Nairobi

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is not only the place where people can see giraffes closely. It is an interactive, educational, and family-friendly attraction offering meaningful wildlife experiences and conservation education. The key activities to be enjoyed during your visit are listed below.

Feed the Giraffes by Hand

It is one of the most memorable moments in the Giraffe Centre, where Rothschild giraffes can be hand-fed from a raised wooden platform. Tourists are provided with specially prepared food pellets and guided by staff on how to feed the giraffes safely. The experience of being in such proximity to the giraffes enables you to see the gentle behavior of the giraffes and their unusual characteristics at eye level, and is therefore a highlight for both adults and children.

The circular walk to feed and meet the giraffes is obviously the highlight, but make sure to leave time for the other activities

Make photos and communicate at a distance

The Giraffe Centre is a tourist attraction. Visitors can take photos with giraffes at close range, creating unforgettable travel memories. Staff members are present to ensure the experience is safe and respectful for both visitors and animals. The family and first-time visitors to Kenya find this experience particularly attractive.

Learn about Giraffe conservation

Educational posters all over the centre give the history of the Rothschild giraffe, its endangered status, and the conservation that is being done in Kenya. Educational talks by employees give information about the behaviour of giraffes, the safety of their habitat, and the role of the Giraffe Centre in breeding and relocation programs of the giraffes. This renders the visit entertaining and educational.

Learn about our conservation efforts, programmes, and educational initiatives

Walk the nature trail

The Giraffe Centre also has a nature trail which goes through indigenous forest areas. The high boardwalks enable one to venture into the natural setting, viewing the birds and reading about the native plants. The path provides a relaxing escape away from the city and provides an eco-tourism perspective to the trip.

Visit the Gift Shop

Before leaving, visitors can stop by the gift shop where they would be able to buy souvenirs, crafts, and educational materials. Purchases help support conservation and community education programs run by the centre.

On the whole, Giraffe Centre is a place with a good combination of proximity to the wild, education, and exploration of nature to be included in the list of Nairobi attractions.

Rules and visitor guidelines at Giraffe Centre, Kenya

To ensure visitor safety and protect the giraffes, the Giraffe Centre follows important rules for responsible wildlife interaction.

• Feeding rules: Only feed giraffes with approved food provided by the centre.
• Stay in designated aeas: Remain on walkways and avoid restricted zones or climbing barriers.
• Supervise children: Children should always be monitored by adults near feeding platforms.
• Respect the animals: Avoid teasing, chasing, or disturbing the giraffes.
• Photography guidelines: Follow staff instructions and avoid flash photography where restricted.
• Safety and etiquette: Wear comfortable shoes and follow all guidance from staff members.

Best places to visit near the Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre is situated within one of the most attractive sites in Nairobi, and thus it is easy to blend your visit with a number of other attraction sites in the region, such as the wildlife, culture, and nature sites. The following are some of the best nearby attractions to visit around the giraffe center and can be easily accessed within a short driving distance.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage)

This is a world-famous orphanage, which is located within a few minutes away, allowing visitors to view rescued elephant babies during their feeding time. It is one of the most popular attractions to visit in conjunction with the Giraffe Centre.

Pioneers in the rescue and hand-raising of orphaned baby elephants and rhinos, through to their reintegration to the wild when grown

Nature lovers visiting the Giraffe Centre can also enjoy peaceful outdoor adventures at some of the best camping sites in Nairobi.

Nairobi National Park

Just 20-30 minutes away from the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park is a place that will give one the most unique safari experience, with the wildlife roaming freely with the backdrop of the city skyline. It is possible to view lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, among many other species, in a protected natural environment without leaving the city

Due to its accessibility and biodiversity, the Nairobi National Park is commonly regarded as one of the greatest places to visit in Nairobi among tourists who would prefer to see the Kenyan wildlife within a limited period of time.

Nairobi National Park spans 117 square kilometers and was established in 1946

After visiting the Giraffe Centre, travelers can also explore famous malls in Nairobi for shopping, dining, and family entertainment.

Karen Blixen Museum

Karen Blixen Museum is among the most interesting sites to see in Nairobi, particularly for any traveler who is concerned with history and literature. The museum is a short drive off the Giraffe Centre and was the residence of the Danish writer Karen Blixen, famous for her memoir Out of Africa* titled Out of Africa. 

The preserved colonial era house, original furniture, and well-kept gardens are available to the visitors against the background of the Ngong Hills. The museum is an excellent complement to a visit to the Giraffe Centre as it provides helpful information about colonial history and culture of Kenya as a wonderful complement to a trip to the Giraffe Centre. 

Kazuri Beads Women Cooperative

Kazuri Beads is a handcrafted ceramic jewelry shop that is a short drive from the Giraffe Centre. Visitors are able to pay for tours in the workshop and buy ethical souvenirs.

Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills has provided an ideal place for travelers who love outdoor activities and would enjoy scenic hiking in Nairobi trails, panoramic views, and fresh air. It is very contrasting to wildlife parks, and it is perfect for people who like nature.

Karen shopping and dining area

The surrounding Karen location is surrounded by cafes, restaurants in Nairobi, and shopping centers where one can relax and dine after sightseeing.

All these attractions make the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi a very easy place to spend a satisfying day.

After visiting the Giraffe Centre, travelers can relax outdoors at some of the best picnic places in Nairobi for a peaceful nature escape.

Travel tips to make the most of your visit to the Giraffe Centre

A little preparation can make your visit to the Giraffe Centre smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for all travelers.

• Visit early: Morning visits offer cooler weather in Nairobi, active giraffes, and fewer crowds.
• Dress comfortably: Wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring sun protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sunny weather.
• Follow staff instructions: Listen carefully during feeding and animal interactions.
• Supervise children: Keep children close, especially near elevated viewing platforms.
• Prepare travel documents: International visitors should carry passports and arrange a Kenya ETA in advance.

Morning and midweek visits to the Giraffe Centre offer cooler weather, active giraffes, and fewer crowds

After spending the day with giraffes and wildlife, visitors can continue exploring exciting things to do in Nairobi at night across the city.

Conclusion

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi creates a special and significant travel experience, which is a combination of close interaction with wildlife, education, and conservation. Whether it is hand-feeding giraffes or learning about the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, or being aware of significant conservation initiatives, the centre makes visitors gain a greater insight into Kenya's commitment to wildlife conservation. Through correct planning and adherence to visitor protocols, visitors of any age can have a safe and enjoyable stay. The Giraffe Centre is one of the top places to visit in Nairobi as a first-time visitor or a regular tourist because it is one of the places that demonstrate responsible tourism, Kenya's rich natural heritage, and commitment to responsible tourism