Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre& optional Nairobi NationalPark

Giraffes and baby elephants in one day. I like the up-close feeding of Rothschild’s giraffe with pellets, and I also love the Kenya and East Africa focus you get in a short class. It is a packed day that mixes wildlife learning with real conservation stories.

The other big win for me is the stop at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you see orphaned elephants getting their specially formulated milk. You also get to hear why each calf came into care, which makes the encounters feel more meaningful than a quick photo stop.

One thing to plan around is the extra conservation costs: the elephant orphanage requires a separate eCitizen-paid fee, and Nairobi National Park has its own admission charge that is not included.

Key points to know before you go

• Pellets feeding at the Giraffe Centre for an unforgettable, close look at Rothschild’s giraffes
• A 40-minute giraffe class on distribution across Kenya and East Africa
• Orphaned elephants and milk formula at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, plus a chance to touch if they are close
• Kobe Beads Centre for craft-and-charity, with an option to stop for lunch
• Optional Nairobi National Park right near the city, where you can often spot four Big Five animals (not elephants)

A practical Nairobi day trip that mixes giraffes, elephants, and real conservation

This tour is built for people who want wildlife without spending days on the road. You get a tight circuit in Nairobi that focuses on two headline animals, Rothschild’s giraffe and orphaned baby elephants, and then adds an optional wildlife safari step in Nairobi National Park.

The overall timing is about 8 hours. Pickup and drop-off are handled, and you travel by private vehicle with a guide and bottled water. If you are the type who hates wasting time between sites, this kind of route is a good fit.

Also, plan your expectations right. This is not a long wilderness safari. It is close-up wildlife access plus conservation education, then optional park time for big views.

Pickup, timing, and how to plan your day

Most people want to know what a day like this feels like. The day is organized into clear blocks, starting with the Giraffe Centre, then the elephant trust, then a craft stop, and finally the optional Nairobi National Park portion.

Because Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable, starting from the morning can help you fit everything in. The experience runs as a private tour for your group, so you are not squeezed into a big, chaotic bus schedule. You will also have bottled drinking water and a professional guide with you the whole way.

If you are flying soon, the Kobe Beads step is set up so you can be dropped back at your hotel or even at the airport after lunch time, if you choose that option.

Stop 1 at the Giraffe Centre, Rothschild’s giraffes and pellet feeding

The Giraffe Centre is the giraffe part of your day, and it is hands-on in a way that feels surprisingly natural. Your visit includes admission and a chance to interact with Rothschild’s giraffes using special pellets.

Here is what I think you will enjoy most: you are not just looking. You can be close enough to see how the giraffes grab the pellets, how they move their heads, and how they calm down once they understand you are feeding them. It is an animal encounter that makes giraffe behavior click fast.

You also get a 40-minute class session focused on giraffe distribution in Kenya and East Africa. That matters because you leave with context, not just selfies. You will learn more about characteristics and behavioral traits tied to where these giraffes live.

If you want a slower pace inside the same stop, ask your guide about the guided nature walk through the sanctuary. It can balance out the busier feeding moments and gives you a chance to see the area at a calmer speed.

What to watch out for here

Pellet feeding can make people forget basic animal-visit manners. Follow your guide’s cues, keep your movements controlled, and be ready for close proximity. If you hate crowds around feeding time, arrive with patience in mind.

Stop 2 at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, orphan elephants and milk formula

Next comes the elephant trust experience, and it is usually the emotional center of the day. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rehabilitates young orphaned elephants, and your visit is built around learning the individual stories of why each elephant arrived there.

You will see the orphaned baby elephants receiving specially formulated milk. If they come close, you may have a chance to touch them, but the exact moment depends on where the elephants are at that time.

What makes this stop valuable is that it is not presented as a mystery. You get a real explanation of care and the process of re-introduction of elephants back into the wild. That turns your visit into something closer to conservation education.

How to get the most from this part

Stay curious, not just focused on photos. If you ask your guide simple questions about the elephants’ backgrounds, you will get better context as the caretaking story unfolds.

Also, pace yourself emotionally. Seeing orphaned calves can hit hard, especially if you love elephants. If you know you get emotional quickly, plan a quiet moment afterward, even if it is just a few minutes in the car with water.

About guides and comfort

Guides matter a lot on a day like this. In one example from the tour team, Sam has been described as kind, well able to explain things, and a steady driver. A good guide helps you feel relaxed while still learning what you are seeing.

Kobe Beads Centre, a short craft stop with charity behind it

After the wildlife focus, the itinerary takes you to Kobe Beads Centre. This is a pottery and bead-making stop where you can see the stages from start to finish.

It is not just a souvenir shop. The center employs single parents from poorer neighborhoods, helping them earn a living while supporting their families. The program also has a women empowerment angle in how the business is run.

This stop is listed as 30 minutes with admission free. You can keep it light, look around, and learn how the craft is made without losing half a day.

Lunch is optional here. If you choose to eat, you will be driven for lunch and later dropped at your hotel or dropped near the airport for flights.

Optional Nairobi National Park, seeing wildlife with the city nearby

The optional Nairobi National Park block is where the day can shift from animal care centers into open-plains viewing. The park is about 7 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, so you get that neat contrast of wildlife in a natural setting with tall buildings in the background.

This is your chance to spot four of the Big Five animals, with elephants excluded, along with lots of antelopes and gazelles. You might also see rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, and even lion, depending on conditions.

Birding can be strong too. The park is said to have over 300 bird species, and you may spot things like secretary birds and crowned cranes, plus vultures and other birds.

Another elephant viewing inside the park area

The itinerary also notes that after enjoying the park, you proceed to an elephant sanctuary inside the park and enjoy baby elephants. That means you can get elephant time twice in one day if you choose the park option, though the exact feel is different from Sheldrick.

The main drawback with the park option

Nairobi National Park is weather dependent and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If conditions are off, you may still enjoy the setting and the birdlife, but big animal sightings may take longer or not happen as hoped.

Price and value: what $95 covers, and what costs extra

The price is listed as $95.00 per person, and the day runs about 8 hours. On average, it is booked around 41 days in advance, which is a hint to plan ahead if you want your preferred date.

What is included is helpful and practical:

• Private transportation
• Bottled drinking water
• Professional tour guide
• Pickup and drop-off
• Entry at the giraffe center and elephant orphanage

But there are add-on costs you should budget:

• Conservation park fee for the elephant orphanage: adult US$43, child US$23, and it is required to access
• Nairobi National Park admission fee: not included
• Lunch: available for purchase
• Tips and gratuities

One very practical detail: conservation park fees are paid through the E-CITIZEN online platform, and no cash is accepted. Before you go, confirm you know how you will handle that payment. Bring whatever you need for the eCitizen process.

Is it worth it?

In my view, it is good value if you want both animal access and guided learning in one day. You are not just buying entry tickets. You are also paying for transport, guide time, and the organized flow between sites.

The only time it may feel pricey is if you skip the park option and you already know you do not care about craft, or if you plan to arrive with your own plan and would prefer a cheaper self-guided approach.

Tips so you get smoother encounters (and fewer headaches)

Here is how I would set you up for a better day, based on what the tour includes and what it expects from you.

First, treat the conservation fees as part of the plan, not an afterthought. You pay via eCitizen, and cash is not accepted. If you wait until the last minute, you might slow down your day.

Second, dress for comfort and for animal-adjacent moments. You may be close to feeding areas, and you will spend time outdoors. Wear shoes you can stand in for a while and bring sun protection.

Third, be ready to follow your guide around feeding and viewing areas. These places run by animal safety rules. If you respect them, you will enjoy the experience more.

Finally, consider timing if you are choosing the park option. It is listed at 4 hours and it affects how your day feels. It adds wildlife potential but also adds variability.

Who this tour suits best

This itinerary fits best if you:

• Want a day that combines giraffe feeding with orphan elephant viewing
• Like short guided learning moments, such as the giraffe class session
• Prefer private transport and a set route instead of juggling taxis
• Might want the optional Nairobi National Park for open-plains wildlife viewing

It can also work well for families, since it is described as suitable for most travelers and includes a kid-friendly craft stop. Just remember the conservation park fees differ for adults and children.

If you are extremely focused on seeing a specific Big Five animal on the day, treat the park segment as a chance, not a guarantee.

Should you book this Nairobi Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage day?

If you are choosing between doing one wildlife stop or doing a full conservation circuit, I would lean toward booking this. The mix of hands-on giraffe interaction, orphan elephant care education, and optional park viewing gives you multiple layers of experience without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Book it if:

• You want a structured day with pickup, drop-off, and guide support
• You care about understanding what you are seeing, not just taking photos
• You are open to paying required conservation fees and park admission

Skip or rethink if:

• You cannot handle extra fees beyond the base tour price
• You dislike weather-dependent wildlife viewing
• You want a more remote, long safari style day rather than city-adjacent wildlife access

If you do book, set aside time to handle eCitizen payments in advance and keep your expectations tuned to a close-up conservation day with an optional wildlife park bonus.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

The tour duration is approximately 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $95.00 per person.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

The tour includes the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kobe Beads Centre, and an optional Nairobi National Park stop.

Can I feed the giraffes?

Yes. At the Giraffe Centre you can interact with Rothschild’s giraffes and feed them using special pellets.

Is admission to the giraffe center and elephant orphanage included?

Admission tickets for the giraffe centre and elephant orphanage are included, but a separate conservation park fee is required for elephant orphanage access.

How do I pay the conservation park fee?

The conservation park fees are paid through the E-CITIZEN online platform, and no cash is accepted.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but you have the option to purchase it.

Is Nairobi National Park included in every booking?

No. Nairobi National Park is optional, and its admission ticket is not included.

Is cancellation free?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.