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Giraffe Centre Nairobi
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The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a world-renowned conservation facility dedicated to the protection of the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. It was established in 1979 by Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty after they discovered that only a few of these majestic animals remained in the wild in Western Kenya. Located in the Lang'ata suburb, the centre occupies a spacious sanctuary bordering the Nairobi National Park. Visitors are offered the rare and engaging opportunity to observe and hand-feed the giraffes from a raised wooden platform that brings them eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. Beyond tourism, the centre prioritizes environmental education, hosting thousands of Kenyan schoolchildren annually to foster a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation. To date, more than 120 giraffes bred at the facility have been successfully reintroduced into various national parks and private conservancies across Kenya. The site also features a serene nature trail through indigenous dry forest, providing a habitat for local bird species and smaller mammals. Operated by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), it remains a top educational and recreational destination for families in Nairobi.
- Location: Kenya
- Top sights: Ivory Burning Monument · Splash · GP Karting
- Nearby: Ngong (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 39 | 29 | 64 | 114 | 73 | 25 | 16 | 22 | 20 | 53 | 81 | 65 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Giraffe Centre Nairobi can usually be visited; the visitor area is mostly outdoors. You can feed and observe the giraffes from an elevated platform.
Typical hours
The centre is usually open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with feeding times typically at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Public holidays may have different hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed and even encouraged, especially during feedings. Avoid using flash to avoid startling the giraffes.
Time needed
A visit usually takes about one hour, including feeding and photography. If you want to spend more time with the giraffes, allow up to two hours.
Combine with
Combine the centre with the nearby Nairobi Animal Orphanage or the Nairobi Safari Walk. Both facilities are reachable on foot or via a short drive.
Getting there
The Giraffe Centre is about a 20-minute drive from Nairobi city centre and easily reachable by taxi. Public buses (matatus) stop nearby, but a taxi is more convenient.
Insider tip
Visit the centre in the early morning when feedings occur and the giraffes are still hungry. Bring some small change to buy food pellets.
Geography
Facts
- The centre was established in 1979 to prevent the extinction of the Rothschild's giraffe.
- It is managed by the non-profit African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW).
- Rothschild's giraffes are unique for their cream-colored legs, often called 'white socks'.
- Over 120 giraffes born at the centre have been released into protected wild areas.
- The sanctuary encompasses approximately 60 acres of land in the Lang'ata district.
- The facility welcomes over 200,000 local and international visitors every year.
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Sights in the town Giraffe Centre Nairobi (4)
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Frequently asked questions
What can you do at the Giraffe Centre?
You can feed rare Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform and get very close to them.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is one of the most popular family attractions in Nairobi; kids love the interaction.
How much time should you plan for a visit?
About 1 to 2 hours is enough to feed the giraffes and visit the information center.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes, tickets often need to be purchased online in advance through the official website.
What else is nearby?
The Karen Blixen Museum and the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage are just a short drive away.
Giraffe Centre Nairobi: where is it located?
Giraffe Centre Nairobi is located in Kenya.
Giraffe Centre Nairobi: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ivory Burning Monument, Splash, GP Karting.
Giraffe Centre Nairobi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
Giraffe Centre Nairobi: why is it worth visiting?
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a world-renowned conservation facility dedicated to the protection of the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
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