Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Giraffe Centre
$$Zoo
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are thrilled by the close-up animal interaction, while older elementary-aged kids appreciate the conservation education and photo opportunities. Even teens enjoy the unique experience of feeding giraffes at eye level.
About
The Giraffe Centre offers an unforgettable hands-on experience where children can feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform, coming eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. This intimate conservation-focused encounter combines education with pure joy as kids feed pellets (and sometimes receive giraffe kisses!) while learning about wildlife protection efforts in Kenya.
Highlights
- ✓Hand-feeding endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform at eye level
- ✓Getting gentle giraffe kisses with their long, purple tongues during feeding
- ✓Learning about conservation efforts to protect this rare giraffe subspecies
- ✓Walking the nature trail to spot warthogs, bushbucks, and over 150 bird species
- ✓Visiting the education center with interactive displays about giraffe biology and habitat
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening time (9am) to avoid tour group crowds and have more one-on-one time with the giraffes.
- 2.Bring hand sanitizer and wet wipes as feeding can get sticky, though handwashing facilities are available onsite.
- 3.Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, as giraffe saliva from their long tongues can be messy during feeding.
- 4.Visit the nature trail after feeding the giraffes for a quieter experience spotting warthogs and various bird species.
- 5.Bring Kenyan shillings for the gift shop, as credit cards are not always accepted and you will want to buy souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings between 9am and 11am for the smallest crowds and most active giraffes. Avoid weekends and Kenyan school holidays when local tour groups are most common. The dry seasons (January to March and July to October) offer the best weather for international visitors.
What to Know
Entry fees are approximately $10-12 USD per person (paid in Kenyan shillings). The centre has a small cafe with light snacks and drinks, but no full meals. The site is mostly accessible with paved pathways, though the feeding platform has stairs.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The rainy seasons (April to June and November to December) may mean muddier conditions on the nature trail, but the centre remains fully operational. Giraffes are active and friendly year-round.
Nearby Eats
The Talisman Restaurant (5 minutes away) offers international and Italian cuisine with outdoor seating in a garden setting perfect for families. Alternatively, Karen Blixen Coffee Garden nearby provides casual dining with a kids menu in a historic colonial setting.
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The Giraffe Centre offers an unforgettable hands-on experience where children can feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform, bringing them eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. This intimate wildlife encounter combines thrilling animal interaction with meaningful conservation education, making it one of Nairobi's most beloved family attractions with an exceptional 4.6/5 rating from over 17,000 visitors.
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