Discover the Giraffe Centre: Nairobi’s Premier Wildlife and Conservation Experience
A Deeper Journey into Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre
Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Lang’ata, just 20 kilometers from the heart of Nairobi, lies one of Kenya’s most enchanting and impactful destinations—the Giraffe Centre. More than just a tourist attraction, this iconic sanctuary blends up-close wildlife encounters with serious conservation, education, and community empowerment.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an educator, a family traveler, or a curious explorer, the Giraffe Centre offers a rare opportunity to connect with one of Africa’s most majestic animals—the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe—in a way that is personal, ethical, and unforgettable.
A Conservation Story That Began with Two Giraffes
The Giraffe Centre’s roots go back to 1979 when Kenyan-born conservationist Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband Jock discovered the dire situation facing the Rothschild’s giraffe. At that time, fewer than 130 individuals of the species remained in the wild, with their natural habitats being overtaken by agriculture and development.
The Leslie-Melvilles took action by rescuing two giraffe calves—Daisy and Marlon—and raising them on their property. What began as a heartfelt rescue soon evolved into a full-scale conservation effort. The couple founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and built the foundation for what would later become the Giraffe Centre.
Their mission was simple yet powerful: breed Rothschild’s giraffes in captivity and reintroduce them into safe environments across Kenya. Over the years, this effort has grown into a conservation movement, with dozens of giraffes successfully reintroduced to the wild.
Meet the Rothschild’s Giraffe: The Centre’s Stars
The Rothschild’s giraffe is one of the rarest giraffe subspecies and is easily distinguished by its creamy white legs, which appear “sockless,” and its lighter, more defined coat pattern. These giraffes also have more ossicones (horn-like protrusions) than other species, giving them a unique and regal appearance.
At the Giraffe Centre, you can meet several resident giraffes—each with their own personality. From the friendly and bold to the quiet and contemplative, each giraffe plays a vital role in the Centre’s mission, acting as ambassadors for conservation while captivating guests of all ages.
Why the Giraffe Centre Matters
1. Conservation in Action
The Centre’s breeding program has contributed significantly to the recovery of Rothschild’s giraffes in Kenya. Once critically endangered, the population has steadily grown thanks to careful breeding, protection, and rewilding initiatives supported by the Centre and its partners.
Each giraffe born at the Centre is nurtured in a semi-wild habitat before being relocated to national parks or conservancies, including Lake Nakuru, Mwea, and Ruma National Parks. These releases not only help increase giraffe populations but also strengthen genetic diversity in wild herds.
2. Environmental Education
One of the Centre’s most important contributions is its role in environmental education. Each year, thousands of Kenyan students—many from under-resourced schools—are brought to the Giraffe Centre to learn about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Through hands-on experiences, interactive talks, guided forest walks, and engaging presentations, young learners gain exposure to environmental issues and solutions. For many, it is their first encounter with wildlife up close, and it often becomes a life-changing moment that inspires future environmental advocates.
3. Community Empowerment
The Giraffe Centre is deeply embedded in the local community. It sources products from nearby artisans, funds school programs, supports tree-planting campaigns, and promotes eco-tourism that benefits both conservation and livelihoods.
By employing local staff and supporting grassroots conservation initiatives, the Centre shows that environmental protection can go hand-in-hand with economic development—especially when communities are treated as key stakeholders in preserving Kenya’s natural heritage.
1. Up-Close Giraffe Encounters
The highlight of any visit to the Giraffe Centre is the feeding platform, a raised wooden deck that allows guests to stand eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. Armed with special food pellets provided by staff, visitors can feed giraffes directly and even enjoy a "kiss" if they dare place a pellet between their lips!
These up-close encounters are supervised and managed carefully to ensure the well-being of the animals. It’s a rare and heartwarming experience that resonates with both children and adults alike.
2. Nature Trails and Birdwatching
Beyond the giraffes, the Centre is home to a 95-acre indigenous forest reserve, complete with a 1.5-kilometer nature trail. This serene woodland provides a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the feeding platform and is ideal for:
• Birdwatching (over 180 species have been spotted)
• Nature photography
• Spotting smaller wildlife like dik-diks and warthogs
• Quiet walks in a natural environment
Interpretive signs throughout the trail help educate visitors about Kenya’s native flora and fauna, and the importance of forest conservation.
3. Café and Gift Shop
After your visit with the giraffes, you can unwind at the Centre’s tea house or café, which offers drinks, snacks, and light meals in a shaded garden setting. It's the perfect place to reflect on the experience while watching giraffes roam nearby.
Don’t miss the gift shop, where proceeds go toward conservation and education programs. Here you’ll find ethically sourced crafts, beadwork, books, and giraffe-themed memorabilia, all made by local artisans and cooperatives.
Practical Information for Your Visit
• Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi – around 30-40 minutes’ drive from Nairobi CBD
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, including weekends and holidays
• Entry Fees: Rates vary for Kenyan citizens, residents, and international visitors. Discounts available for students and school groups.
• Payment Methods: Credit cards and mobile money are accepted. Cash payments may be limited.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when giraffes are most active and temperatures are cooler
• Dress Code: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes for forest trails; sun protection and insect repellent recommended
Pair Your Visit with These Nearby Attractions
The Giraffe Centre is ideally located near several other must-visit destinations in Nairobi’s Karen-Lang’ata area:
• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – Meet rescued baby elephants and learn about elephant conservation.
• Giraffe Manor – A luxury boutique hotel where giraffes join guests for breakfast (booking required months in advance).
• Karen Blixen Museum – Explore the former home of the famous “Out of Africa” author.
• Kazuri Beads Women’s Factory – Tour the workshop and shop handcrafted ceramics while supporting local women.
• Nairobi National Park – Go on a classic safari just minutes from the city center.
These attractions can be combined into a full-day or weekend wildlife experience in the capital.
Why the Giraffe Centre Is Perfect for Families, Tourists, and Eco-Conscious Travelers
Whether you’re traveling with children or seeking a meaningful eco-tourism experience, the Giraffe Centre delivers on all fronts. Its accessibility, affordability, and ethical practices make it a standout destination that embodies the best of Nairobi’s wildlife scene.
For families, it offers a safe, exciting way to introduce kids to wildlife conservation. For tourists, it’s an Instagram-worthy yet authentic glimpse into Kenya’s biodiversity. And for eco-conscious travelers, it represents how tourism can directly support species protection and local communities.
The Emotional Impact: A Connection That Lasts
There’s something magical about looking into the soft, intelligent eyes of a giraffe from just inches away. It’s a moment that transforms you—not just as a visitor, but as a human being. It’s a moment when you recognize your role in this planet’s shared story.
Thousands of people leave the Giraffe Centre with more than just selfies—they leave with inspiration, understanding, and often a commitment to live more sustainably. It is these human-giraffe connections that fuel the Centre’s mission and drive its long-term success.
The Future of the Giraffe Centre
Looking ahead, the Giraffe Centre is poised to expand its reach with new educational facilities, enhanced breeding programs, and increased forest restoration. It plans to deepen partnerships with schools, scale up its digital learning initiatives, and expand access for marginalized communities.
In a rapidly urbanizing Nairobi, the Centre also plays a growing role as an urban green space and wildlife refuge. As climate change and habitat loss pose mounting challenges, institutions like the Giraffe Centre are more critical than ever—linking conservation to education, empowerment, and hope.
Plan Your Visit Today
A visit to the Giraffe Centre isn’t just a fun day out—it’s an act of support for one of Africa’s most iconic species. It’s a vote for conservation, a gesture toward sustainability, and a chance to create lasting memories in the heart of Nairobi.
Whether you're a local resident or an international traveler, make the Giraffe Centre part of your Nairobi itinerary. Feed a giraffe, walk the forest, learn something new, and become part of a legacy that stretches far beyond Kenya’s borders.
Established in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW Kenya), the Giraffe Centre has become one of the top tourist attractions in Nairobi. But it's more than just a picturesque moment with a giraffe tongue on your palm—it’s a story of species survival, sustainable tourism, and love for wildlife.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, an eco-tourist, a family looking for an unforgettable Nairobi day trip, or a curious traveler eager to explore Kenya's hidden gems, the Giraffe Centre offers an enriching, feel-good experience that sticks with you long after you leave.
The History: How the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi Began
It all started with Daisy, an orphaned Rothschild’s giraffe calf adopted by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. Realizing the giraffes were critically endangered—with only around 130 individuals left in the wild at the time—they founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) to rescue and breed this subspecies of giraffe.
The Giraffe Centre was officially opened to the public in 1983, as an educational resource and conservation project. The primary goal was to breed Rothschild’s giraffes in captivity and reintroduce them into Kenya’s protected national parks. Since then, dozens of giraffes have returned to the wild, giving a second chance to a subspecies once teetering on the edge of extinction.
Why Visit the Giraffe Centre?
🦒 1. Meet the Majestic Rothschild’s Giraffes
The stars of the show are undoubtedly the elegant Rothschild’s giraffes, easily recognized by their unique white “stockings”—unspotted lower legs—and gentle, inquisitive nature. Towering up to 6 meters tall, they roam the expansive sanctuary freely, coming right up to the elevated feeding platform where visitors can interact with them face-to-face.
This unique opportunity to hand-feed, touch, and even kiss a giraffe is not only thrilling but deeply educational. You’ll learn about giraffe biology, the challenges they face in the wild, and what conservationists are doing to protect them.
🌿 2. A Haven of Education and Conservation
More than a photo op, the Giraffe Centre serves as an environmental education center for Kenyan schoolchildren and visitors from around the world. Its programs teach ecology, sustainability, and wildlife conservation through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational talks.
Over 50,000 Kenyan students visit annually through AFEW’s sponsorship programs, gaining valuable insights into preserving biodiversity. If you’re passionate about responsible travel, this is a prime example of tourism making a real-world impact.
📸 3. Instagrammable Moments and Serene Vibes
There’s no denying it—few places offer a better photo opportunity than the Giraffe Centre. The contrast between Nairobi’s cityscape and the peaceful giraffe sanctuary makes for stunning visuals.
The wooden viewing platform is perfectly positioned to get eye-level photos, selfies, or videos of you feeding giraffes. The garden trails and lush greenery offer a tranquil escape, perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
🌳 4. Nature Trail to the Gogo River
Beyond the giraffe feeding decks lies a lesser-known gem: a 1.5 km nature trail that winds through indigenous forest down to the Gogo River. This serene walk offers birdwatching opportunities and a quiet space to appreciate Kenya’s flora and fauna.
The forested trail also features educational signs, providing tidbits about local plants, animals, and conservation practices. It’s a gentle, rejuvenating stroll that complements the excitement of meeting giraffes.
🏨 5. Proximity to Giraffe Manor and Other Attractions
The Giraffe Centre is located right next to the world-renowned Giraffe Manor, a luxury boutique hotel where giraffes poke their heads through breakfast windows. While the manor is exclusive and expensive, the Giraffe Centre offers a more budget-friendly, equally magical giraffe interaction.
It’s also a convenient stop near other Nairobi highlights like:
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Nairobi National Park
- Kazuri Beads Women’s Factory
You can easily combine these into a full-day Nairobi wildlife and culture tour.
Essential Visitor Information
🕒 Opening Hours:
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays.
Best time to visit? Morning hours are cooler and quieter, making for a more relaxed experience.
💵 Entrance Fees (as of 2025):
Residents: Ksh 400 (Adults), Ksh 200 (Children)
Non-Residents: USD $15 (Adults), USD $7.50 (Children)
Proceeds go toward giraffe conservation and education programs.
📍 Location:
Lang’ata South Road, Nairobi, Kenya
About 40 minutes from Nairobi’s Central Business District depending on traffic.
🚕 How to Get There:
Use a taxi, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt, or join a Nairobi day tour.
Public transportation is limited—best to plan ahead.
Tips for Your Visit
✔️ Don’t be afraid to feed them – the giraffes are friendly, but they do drool a little!
✔️ Bring a camera or smartphone – natural lighting and tall giraffes make for epic shots.
✔️ Respect the rules – don’t chase, yell, or throw food.
✔️ Combine your visit with other Lang’ata-area attractions for a full day of adventure.
✔️ Support local – grab souvenirs at the on-site gift shop that supports conservation work.
The Rothschild’s Giraffe: Why It Matters
Once found in parts of Uganda and western Kenya, the Rothschild’s giraffe has become one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies due to habitat loss and human conflict. With less than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild, sanctuaries like the Giraffe Centre play a pivotal role in their survival.
By visiting, you’re not only enjoying a close encounter with nature—you’re contributing to a global mission to protect endangered species. It’s an experience that feels good, does good, and creates lifelong memories.
What People Are Saying
🌟 “Absolutely unforgettable! Feeding a giraffe is surreal and magical. A must-visit in Nairobi.”
🌟 “Loved the conservation aspect—this is more than just a tourist attraction.”
🌟 “Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. We even walked the trail after feeding!”
🌟 “So educational! My kids still talk about Daisy the giraffe.”
The Bigger Picture: Why the Giraffe Centre Matters
In an age where biodiversity is under threat, destinations like the Giraffe Centre offer a beacon of hope. It’s not just about giraffes—it’s about people learning to live in harmony with nature. It’s about eco-tourism done right, where money supports conservation, education empowers communities, and visitors leave more informed and inspired.
Whether you're a Kenyan resident or an international traveler, the Giraffe Centre serves as a reminder that even small actions—like buying a ticket, feeding a giraffe, or sharing your experience—can contribute to preserving Africa’s rich natural heritage.
A Tall Order of Magic
If Nairobi is the beating heart of Kenya, the Giraffe Centre is its gentle soul. It’s where human and giraffe meet eye to eye—literally and metaphorically. It’s a place that educates without preaching, entertains without exploiting, and inspires without trying too hard.
So if you’re wondering what to do in Nairobi, make sure the Giraffe Centre is at the top of your list. It’s not just a place to see giraffes—it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, beautiful, and undeniably magical.