Giraffe Center Nairobi Kenya

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

Best Places to Visit Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya.

Where else in the world can you hand feed a towering giraffe, watching up close as their long, green tongue gladly accepts your offering, while standing eye to eye with him (or her)? Surprise! A short while later, that same enormous giraffe tongue gives you a kiss.

You won't often, if ever, be able to get this close to the animals at sanctuaries, let alone give them a kiss! The Center offers a fascinating fusion of education, sightseeing, and conservation. 

You'll remember this encounter for years to come if there are many of delighted schoolchildren around.

The only possible explanation for this is The Giraffe Centre. 

It’s is a popular gathering place for giraffe enthusiasts, environmentalists, schoolchildren, and contented tourists who wish to learn about and get to know the center's renowned Rothschild's giraffes.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

History of the Giraffe Center Nairobi

The sad plight of the Rothschild's giraffe sparked Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville to build this most unusual sanctuary in 1979. There were only 130 giraffes left in Africa, where they had once been numerous.

The main focus of the organization was a breeding facility for the critically endangered Rothschild's giraffe, and in 1983 it stepped up its conservation efforts by opening an environmental teaching center for Kenyan youths.

Lord Walter Rothschild, a dedicated zoologist, is credited with naming and describing the Rothschild's giraffe. Following an early 1900s voyage to East Africa, he gave the giraffe its name. 

The Rothschild's giraffes were widespread and free-ranging when he first discovered them in Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan. They are now extinct in Sudan as a result of human population growth, poaching, and habitat destruction, and there are just thirteen populations left in Kenya and Uganda. Today, less than 670 giraffe can still be found in the wild.

On Soy Ranch, a cattle ranch in Western Kenya, Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband Jock found 130 of the critically endangered Rothschild's giraffe. The Rothschild family's giraffe would have come to an end if this property had been partitioned into agricultural areas to house landless people.

Lucky for Betty and Jock, a military threat from Uganda at the time led to the conversion of half the property into an army base, which gave them enough time to move four breeding herds to the security of four national parks. To raise awareness of the giraffe's situation, they also transported two baby giraffes to their residence in a Nairobi suburb.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

They chronicled their experiences in the book "Raising Daisy Rothschild." Later, "The Last Giraffe," a TV movie, was based on the book. To fill in for the original two, who were becoming older, new giraffe were brought into their Nairobi property during filming. Jock had the idea to construct an education center after noticing what appeared to be a large number of giraffe on the site. This would allow Kenyan kids to go see the giraffe and learn about conservation.

The Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife was created in 1980 after they raised money in the US to construct the center (AFEW). In order to establish a giraffe sanctuary and protect a portion of Nairobi's ecosystem, AFEW has over the years bought 60 acres of land around the Langata property and is currently making mortgage payments on another 40 acres.

Around 30,000 to 40,000 Kenyan students take part in the magical experience of witnessing and feeding the giraffe each year. A further 30,000 to 40,000 members of the general public visit the center each year. 

Additionally, 26 breeding herds of giraffes were relocated from Soy Ranch to Ruma Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Nasalot Game Reserve thanks to money collected by AFEW.

Rothschild's giraffes were recently introduced to the Mt. Elgon region's Sergoit Ranch, Kigio Conservancy, and Soysambu Ranch.

Best Time to Visit Giraffe Centre Nairobi

The Giraffe Center is open every day, including weekends and holidays, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can hand feed the giraffes from an elevated feeding platform, which can be an educational experience in and of itself.

To avoid scheduled excursions being ruined by rain, the optimum time to visit the Giraffe Center is between December and March and June and October during the dry season. The center, however, welcomes guests all year long.

The feeding platform is covered by a roof in case of rain, and it will be less crowded during the rainy months of March to May and late October to early December.

If you're visiting Kenya during high season, you must make reservations well in advance, like with everything else.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Giraffe Center Nairobi?

What are the entry prices for the Giraffe Center in Nairobi? Probably the most frequent query regarding this city Gem.

The Entry Fee is USD 15 per person, or roughly Ksh 1,500 per person in Kenyan Shillings. School Groups are offered free of charge to the visiting youngsters, however reservations for visits must be made at least two weeks in advance. 

When possible, they will only be scheduled on their preferred days between 9.00 am and 12:00 pm. The kids are given free access to every one of their educational programs. 90% of the Giraffe Center's financing comes from admission fees, sales at the teahouse, and purchases made at the gift store. As a result, your trip directly supports Kenya's conservation education.

Resident	Adult	Ksh 400
	Child	Ksh 200
Non-Resident	Adult	$15
	Child	$7.5

Kids under 3 are admitted free of charge, but you must make reservations in advance (about a week ahead), and they only accept Mpesa, Mastercard, or Visa credit cards as payment.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

Giraffe Centre Directions.

This unique and eccentric tourism hotspot is situated in Nairobi, Kenya, not far from Oloolua Nature Trail.

The Giraffe Centre is located in the Langata neighborhood of Nairobi, just a short drive (depending on traffic) from the city's core. Located in the Lang'ata neighborhood, around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center of Nairobi, the location is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away.

I think using CBD's public transportation is more adventurous and economical. Take the matatu 24 heading to Karen via Kenyatta Ave to the Hardy shops, and then take a stroll from there, to get there from the heart of Nairobi. There is a one-way fee of less than $1.

A different option is to take Matatu 26 to Magadi Rd and then cross at Mukoma Rd.

The cost of a taxi to the city center should be about KSh 1500.

Within the CBD. You reach the Uhuru Highway and proceed straight on Langata Road after leaving the roundabout.

Next, take a left turn onto Koitobos Road. After about 600 meters, turn right into the road leading to Gogo Falls. When you reach Giraffe Centre Nairobi, turn left onto Duma Road.

Giraffe Center Nairobi Google Direction

What Are The Giraffe Centre Activities?

•           Feed The Gentle Tall Giants Giraffe .

You anxiously place the molasses pellets, one by one, onto the impatient giraffe's outstretched grey tongue. A trip to the Giraffe Center is a terrific way to get up up and personal with Africa's tallest mammal while also helping to preserve the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.

You may observe and feed the giraffes up close from the elevated wooden structure (giraffe height). Additionally, you might see warthogs scavenging for the dropped pellets by snuffling at their hooves.

You may observe up close how the giraffe strips leaves from the acacia branches using its long, prehensile tongue.

The giraffes enjoy to connect with guests up on the feeding platform, stretching out with their long, curious tongues in anticipation of a treat. It's amazing to observe their many personalities, feel the roughness of their dark tongues, and see their mascara-like eyelashes from only a few inches close. 

The oldest giraffe, (Betty), was given the founder Leslie's name. She has given birth more than twice, and one of the babies, now an adult giraffe named Salma, was attacked by a lion who had snuck out of the park. The Lion wrapped his teeth around her neck in an attempt to choke her. 

But the lion was unsuccessful because the Giraffe Center of Nairobi guards were awake. Salma was saved, but in the present, she might head-butt you if you try to kiss her. Identify Salma first before you indulge.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

•         The Giraffe Centre Gift Shop

As you leave this City Gem, this is ideally situated. Since the Giraffe Centre receives funding from entrance fees and the Gift shop, it will be the perfect opportunity to spend til you drop.

In order to indirectly aid the giraffes and to receive a wonderful keepsake, please shop with a reason and don't haggle too much.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

•           Giraffe Centre Birds Sanctuary

The native forest is a piece of the original natural forest that once enveloped Nairobi. It is a bigger ecosystem with more than 100 acres of dry highland forest that formerly included the current Ngong forest and Ololua forest, leading to comparable vegetation.

•           The Giraffe Centre Information Centre.

Visit the Information Center to find out how these threatened species are cared for, reproduced, and ultimately returned to the wild. You also have the option of learning more about the Giraffe Centre in depth. How they care for threatened species and the reasons behind their actions.

They sell the artwork, and the proceeds are used to support the ecology trips for impoverished kids.

•           The Giraffe Centre Nature Trail.

Once you've finished kissing these enormous but kind giants giraffes. It's time to embark on a nature hike. Up to 1.6 kilometers of it meander through dense bushes and woodlands. The Gogo River may be found near Ngong Hills, where it begins. Just climb to the View Point if you want to see the source. What a wonderful vista!

The Giraffe Centre's parking lot is the starting point of this pleasant journey. This is a sizable region of dry upland woodland that was located in what is now Nairobi. Giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, and occasionally leopards are among the many species that call this woodland home.

The Giraffe Conservation Center has protected the giraffe's original habitat in this sanctuary, as well as many other creatures whose habitats can occasionally be seen as one strolls along the trail.

Visitors are welcome to bring a copy of the Nature Trail Guide Book, which includes a map for easy navigation and details on many plant and animal species that are simple to spot while walking. The Giraffe Centre has the guidebook on hand.

Along the verdant nature walk, you can have bird-watching spotting sessions while taking a stroll.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

•           The Giraffe Centre Orchid House

The orchid house is a delightfully concealed area of the mansion that is fragrant and bright. There are 150 orchids that thrive there, so reading, meditation, or drawing one of them might be a calming respite. If you'd like to have a candlelit dinner amidst the forest, let us know and we'll make it happen. Please be aware that this activity depends on availability and might not always be feasible.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

•           The Giraffe Centre Lawn Games

Both croquet and boules are great games to play on our lush lawns, which are available at the manor. You may set up either game with the help of our helpful staff, who will be pleased to do so. When the giraffes are in the sanctuary foraging during the day, this is best enjoyed.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

What is Found in Giraffe Centre?

Giraffe Manor; This Tudor-style boutique hotel is next to the Giraffe Center and might be the most unusual hotel in the entire world. Here, it's not unusual for a huge giraffe to poke its head through the window and investigate your eggs and toast as you have breakfast.

Winding Nature Trail; Following your time with the giraffes, you can embark on a 1.5 kilometer self-guided woodland trek in the nearby Gogo river sanctuary, which offers stunning views of Nairobi and the Ngong hills.

Daisy Zoovenir Shop; The gift shop, named for Daisy, one of The Centre's initial residents, is a well-liked destination for souvenirs. 90 percent of the Center's income comes from admission fees and sales in the gift shop.

Books, Posters & Literature; The Centre produces a range of educational resources, including the Nature Trail Guidebook, publications on conservation techniques, and posters promoting environmental awareness.

Tea House; The Centre offers additional giraffe viewing from its Tea House, along with refreshments and tranquil views, in addition to its feeding platform, giraffe gazing, and nature trails. On your way out, stop by the Daisy Zoo Souvenir Shop to pick up some keepsakes while you unwind with a pot of tea at the tea house.

Final Thoughts.

The Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya has worked to preserve and rebuild this giraffe subspecies' population for 40 years. At the same time, it has given its numerous visitors the chance to learn more about these unique species and enjoy themselves.

Visit the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, Kenya to see some of the largest animals to ever roam the planet. The major goal of the center, which is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), is to safeguard the endangered Rothschild giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, which is discovered to roam freely and in captivity in a protected environment surrounding the meadows of East Africa.

The effort has had great success over the years, leading to the introduction of a few reproducing variants of Rothschild Giraffe into Kenyan national parks. A 95-acre (40-hectare) woodland nature refuge across the road is a wonderful place for birdwatching, and there are a number of gentle warthogs and other animals nearby.

They also take the lead on eco-tours as part of an intriguing effort. These are outings when they transport less fortunate kids from the slums.

The young people who are unable to pay to visit a national park in Kenya. They provide the meals and transportation in order to raise awareness of the value of national parks and the welfare of wildlife. This has a favorable effect on society.

Have You Ever Visited Nairobi's Giraffe Center? 

Please share your comments with me regarding your experience.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

Where to Stay | Giraffe Manor Kenya

The Giraffe Manor Kenya, a boutique hotel that dates back to the 1930s, is distinguished by its expansive windows, profusion of green creepers, lovely sunny terraces, and lush courtyards.

The constant population of endangered Rothschild giraffes, which frequently poke their heads through the open windows while you have a continental breakfast, is what distinguishes the Giraffe Manor, though.

Some rooms have own patios where you may relax in the afternoon sun and watch for approaching giraffes looking for treats.

Giraffe Center Nairobi, Kenya

One of the most amazing and singular experiences someone can have must be eating breakfast with a giraffe in the morning. This event, which is only available to Giraffe Manor's overnight guests, is not one to be missed. 

Meeting our endangered Rothschild's giraffes up close allows one to truly appreciate how stunning and soulful these animals are as they lop through the manor lawns and peek inside through the enormous windows with their exquisite necks. 

Fortunately, they are interested in healthy dry grass pellets rather than your pancakes, so keep an eye out for their long, curious tongues, which may reach a length of 20 inches.

Please be aware that because the giraffe at Giraffe Manor are wild animals, we cannot always guarantee interaction.

No need to fear, the giraffes will know where to find you whether you have breakfast in the Main Manor or the Garden Manor breakfast room, depending on where you are staying.