Welcome to the FAMOUS Giraffe Park Nairobi in Kenya.
Recently, we visited the Giraffe Centre and had an AMAZING experience.
However, there are some things we wish we had known before we visited it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🦒 Up-close giraffe visit: You get to stand eye-to-eye with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and FEED THEM from a raised platform, all in Nairobi and without needing to go on a safari.
💰 Clear pricing: Entry costs 1,500 KES ($15 USD) for non-resident adults, payment is card-only, and you only need about 1 to 2 hours for the full visit (including a walking trail).
🏨 Not Giraffe Manor: The Giraffe Centre is a conservation visit and is not the same as Giraffe Manor, which is a separate, luxury boutique hotel where you can stay overnight with giraffes. Many people confuse the two.
Is Giraffe Park worth visiting?
Yes! The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is worth visiting to enjoy an up-close giraffe experience without doing a safari.
The Giraffe Centre lets you stand EYE-TO-EYE with Rothschild’s giraffes on a raised wooden platform and FEED THEM. That was definitely our highlight.
You also have a SMALL MUSEUM giving you the history of the park and what is special about these Rothschild’s giraffes.
How long should you spend at the Giraffe Centre Nairobi?
We spent 1.5 hours at the Giraffe Centre, which was enough time for feeding, reading everything in the museum, and doing the small trail next to the park.
Prices for an itinerary like ours start from $360 per person per day (all-inclusive).
Simply fill in the form below to get FREE QUOTES from trusted local tour companies that we’ve personally traveled with.
It only takes 60 seconds, and you’ll receive custom itineraries and pricing directly in your inbox within 48 hours.
Free of charge. No pressure. No obligation.
*Our trusted local partners create every itinerary with care. We kindly ask that you submit a request only if you’re considering traveling.
How much does it cost to go to the Giraffe Centre Nairobi?
Entry fees are:
- 1,500 KES ($15 USD) for non-resident adults
- 750 KES ($6 USD) for children
- Children under about age 3 are free
More information on the official website of Giraffe Park Nairobi.
What is the Giraffe Centre Nairobi?
The Giraffe Centre (officially the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya) is a wildlife conservation and education facility in Lang’ata, Nairobi, dedicated to protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe through breeding, education, and public engagement.
👉 DID YOU KNOW: The Rothschild Giraffe is a species that is ONLY FOUND IN EAST AFRICA and is unique because it has NO MARKINGS on its lower legs, so they appear to be wearing WHITE SOCKS!
It was founded in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville and has helped increase giraffe numbers and awareness over the decades.
You can feed giraffes up close from a raised feeding platform and go on short nature trails.
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| 🥾 Shoes: Men | Women | 🧢 Safari sun hat | 🕶️ Sunglasses |
| 🔋 Power bank | 🔭 Binoculars | 🔌 Universal plug adapter |
| 🦟 Insect repellent (DEET) | 💧 Electrolyte tablets | 🎒 Daypack |
More information in our complete post about Kenya safari clothing.
Is the Giraffe Centre ethical?
Yes, the Giraffe Centre is ethical and conservation-focused.
It operates as a non-profit sanctuary that has contributed to the successful breeding and reintroduction of Rothschild’s giraffes into the wild, and it actively promotes environmental education.
Is the Giraffe Centre affiliated with Giraffe Manor?
No, the Giraffe Centre and Giraffe Manor are NOT THE SAME OPERATION and not affiliated.
They are separate establishments in the same area that both involve giraffes, but they serve different purposes.
What is Giraffe Manor?
Giraffe Manor is an iconic BOUTIQUE hotel in a suburb of Nairobi, part of The Safari Collection.
For us, Giraffe Manor is a scene from The Jungle Book brought to life.
It has a herd of RESIDENT GIRAFFES that roam the grounds freely and poke their heads through the windows during breakfast or afternoon tea, creating the famous INSTAGRAM PICTURES.
The lodge includes about 12 decorated rooms and offers luxury accommodation.
👉 DID YOU KNOW: Giraffe Manor boutique hotel in Nairobi can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made Kenya safari with The Safari Collection.
How much does Giraffe Manor cost per night?
Based on the official 2026 pricing, Giraffe Manor costs about US$ 1,080 per night for a day room in either the WARIDI, NANDI, or ALIZETI rooms (minimum rate).
The exact full overnight price varies on the room and extras, but the base rate is US$ 1,080 per night.
| ALL YEAR (2026) | ||
| DAY ROOM SUITE Lily |
RATE | |
| Minimum Room Rate (based on up to 4 guests sharing) | US$ 2,000 | |
| Per Adult Sharing (capacity for 2 extra guests) | US$ 485 | |
| Per Child Sharing (capacity for 2 extra guests) | US$ 340 | |
| DELUXE DAY ROOM Waridi & Nandi |
RATE | |
| Minimum Room Rate (based on up to 2 guests sharing) | US$ 1,080 | |
| Per Adult Sharing (capacity for 2 extra guests) | US$ 485 | |
| Per Child Sharing (capacity for 2 extra guests) | US$ 340 | |
| DELUXE DAY ROOM Alizeti |
RATE | |
| Minimum Room Rate (based on up to 2 guests sharing) | US$ 1,080 | |
| Per Adult Sharing (capacity for 1 extra guest) | US$ 485 | |
| Per Child Sharing (capacity for 1 extra guest) | US$ 340 | |
| ADDITIONAL ACCESS AND EXTRAS | ||
| Early Bird Package (breakfast and half day access) | US$ 275 | |
| Retreat Pass (meals & access to The Retreat for the day) | US$ 350 | |
Take a look at some of the other amazing accommodations near the Giraffe Centre!
Location of Giraffe Park Nairobi
The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang’ata, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a perfect itinerary when you have some spare time when ending your 5 day itinerary in Kenya.
To get there, the best way is to take a PRIVATE CAR. Public transport is available, but we do not recommend it. The drivers of the buses are quite reckless, and accidents are not uncommon.
There is a lot of parking space available, but you also need to be lucky. At peak hours (4 pm) the parking lot fills up quickly. We just managed to secure a spot.
Another option is to get an UBER which there are many in Nairobi so you’ll never have to wait long!
About Giraffe Park Nairobi
The Giraffe Centre, born from the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), has become famous as an education centre, educating thousands of Kenyan schoolchildren and international tourists annually.
Established in 1979, the Giraffe Center was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty to protect the endangered ROTHSHIELD GIRAFFE, one of the three Giraffe species (the other ones are the Maasai giraffe and the reticulated giraffe), facing habitat loss in Western Kenya.
With only 130 (!) INDIVIDUALS REMAINING at the time, the Leslie-Melvilles rescued two young giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, bringing them to their home in Lang’ata, near Nairobi (where the centre still is).
This was the beginning of a successful BREEDING PROGRAM.
By 1983, they had raised enough money to establish the Giraffe Visitor Center as a tourist destination, which is recommended by Lonely Planet.
There are now over 300 Rothschild giraffes that are safe and breeding well in various Kenyan national parks. FYI: About 2,098 Rothschild giraffes are remaining in the wild worldwide (IUCN, 2018).
You can access the official Giraffe Centre website here.
👉 DID YOU KNOW: Giraffes are the world’s tallest animals?
The Giraffe Centre
What to Expect? Rothschild Giraffe
At the entrance of the Giraffe Centre, you’ll receive a BOWL with molasses pellets. You can hand-feed giraffes by dropping the pellets one by one onto their grey tongues. Spending time with them shows just how gentle they are, and understanding how friendly giraffes can be makes the experience even more magical.
Before you can feed the giraffes, you will follow a short route with interactive displays, explaining the context of the giraffes and the work of the conservancy.
When you get to the viewpoint, you can even try to receive a kiss from their long tongue (SPOILER ALERT: it’s very slimy).
After interacting with you, the giraffes always retreat to their forest sanctuary. This emphasizes the importance of conservation and education efforts.
Once you have finished with the giraffes, you can head out on a self-guided forest walk (just cross the street; the gate is free to open) in the Gogo River Sanctuary, a 1.5-kilometer trail with some views of Nairobi and the Ngong Hills.
The trail is a nice addition, but do not expect too much of it.
Please make sure you adhere to the Leave No Trace Principle and don’t leave any trash at the visitor center!
👉 DO YOU KNOW: 90% of the funds for the giraffe centre are derived from the entrance fee? This makes good use of the high entrance fee.
Prices for an itinerary like ours start from $360 per person per day (all-inclusive).
Simply fill in the form below to get FREE QUOTES from trusted local tour companies that we’ve personally traveled with.
It only takes 60 seconds, and you’ll receive custom itineraries and pricing directly in your inbox within 48 hours.
Free of charge. No pressure. No obligation.
*Our trusted local partners create every itinerary with care. We kindly ask that you submit a request only if you’re considering traveling.
How to plan Giraffe Park Nairobi into a FULL DAY-TRIP?
Game drive at Nairobi National Park
Start your day with an early morning (6 am) game drive in Nairobi National Park, the closest national park to any capital city.
Here, you can see the wildlife, including four of the Big Five, against Nairobi’s skyline.
Visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage
Around 11 am, head to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage.
This is the perfect time to see baby elephants as they rush in for their midday milk.
Explore the Nairobi Giraffe Centre
End your day with a visit to the Nairobi Giraffe Centre.
These three activities make for a full day. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop at each location to purchase unique souvenirs and support conservation efforts.
| Recommended SAFARI ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust | ||
| 🧳 Travel duffle bag | 👕 Long shirt: Men | Women | 👕 Short shirt: Men | Women |
| 👖 Pants: Men | Women | 🧥 Light fleece: Men | Women | 🌧️ Rain jacket: Men | Women |
| 🥾 Shoes: Men | Women | 🧢 Safari sun hat | 🕶️ Sunglasses |
| 🔋 Power bank | 🔭 Binoculars | 🔌 Universal plug adapter |
| 🦟 Insect repellent (DEET) | 💧 Electrolyte tablets | 🎒 Daypack |
More information in our complete post about Kenya safari clothing.
Tips and insights
- Visit the Tea House for refreshments and giraffe viewing, including the Rothschild giraffe.
- Shop at Daisy Zoovenir Shop for giraffe-themed memorabilia.
- Explore the Nature Trail and learn about conservation practices.
- Stay at Giraffe Manor, a unique boutique hotel with giraffe viewing.
- Consider visiting the centre with Kenyan school children to learn about conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Giraffe Park Nairobi is a must-visit attraction in Kenya, for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and giraffes.
You can expect a unique and educational experience, with opportunities to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
The Giraffe Park in Nairobi is dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife and their habitat, and you can support conservation efforts by visiting and learning about the centre’s work.
