Kenya · Safari

3-Day Nairobi Wildlife Tour with Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Thrilling game drives in Nairobi National Park with wildlife against Nairobi's skyline
02 Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to watch orphaned elephants feed and play
03 Hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
04 Explore Nairobi National Park's grass plains, forests, and wetlands
05 Browse a local craft market for authentic Kenyan art and souvenirs

Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure through Nairobi National Park, a special haven for exceptional wildlife viewing just outside the busy city. This tour offers the chance to see Kenya's varied wildlife, including lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, and more than 400 bird species in their natural habitat. Along the way, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn about orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation, and hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre. The experience ends with time to explore a local craft market for authentic Kenyan art and souvenirs.

Enjoy a thrilling morning game drive, where you'll have the chance to spot iconic African wildlife such as lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and even black rhinos, all against the scenic backdrop of Nairobi's skyline.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nairobi, Nairobi National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Game Drives in Nairobi National Park

Morning: Begin your journey with a pick-up from your preferred location in Nairobi, then head directly to Nairobi National Park. Enjoy a thrilling morning game drive, where you'll have the chance to spot iconic African wildlife such as lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and even black rhinos, all against the scenic backdrop of Nairobi's skyline.
Midday: Take a break for lunch at a designated picnic area or a nearby restaurant within the park. This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings while discussing the morning's highlights.
Afternoon: Continue the game drive to explore more of Nairobi National Park's diverse habitats, including grass plains, forests, and wetlands. These habitats support a variety of animals and bird species, making each game drive unique.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation, preparing for the following day's visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Day 02

Elephant Conservation and Giraffe Encounters

Morning: After breakfast, you'll visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a renowned elephant orphanage dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. Here, you'll have the chance to watch the elephants' morning feeding and playtime while learning each one's story and how the trust prepares them for eventual release back into the wild.
Midday: Spend additional time exploring the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you'll gain insight into the rehabilitation process and have the chance to interact with the handlers who care for the elephants daily. You'll also learn about the conservation challenges elephants face and the efforts being made to protect these majestic animals.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue your journey with a visit to the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. You'll have the chance to hand-feed the giraffes, observe their unique behaviour, and learn about the centre's conservation efforts.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner, reflecting on the day's conservation experiences and animal interactions.

Day 03

Final Game Drive and Nairobi Departure

Morning: Start the day with a final morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. This is a perfect time to catch sight of early-morning wildlife activity and possibly spot any animals you may have missed on Day 1. The serene atmosphere of the park at dawn provides a peaceful backdrop for viewing wildlife at its most active.
Midday: After the game drive, you'll head back for lunch and prepare for your departure. This is a good time to unwind, share photos, and reflect on your experiences with your guide.
Afternoon: You'll visit a local craft market or shop, where you can explore Kenyan art, crafts, and souvenirs to take home a piece of your adventure.
Departure: Your guide will transfer you back to your preferred location within Nairobi, marking the end of this memorable 3-day adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elelphant Nursery, Giraffe Centre

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nairobi 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Clothing

Light, neutral-colored clothing for game drives to blend in with the environment (avoid bright colors)
Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers for walking around the wildlife centers
Warm layers or a jacket for early morning and evening game drives, as it can get chilly
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection

Essentials

Camera or smartphone with extra batteries and storage for capturing memorable wildlife moments
Binoculars for closer views of animals in the park
Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
Small backpack or day bag for carrying your essentials during activities

Toiletries and Health

Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for convenience

Documents

Valid ID or passport
Travel insurance information
Credit card or cash for any additional expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

Extras

Notebook and pen to jot down highlights or conservation insights
Power bank for charging devices on the go
Travel guidebook (optional) if you want to read more about Nairobi's wildlife and history

Know before you go

Best Time to Visit Amboseli:
Amboseli is a year-round destination, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October), when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. From November to May, the landscape is greener, with more birdlife and newborn animals, though some areas may be muddy.
Wildlife and Scenery
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. While the mountain is often partially hidden by clouds, the best chances for clear views are in the early morning and late evening. Other animals you might see include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo.
Entry Requirements
Be sure to carry a valid passport or Kenyan ID, as it may be requested at the park gates. Park entry fees vary by nationality and should be paid before entering. Most lodges and camps accept credit cards, but carrying some cash (Kenyan shillings) is advisable for tips and minor expenses.
Malaria Precautions
Amboseli is located in a malaria-risk area, so consult your healthcare provider about anti-malarial medication before your trip. Additionally, apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.
Guided Game Drives
Game drives are typically arranged by the lodge or tour provider, and most offer morning and afternoon drives. Listen to your guide's safety instructions, as wildlife can be unpredictable, and never exit the vehicle in the park unless permitted by your guide.
Respect for Wildlife
Amboseli's wildlife is free-roaming, so it's essential to respect their space. Keep a safe distance from animals, avoid loud noises, and never attempt to feed or touch wildlife.
Photography Tips
Amboseli's unique light and open landscapes offer great photography opportunities. Capture Kilimanjaro in the background, and use zoom lenses to get close-ups without disturbing the animals. Bring extra batteries and memory cards, as charging may be limited.
Weather and Climate
Amboseli's climate can be hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Mornings and evenings are cooler, so layering is recommended. Bring a light jacket for the early morning game drives, and stay hydrated throughout your trip.
Respect Local Culture
The Maasai people inhabit the areas around Amboseli, and many tours offer visits to Maasai villages. If visiting, respect local customs and traditions, and always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Connectivity and Electricity
Some lodges in Amboseli offer Wi-Fi and charging points, but connections may be slow or intermittent. Use this time to disconnect and embrace the safari experience fully. Consider bringing a portable power bank for charging on the go.
Behaviour, and even learn about the centre's