Kenya · Up-Close Animal Experiences

6-Hour Nairobi Wildlife Tour with Elephant Sanctuary and Giraffe Centre

6 Hours Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover Nairobi National Park, Kenya's first national park, just minutes from the city center
  • 02 Watch orphaned elephants being bottle-fed and cared for at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
  • 03 Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform at the Giraffe Centre
  • 04 Learn how elephant and giraffe conservation programs protect Kenya's wildlife
  • 05 Enjoy close wildlife encounters against the backdrop of Nairobi's urban skyline

Enjoy an unforgettable 6-hour wildlife adventure in Nairobi, where nature and city life coexist. Experience Nairobi National Park, a rare urban sanctuary where lions, rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife roam freely against the city skyline. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to watch rescued orphaned elephants being fed and cared for as part of a remarkable conservation effort. Then head to the Giraffe Centre for an up-close encounter with endangered Rothschild giraffes, with the chance to feed them by hand and learn about ongoing conservation initiatives.

Enjoy an unforgettable 6-hour wildlife adventure in Nairobi, where nature and city life coexist.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nairobi, Nairobi National Park
Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi National Park Urban Safari

  • Nairobi National Park is a distinctive wildlife haven located just a short distance from Nairobi's vibrant city center. Established in 1946, it holds the title of Kenya's first national park.
  • Despite its urban setting, the park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.
  • Popular for game drives, it offers a unique opportunity to experience a traditional African safari within minutes of a bustling metropolis.
2
Day 02

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sanctuary

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Elephant Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

  • Purpose: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual release of orphaned elephants back into the wild. This center, located in Nairobi, Kenya, provides a sanctuary for elephants orphaned due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or other tragic circumstances.
  • Elephant Stories: Learn the heartwarming story of each elephant, including where it was rescued from, its recovery journey, and the rehabilitation process. The staff shares detailed information about their backgrounds and the unique challenges each elephant faces.
  • Feeding Time: Witness the elephants being bottle-fed with milk, a key part of their daily routine as they regain strength and health. The feeding sessions are a highlight, allowing you to see the elephants up close and learn about their needs.
  • Mud Baths and Wallowing: Watch the elephants enjoy their mud baths and wallowing sessions, a natural behavior that helps them cool down and protect their skin. This playful interaction is not only entertaining but also essential for their well-being.
  • Conservation Efforts: Gain insight into the important conservation work being done to protect elephants in the wild. The Trust's efforts extend beyond the elephants in their care, contributing to wider conservation initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife and their habitats.
  • Close Encounters: The experience allows visitors to interact with the elephants in a safe, educational environment. You'll have the chance to get close to these gentle giants and observe their social behaviors as they interact with one another and their caregivers.
3
Day 03

Up-Close Rothschild Giraffe Encounter

Giraffe Centre

  • The Giraffe Centre is a prominent giraffe conservation and breeding center located in Nairobi, Kenya. It is home to a thriving herd of Rothschild giraffes, one of the rarest and most endangered giraffe subspecies in the world, found only in certain parts of Kenya.
  • At the center, visitors can enjoy an up-close experience with these magnificent animals. You'll be able to feed the giraffes from a raised platform, where their long necks reach up for food, allowing for unique photo opportunities.
  • The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to the conservation of these endangered giraffes, focusing on breeding programs to increase their population and ensure their survival in the wild. The center also plays a significant role in educating the public about giraffe conservation efforts, habitat protection, and the challenges these animals face due to poaching and habitat loss.
  • In addition to interacting with the giraffes, visitors can explore the center's nature trails, visit educational displays about giraffes, and learn about the critical role the center plays in protecting these beautiful creatures. It is a peaceful and educational experience that offers both a fun and meaningful opportunity to support giraffe conservation initiatives.
Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre

Where this trip takes you

Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 2 cities · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals and mineral water

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • 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

For a tour to places like the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, consider bringing:

  • Comfortable clothing that is light and breathable, along with closed-toe shoes for walking
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection
  • Insect repellent
  • A camera or smartphone for photos
  • A water bottle and snacks for hydration and energy
  • Cash for entry fees or souvenirs
  • A small backpack to carry your essentials
  • Travel insurance and ID for safety purposes

Know before you go

Before visiting places like the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, here are a few things to know:

  • Timing: Check the opening hours and visit times. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, for example, has specific feeding times, usually around 11 AM, so plan accordingly.
  • Entry Fees: Be aware of any entry fees or donation requirements. It's a good idea to have cash on hand, as some places may not accept cards.
  • Booking in Advance: For some tours or experiences, it's advisable to book in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during peak times.
  • Respect Wildlife: Follow the guidelines for interacting with animals. Both locations emphasize ethical wildlife conservation, so it's important to respect the animals' space and the rules.
  • Weather: Nairobi can be warm, but it can also rain unexpectedly, so bring a light jacket or rain gear just in case.
  • Photography: Both centers are great for photos, but avoid using flash photography, as it might disturb the animals.
  • Donations: These centers rely on donations for their conservation work, so consider contributing or adopting an elephant or giraffe if you're interested in supporting their efforts.
  • Personal Items: Don't bring anything that could harm the animals, such as food or strong scents that might attract them.

By preparing for these points, you'll ensure a smooth and enriching visit to these wildlife conservation centers.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 hours finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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