The Giraffe Centre Guide
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is one of those experiences that tends to come up often when people talk about visiting the city, and for good reason. I found it to be well worth the visit and one of the more memorable stops during my time in Nairobi. If you’re planning your own trip, it pairs nicely with a few other spots I visited that really rounded out the experience.
To get the most out of your experience in general, there are certain things you should know. Keep reading to find out more!
Getting to the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, about 40 minutes from the city centre, but this depends on the traffic. If you’re coming from central Nairobi, you have a few options for getting there:
- By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Apps – The most convenient way to reach the Giraffe Centre is by using ride-hailing apps such as Uber. Prices vary depending on traffic, but it’s an affordable and comfortable option. I was advised to stay away from local taxis as a tourist, so I’d advise others to do the same.
- By Public Transport (Matatu) – This wasn’t an option that I considered, but it can definitely get you to the Giraffe Centre, and on a budget. Take Route 24 from the Nairobi CBD, which will drop you off near the Giraffe Centre. From there, it’s a short walk.
- By Tour or Private Driver – Many tour companies in Nairobi and third parties offer half-day trips that include stops at the Giraffe Centre and other attractions like the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This is a great option if you want to make the most of your day.
Best Time to Visit
The Giraffe Centre is open everyday from 9am to 5pm, but the best time to visit is in the morning (9am-11am). This is when the giraffes are most active and eager to eat. If you go later in the day, they may already be full and less interested in your pellets.
Weekdays tend to be less crowded, while weekend and holidays attract larger crowds, including school groups and families. If you prefer a quieter experience, definitely try to visit on a weekday morning.
Arriving At The Giraffe Centre
When you first walk in, after getting through security, you’re immediately directed to go and wash your hands. Yes, immediately, before you even purchase your ticket! This told me everything I needed to know about how well-organized and carefully maintained the centre is.
From there, you’ll go to the ticket counter to purchase your tickets. They only accept payment via credit or debit. No cash payments are accepted.
The prices are the following:
- Non Resident Adult: 1,500 Kshs (around $12 USD)
- Non Resident Child: 750 Kshs (around $6 USD)
- Resident Adult: 400 Kshs (around $3 USD)
- Resident Child: 250 Kshs (around $2 USD)
What To Expect At The Giraffe Centre
After you’ve paid for your ticket, the fun begins. You’ll walk along a wooden pathway that leads you to the station where you’ll pick up your pellets. Pellets are what you’ll be feeding the lovely giraffes. However, note that once your portion is done, you won’t be given another. So keep this in mind throughout the experience!
When you get to the platform where you feed the giraffes, you’ll notice there are a few staff members present. They are there to guide visitors who might need assistance. If you’re like me and you’re worried about upsetting the giraffes, don’t worry, the staff members will provide some tips!
Another important thing to know is that not all the giraffes are the same. Each giraffe has its own unique personality, and for some of them, this means there are certain things you cannot do when you’re around them. For example, there’s a giraffe named Daisy who loves attention. So, she’s not the one you want to turn your back against because she’ll remind you that she’s there!
If you run out of pellets, you can pet the giraffes, or simply stand back and observe them in their natural element.
Once you’re done, you can swing by the small on-site café for a quick drink. Personally, I found it to be more of a booth than a full café, with a limited selection, but it’s a nice spot to pause for a moment. Just beside it, you’ll find a souvenir shop stocked with giraffe-themed keepsakes that you can purchase to take a piece of the experience home with you.
Planning the Rest of Your Day
Local Interaction
If you’re interested in a bonus activity for the day, consider engaging in an interaction with the Masai People. About 10 minutes away from the giraffe centre, you’ll find The Golden Eagle, an art gallery. At the main entrance, a few Maasai people often gather, offering visitors a unique cultural experience.
This interaction includes dressing in traditional Masai attire, joining in their dances, and learning a few greetings and common phrases in their language. There’s no set fee, at least, there wasn’t for us. Instead, it operates on a tipping system, allowing you to contribute what you feel is appropriate.
Bomas of Kenya
If you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, head to Bomas of Kenya, located just a short 15-minute drive from the Giraffe Centre. This vibrant cultural hub showcases captivating traditional performances, featuring energetic dances, rhythmic drumming, and storytelling from Kenya’s diverse ethnic communities. After enjoying the live show, take a walk through the recreated traditional homesteads, each representing a different ethnic group. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of Kenya’s rich heritage, customs, and way of life.
If you’re looking for more ideas on what to do in Nairobi, be sure to check out my full guide and detailed itinerary, which is packed with suggestions to help you plan the perfect trip!
