Have you ever wanted to feed giraffes? Have you ever wanted to kiss a giraffe? Well, then, have I got the place for you! The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya allows you to get up close and personal with their resident giraffes…including feeding and kissing them!
Sound like a dream? Read on to learn how you too can visit and kiss a giraffe!
What is the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya?
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is an environmental conservation center and is home to several Rothschild Giraffes. It is part of the Kenyan non-profit organization called the Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W.), which was started in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville.
The Leslie-Melvilles opened the Giraffe Centre after learning that these giraffes had lost their habitat in Western Kenya and there were only 130 of them left. When the Leslie-Melvilles learned of these giraffes’ plight, they first tried to save this subspecies by bringing two giraffes—named Daisy and Marlon—to their home in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi.
At their home, they began breeding and raising Rothschild Giraffes in captivity, hoping to save them from extinction. Today, this giraffe center has expanded to become an educational facility as well as a rescue facility…helping to educate schoolchildren, locals, and foreigners alike while giving them an opportunity to interact with these magnificent creatures up close.
Thankfully, through the efforts of the Leslie-Melvilles and others, the Rothschild Giraffes are doing quite well today with over 300 safe and breeding across Kenyan national parks. But at the Giraffe Centre today, you can still interact with the 10 current giraffes on this preserve and enjoy experiencing them in close contact!
What to See and Do at the Giraffe Centre in Kenya
Upon entering the Giraffe Centre, you are given a small bag of pellets to feed the giraffes. They are “on a diet” which means you only get this one bag to feed them.
The giraffes are free to roam throughout the centre, with plenty of space for them to get away from the crowds if they so desire. Many of the giraffes choose to come say hello, though, because they know that you have snacks!
There are two main feeding areas: a low feeding area where the giraffes tower above you, and a platform built up so you are on the same level with the giraffes. You can choose either section or feed from both as you wander around the center.
While the giraffes are very friendly, they are wild animals so you should always exercise caution! There are several staff members walking around who can help you know how close you can get and where you can stand…some of the giraffes love to headbutt or swing their necks back and forth, so you definitely won’t want to be caught in this action.
Besides giraffes, you will also see plenty of warthogs on the premises. They blend in quite well with the ground, but be sure to keep an eye out and give them a little snack from time to time too!
How to Feed the Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
So you came here to feed giraffes…but how do you feed them? Here are some basic guidelines to help you feel comfortable feeding these amazing animals.
- Feed them one pellet at a time, using your thumb and index finger to hold the pellet.
- Do not feed the giraffe with an open hand (like you would a horse) or with multiple pellets in your hand at a time.
- Do not tease the giraffe! If you go up to it, feed it. They have come to expect food and only come over to interact when they want a snack, so withholding food can make them upset.
- Only feed giraffes the approved pellets.
- Do not make loud noises or sudden movements while feeding them.
- It is allowed—and encouraged—to feed the giraffes by placing a pellet in your mouth. The giraffes will then come up and take it from your mouth, giving you a big sloppy kiss in the process!
Want to see more cool animals in Nairobi? Check out the elephant orphanage!
How to Visit the Giraffe Centre
Here are a few tips to know before you visit the Giraffe Centre in Kenya!
Where is the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi?
The Giraffe Centre is located in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi, about 12 miles from the center of the city. It is located off Duma Road, but you can easily locate it using Google Maps here.
How to Get to the Giraffe Centre?
If you’re wondering how to get to the Giraffe Centre, you have a couple of options.
By Car: If you have your own car or have access to a car, this is the simplest method. Simply plug in your Google Maps directions and go! There’s plenty of free parking on site.
By Uber/Taxi: This is a popular tourist activity so any taxi or Uber driver should know exactly where to take you. I like the comfort, ease, and overall security of Uber, but if you decide to go the taxi route then just be sure you don’t take an unmarked Taxi as doing so opens you up to the possibility of scams and robbery.
By Tour: If you would rather go with a group, there are several tours that will take you to the Giraffe Centre…sometimes in conjunction with other things to do and see in Nairobi. Here are a few options:
- Giraffe Centre Tour From Nairobi: This tour picks you up from your hotel in Nairobi and takes you directly to the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with the giraffes and learn about their behaviors and traits. Then you will go on a nature trail up to the Gogo River—an hour long hike at a relaxing pace. In total, the tour takes approximately 4 hours. Click here to check it out!
- Full-Day Nairobi National Museum, Giraffe Centre, and Nairobi National Park Tour: This full-day tour takes you to three amazing locations, starting with the National Museum where you can learn about the history of Kenya. Then, you will proceed to the Giraffe Centre where you will spend a few hours interacting with and feeding the giraffes after which you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, you will go on a mini safari at the National Park before returning to your hotel. All entry/admission fees are included, as well as pick up and drop off from your hotel, but food and drinks and gratuities are excluded. Click here to check it out!
- Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre Tour: This tour takes you to two of the biggest animal highlights in Nairobi! It starts by picking you up from your hotel and traveling to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to visit the baby elephants and watch them feeding, and then you will head to the Giraffe Centre to interact with the Rothschild giraffes. At the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel. Food and drinks are not included. Click here to check it out!
When is the Giraffe Centre Open?
The Giraffe Centre is open every day from 9am-5pm, including weekends and public holidays.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The “best time” to visit depends on your aims. Many people love to start by visiting the nearby Elephant Orphanage and then going to the Giraffe Centre. It’s a nice loop and you get to see many amazing animals in one day! This works well, but do remember that everyone else will likely be doing this loop too.
If you want to avoid the crowds, at least try to visit during a weekday when less people are visiting the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. It gets super crowded on weekends!
What Does it Cost to Visit the Giraffe Centre?
The cost to enter the Giraffe Centre varies depending on whether you are a resident or non-resident. In 2019, non-resident adults can expect to pay 1,500 Ksh. (approximately $15) and non-resident children will pay 750 Ksh (approximately $7.50). A small bag of giraffe food is included in the cost.
Note that the Giraffe Centre only accepts M-Pesa or credit/debit cards. No cash is allowed, so be sure to plan ahead and bring a card to pay with!
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