Kenya (Nairobi) Giraffe Centre Entry – How to Reserve for Family Days
Hello there, fellow travelers and animal lovers! 🦒 Today I'm sharing everything you need to know about visiting the amazing Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Have you ever dreamed of feeding these gentle giants up close? This experience is absolutely magical for families, and I'm going to tell you exactly how to make it happen!
Shall we dive right in and discover how to plan your perfect family day with these majestic creatures? Let's go! 😊
🌍 What Makes the Giraffe Centre Special?
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi isn't just any wildlife attraction – it's a conservation success story that's been running since 1979. Originally established as a breeding center for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, it's now become one of Kenya's most beloved family-friendly attractions.
What makes this place truly special is the intimate interaction you can have with these gentle giants. Unlike traditional zoos, here you can feed giraffes from an elevated platform that puts you at eye level with these magnificent creatures!
| Centre Location | Karen, Nairobi (approximately 20km from city center) |
| Conservation Focus | Rothschild's giraffe breeding and protection |
| Established | 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife |
| Main Attraction | Hand-feeding giraffes from an elevated platform |
The centre isn't just about entertainment – it's also deeply committed to education and conservation. Your visit helps fund important work to protect these incredible animals for future generations to enjoy.
🎟️ Reservation Process Made Simple
Planning ahead is essential if you want to guarantee your spot at the Giraffe Centre, especially during peak tourist seasons or if you're organizing a family day out. The good news? The reservation process is quite straightforward! 🙌
The official website should be your first stop. They've recently updated their online booking system to make it more user-friendly for international visitors. Remember that weekends and holidays can book up weeks in advance!
For family visits, I highly recommend making reservations at least 2-3 weeks ahead of your planned visit date. This ensures you won't face any disappointment when you arrive in Nairobi.
You'll need to provide basic information like:
• Names of all visitors
- Date and preferred time slot
- Number of adults and children
- Contact information for confirmation
After submission, you should receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours. Don't forget to check your spam folder if it doesn't appear in your inbox!
💰 Entry Fees and What's Included
Understanding the fee structure helps with budgeting your family trip properly. The Giraffe Centre has different pricing tiers depending on whether you're a local resident or an international visitor.
For 2025, the pricing structure looks like this: 🧾
| Visitor Type | Entry Fee |
| International Adults | $15 USD (or equivalent in KES) |
| International Children (3-12 years) | $7 USD |
| Kenyan Residents (Adults) | KES 400 |
| Kenyan Residents (Children) | KES 200 |
| Educational Groups (per student) | KES 150 |
What's wonderful is that your entry fee includes feeding pellets for the giraffes – you don't need to pay extra for this magical experience! 🦒
The centre is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and most holidays. I've found that early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, which means more quality time with the giraffes.
👨👩👧👦 Tips for an Amazing Family Day
Having visited the Giraffe Centre multiple times with my own family, I've gathered some practical tips that will help make your experience truly memorable.
First, dress comfortably in casual clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Giraffes can sometimes drool when they're being fed, and their long tongues might leave some slobber on your hands or clothes. Trust me, it's part of the fun! 😄
Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes – you'll want to clean your hands after feeding the giraffes and before enjoying any snacks.
If you're visiting with small children, prepare them beforehand about what to expect. Some kids might be initially startled by how tall giraffes really are up close! I found that showing my children pictures and videos beforehand helped manage their expectations.
The centre provides the special feeding pellets, but if you want an extra special interaction, bring a few carrots (if permitted – always check current rules before visiting). Giraffes absolutely love them!
| Best Time to Visit | Why It's Great | Weather Consideration |
| Early Morning (9-11am) | Giraffes are most active and hungry | Cooler temperatures, comfortable |
| Late Afternoon (3-5pm) | Smaller crowds, nice lighting for photos | Pleasant as day cools down |
| Weekdays | Fewer visitors than weekends | Consistent throughout the year |
Don't forget your camera! The lighting at the centre is generally good for photography, especially during the golden hour before closing. A giraffe "kiss" photo is practically mandatory – they might gently take a pellet from between your lips with their long, dark tongues if you're feeling brave! 📸
🚗 Getting There and Practical Information
The Giraffe Centre is located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. There are several ways to get there, depending on your comfort level and budget.
If you're staying in Nairobi, the easiest option is to use a rideshare service like Uber or Bolt, which are readily available and reasonably priced in the city. A one-way trip from central Nairobi typically costs between $10-15 USD.
For the more adventurous, you can take public transportation (matatus), but this requires a bit more local knowledge and possibly a transfer or two. I personally recommend a private driver or tour guide if it's your first time in Nairobi.
Many visitors combine their trip to the Giraffe Centre with other nearby attractions, such as:
• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage)
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Nairobi National Park
These are all within a reasonable distance and make for a fantastic full-day itinerary for families! 🐘
Visiting the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is truly one of those bucket-list wildlife experiences that your family will remember forever. There's something magical about making eye contact with these gentle giants and feeling their velvety lips take food from your palm. 🦒
See you next time with another exciting travel destination! 🌟
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