1 Day Tour Nairobi National Park, Elephant Center, Giraffe Ctr
Private full-day wildlife and conservation tour including a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, lunch break, and a visit to the Giraffe Centre. Pickup from Nairobi hotel or airport at 06:00; returns to hotel/airport by ~14:00.
In Collaboration with Trail Tracers Tours and Travels. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Trail Tracers Tours and Travels, inspired by the tour 1 Day Tour Nairobi National Park, Elephant Center, Giraffe Ctr. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Morning game drive in Nairobi National Park with chance to see rhinos, lions, buffalo, zebras and giraffes
- Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage to learn about rescue and care of baby elephants
- Hand-feed Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and receive conservation briefing
Explore all itineraries in Nairobi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup at 06:00 from your Nairobi hotel or the airport; full day visiting Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, lunch, and the Giraffe Centre. Tour concludes with drop-off at hotel/airport by approximately 14:00.
Nairobi National Park – Morning game drive
Drive from your pickup point to Nairobi National Park for an early morning game drive across open savannah bordering the city skyline. The guide will aim to show a variety of species including rhino, lion, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. Time includes entrance and a paced game-drive with short stops for photography and wildlife viewing.
- Monday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light jacket for the cooler early morning and closed shoes for brief exits from the vehicle.
- Pack binoculars and a camera with a medium-telephoto lens; keep belongings secure inside the vehicle during game viewing.
- Keep children seated and follow the guide’s instructions when the vehicle stops; avoid loud noises and sudden movements.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Elephant orphanage visit
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage) to watch rescued baby elephants and hear a guided talk about rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Time allocated includes arrival, the visitor session, and a short Q&A with staff where allowed.
- Monday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Tuesday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Friday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive ready to follow staff directions; maintain distance when instructed and do not attempt to touch elephants unless staff allows it.
- Use quiet, respectful behaviour during the orphanage session – this helps keep the animals calm and supports the educational talk.
- Bring a small bottle of water and use the restroom before arriving; facilities can be limited and lines form during peak visiting times.
Giraffe Centre – Feeding and conservation talk
After a lunch break, visit the Giraffe Centre for an elevated platform feeding experience and a short conservation education session focused on Rothschild's giraffes. Time includes arrival, feeding, and a guided briefing on giraffe behaviour and conservation.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the platform and follow staff instructions when feeding the giraffes to ensure child safety.
- Carry a hat and sunscreen for time outdoors; the feeding platform is exposed to sun and wind.
- If travelling with young children, supervise them closely on the viewing platform; the centre has staff but parents should remain attentive.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Outdoor, Attraction |
1 Day Tour Nairobi National Park, Elephant Center, Giraffe Ctr
Why this experience
Packing three premier wildlife attractions into one Nairobi day is the fastest way for families to experience Kenya's most iconic animals without leaving the city. Start with a guided game drive in Nairobi National Park to track lions, leopards, and zebras in their natural habitat. Then visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Centre to bottle-feed orphaned baby elephants and learn about anti-poaching efforts. Finish at the Giraffe Centre hand-feeding endangered Rothschild giraffes at eye level. This full immersion delivers close wildlife encounters, educational moments, and unforgettable photo opportunities — all in a single day designed for families maximizing their Nairobi time.
Before you go
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time | Year-round; dry season (June to September, January to February) offers clearer skies and easier wildlife spotting |
| Budget | Includes guided park drive, entrance fees to all three sites, guide services, transport between locations; meals usually not included |
| Difficulty | Easy — comfortable pacing suitable for young children and all ages; minimal strenuous walking |
| What to bring | Camera, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, bottled water, snacks, light jacket for cool mornings |
| Getting there | Hotel pickup in Nairobi; operator provides all transport and site access |
| Accessibility | Nairobi NP has accessible vehicle routes; Elephant Centre is wheelchair accessible; Giraffe Centre has accessibility accommodations |
Frequently asked questions
What time does the day start and end? Typically hotel pickup around 6-7am, starting game drive at sunrise, returning to hotel by 6-7pm. The schedule packs experiences efficiently while allowing time at each site.
Are the baby elephants real, and is it ethical to interact with them? Yes — the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a legitimate, research-backed orphan elephant rehabilitation center. Interaction supports their care and conservation. Confirm with your operator that they partner with accredited facilities.
How much time do we spend at each location? Nairobi National Park: 3-4 hours (including game drive); Elephant Centre: 1.5-2 hours (bottle-feeding + education); Giraffe Centre: 1.5-2 hours (feeding + learning). A midday lunch break is included.
Will young children enjoy the full day? Yes — the Elephant Centre and Giraffe Centre are designed for families, and game-drive vehicles are comfortable. Children can nap during transfers if needed. Confirm age suitability with your operator.
What's included in the tour? TheNextGuide connects you with professional Nairobi operators providing guides, transport, all entrance fees, and the interactive wildlife experiences. Meals and tips are typically separate.
Complete your trip in Nairobi
If staying longer, add a second day exploring the Kibera community tour for cultural depth, or extend to the Maasai Mara for a multi-day safari. For nature lovers, Mount Kenya climbing offers a completely different adventure on your next Nairobi visit.
Browse all Nairobi itineraries at TheNextGuide.
