Nairobi in 1 Days - Feed and learn about Rothschild giraffes at The Giraffe Centre
In Collaboration with Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safaris. Updated on February 26, 2026.
Private full-day wildlife tour by customized safari vehicle (pop-up roof). Visit The Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage (public viewing 11:00–12:00), then a 3-hour game drive in Nairobi National Park. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi CBD; lunch on your own.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safaris, inspired by the tour Tour: Giraffe Center and Nairobi National Park. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Feed and learn about Rothschild giraffes at The Giraffe Centre
- Attend the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust public viewing (11:00–12:00) to see orphaned baby elephants
- 3-hour game drive in Nairobi National Park with potential sightings of rhino and lion
More than 12 itineraries in Nairobi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Private family-friendly wildlife day: hotel pickup, The Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick orphanage (public viewing 11:00–12:00), lunch in Karen, then a 3-hour game drive in Nairobi National Park and return to your hotel.
Hotel pickup (Nairobi CBD)
Pickup from hotels within Nairobi CBD. Driver/guide will confirm exact pickup point in the voucher notes.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to keep the day on schedule.
- Carry IDs for all passengers — guides may verify bookings at pickup and entry points.
- If you have young children, bring a familiar snack and a light jacket; vehicles have seatbelts but do not provide child seats.
Visit The Giraffe Centre
Guided visit to The Giraffe Centre to learn about Rothschild giraffes and participate in supervised feeding.
- 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:
- Bring a camera and a zoom lens if you have one; the pop-up roof helps with unobstructed photos but avoid flash during close interactions.
- Hold children close during feeding; keep fingers flat when feeding to avoid accidental nibbling.
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection — the feeding platform is outdoors and partially shaded.
Transfer to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage)
Short transfer toward the elephant orphanage area. Arrival timed to attend the public viewing session which runs 11:00–12:00.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect light traffic in the Karen/Langata area; the guide will plan transfers to arrive before the 11:00 viewing.
- Use this short transfer time to hydrate and apply sunscreen before the orphanage viewing.
- Keep a small bag with essentials (water, hat, baby wipes) handy — you may have limited time for restroom breaks before the 11:00 session.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — public viewing
Attend the daily public orphanage viewing (11:00–12:00) to see rescued baby elephants and learn about rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts.
- 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:
- This viewing is strictly timed (11:00–12:00) — arrive on time as entry is limited to the scheduled session.
- Children should remain seated and follow the keeper's instructions during the session for safety and animal welfare.
- No strollers or large bags are recommended inside the viewing area; keep personal items minimal.
Lunch (own expense) — Karen area
One-hour lunch stop in Karen (cafés/restaurants near the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick area). Time allows for a relaxed family meal before the afternoon game drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose family-friendly restaurants in Karen with shaded outdoor seating if you prefer quicker service and space for kids.
- Inform staff about food allergies when ordering; many Karen cafés can accommodate simple requests.
- Keep the lunch reasonably timed (about 60 minutes) to allow for transfer to Nairobi National Park for the scheduled game drive.
Transfer to Nairobi National Park main gate
Drive from Karen area to the main gate of Nairobi National Park to begin the afternoon game drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras and binoculars easily accessible before arrival; the guide will brief on expected wildlife and safety procedures.
- Restroom facilities are limited at park entry; use facilities at lunch stop if needed.
- Seatbelts should remain fastened during transfers; children must be supervised during vehicle boarding and disembarking.
Nairobi National Park — 3-hour game drive
Guided 3-hour game drive inside Nairobi National Park in a customized safari vehicle (pop-up roof) focusing on spotting plains game and, if lucky, resident rhinos and predators.
- 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:
- Wear neutral-colored clothing and avoid strong perfumes to minimize disturbance to wildlife during the game drive.
- Bring water, a hat, and a light jacket — temperatures can change and the vehicle is open on top for viewing.
- Follow the guide's instructions on window openings and movement in the vehicle; remain seated during sightings for safety.
Return transfer and hotel drop-off (Nairobi CBD)
Drive back to hotels within Nairobi CBD; end of service at your hotel lobby.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival at the hotel around 16:45–17:00 depending on traffic; keep a small tip/souvenir bag accessible if needed.
- If you require a drop-off elsewhere (e.g., airport), inform the operator in advance as airport transfers may incur an additional charge.
- Check personal belongings before leaving the vehicle; confirm the final hotel drop-off with your guide.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Attraction, Transfer, Meal, Outdoor |
Tour: Giraffe Center and Nairobi National Park
Why this experience
One of the best day trips from Nairobi for families is a visit to the Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park — two world-class wildlife experiences that introduce you to Kenya's iconic animals without leaving the city. At the Giraffe Centre, you'll hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes, photograph them at eye level, and learn about conservation efforts from expert guides. Then venture into Nairobi National Park to track lions, leopards, zebras, and buffalo on an open-sided game drive with a professional ranger. This full-day itinerary balances interactive wildlife moments with authentic safari experience, ideal for families wanting to maximize encounters and create lasting memories.
Before you go
| Aspect | Details | |---|---| | Best time | Year-round, though dry season (June to September, January to February) offers clearer skies and easier game-spotting | | Budget | Includes guided tours at both venues, transport, park entrance fees, and ranger services; meals typically not included | | Difficulty | Easy — minimal walking, comfortable pacing suitable for young children and older travelers | | What to bring | Camera (giraffes are naturally photogenic), hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, bottled water, light snacks | | Getting there | Book hotel pickup in Nairobi; operator provides all transport and entrance to both sites | | Accessibility | Both venues offer wheelchair access; Giraffe Centre has elevated platforms, Nairobi NP has accessible vehicle routes |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the full day tour? Typically 7-8 hours total, starting at the Giraffe Centre (1.5-2 hours), followed by a lunch break, then Nairobi National Park (3-4 hours). Hotel pickups usually occur mid-morning.
Is it safe for young children to hand-feed giraffes? Yes — giraffes are gentle herbivores. Children as young as 3-4 can participate with adult supervision. The experience is designed to be safe and educational for all ages.
What wildlife will we definitely see in the national park? Zebras, wildebeest, and various birds are nearly guaranteed. Lions, leopards, and rhinos are possible depending on the day and season. Your ranger knows the best viewing spots and adjusts routes based on recent sightings.
What does the tour include? TheNextGuide partners with experienced Nairobi operators who include expert guides, transport between sites, park entrance fees, and the interactive giraffe feeding experience. Meals and tips are separate.
Will we see the Big Five in one day? Nairobi National Park holds lion, leopard, buffalo, and zebra, but rhino sightings are less frequent. For a full Big Five experience, a multi-day safari to the Mara or Amboseli is more reliable.
Complete your trip in Nairobi
Combine this day tour with an overnight stay and add a second day exploring the David Sheldrick Elephant Centre or the Nairobi Museum. For a longer commitment, step up to our 4-day Maasai Mara safari or 6-day multi-park adventure covering three of Kenya's top destinations.
Browse all Nairobi itineraries at TheNextGuide.
