Located just 40 minutes from Nairobi’s City Centre, Giraffe Centre is one Kenya’s most visited destinations, thanks to its protected endangered special giraffe and enjoyable activities. Its proximity to the city centre means that tour groups and tourists visiting the capital city often take in a one-day-trip to the conversation, it’s worth it. Here’s your ultimate need-to-know guide.
History of Giraffe Centre
Founded in 1979 by the late Jock Leslie-Melville, and his wife, Betty, the Giraffe Centre is the creation of Kenyan non-profit organisation – the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya). It was established in order to protect the endangered giraffe – the Rothschild’s giraffe, a subspecies of giraffe that is only found in the grasslands of East Africa. With only 130 of them left, the giraffe was on a brink of extinction due to severe habitat loss in western Kenya.
Today, the Giraffe Centre has also become a popular sightseeing destination as well as a world-famous as a Nature Education Centre, educating thousands of Kenyan school children. The centre is now a home to more than 300 Rothschild’s giraffe, these exotic African creatures are now being introduced to Kenyan national parks including Soysambu Ranch, Ruma National Park, Kigio Conservancy and Lake Nakuru National Park.
Getting there
Some tourists opt to take the public transportation from Nairobi’s central to the Hardy shops, and then walk to the centre. While those on group tours often take a private coach or a taxi from the city centre, which cost around KSH1500 (approx. $15.00). It’s about 40 minutes trip from Nairobi’s city centre with sights of nature isn’t a long journey, if you’ve ever been there, you’ll know it’s worth it.
Admission fees
Entrance to the centre isn’t free, all proceeds from admission fees go to conservation education work with Kenyan students and teachers across the country. No cash payments allowed, all payments at is by either, MPESA Buy goods till number, Credit or Debit card only. It’s advisable to bring a valid proof of identification with you when visiting the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi.
Entrance rates
Non-resident adults KSH1500 (approx. $15.00), non-resident Children KSH750 (approx. $7.50), resident adults KSH400, resident children KSH200 (Age 3yrs-12yrs), and free for children below 3yrs of Age. However, school groups have no admission fees if booked at least one week in advance. Full details are available here on the official Giraffe Centre website.
Opening hours
The Giraffe Centre is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week. Feeding and tours operate throughout this time, visitors have the chance to feed some giraffes or get some giraffe kisses.
