The Giraffe Centre is one of the most interesting places you can visit in Nairobi, Kenya. It is found about 12 kilometers from the city center. This place helps protect the Rothschild giraffe, which is one of the most endangered giraffe species in the world. The Giraffe Centre is not just a fun place to see giraffes up close, it also teaches people about wildlife and nature.
In this blog, we will talk about the Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees, what you can do there, the history of the center, when it is open, and tips to help you plan your visit. If you love animals, especially giraffes, then this place is perfect for you.
History of the Giraffe Centre
How It All Began
A long time ago, there were only 120 Rothschild giraffes left in Kenya. They were living in a ranch in Western Kenya. A couple named Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville wanted to help save them. They decided to take action by starting a small project to protect the giraffes. This small project grew into something big. In 1979, they created the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), a non-profit group.
Their work made a huge difference. Today, many Rothschild giraffes are living safely in parks and reserves. The Giraffe Centre was built to help with this work and also to let visitors see these animals up close.
The Giraffe Manor
The home of the couple who started the center has now been turned into a boutique hotel called the Giraffe Manor. This hotel is famous all over the world. Visitors can even have breakfast with giraffes poking their heads through the windows. While it is expensive to stay there, visiting the Giraffe Centre nearby is much cheaper and still a great experience.
What to Do at the Giraffe Centre
Feeding the Giraffes
One of the most fun things to do at the Giraffe Centre is feeding the giraffes. You will stand on a raised wooden platform. From here, you will be at the same height as the giraffes’ heads. This makes it easy to feed them and take photos.
The staff gives you pellets, which are safe food for giraffes. The giraffes are used to people and are very friendly. You can feed them from your hand. Sometimes, they even give you a big, sloppy giraffe kiss if you hold a pellet in your mouth.
Nature Trail and Walk
Just across from the giraffe platform is a small nature trail. This trail goes through a quiet area with trees, plants, and birds. It is a nice place to take a short walk and enjoy nature. There are also a few more giraffes in this area. You should always be careful and keep some distance from them. While they are gentle animals, they are still very strong.
Learn About Wildlife
The Giraffe Centre also has an education area. Here, you can learn about giraffes and other wild animals found in Kenya. School children often visit the center on field trips. They are taught about animal protection and why it is important to save wildlife.
Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees
Knowing the Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees is important before you plan your visit. The fees depend on whether you are a Kenyan citizen, a resident, or a tourist from another country.
Charges
- Non-Resident Adults: Ksh 1,500
- Non-Resident Children: Ksh 750
- Kenyan Citizens and Residents – Adults: Ksh 400
- Kenyan Citizens and Residents – Children: Ksh 200
- School Groups: Free (if booked at least one week in advance)
If you are a foreign visitor, your entrance fee will be higher than for Kenyan citizens. But the experience is worth it. The money helps to protect giraffes and run the center.
If you are part of a school group and book early, you can enter for free. This makes the center a great place for schools to visit and learn.
Opening Hours
The Giraffe Centre is open every day of the week, including weekends.
- Opening Time: 9:00 AM
- Closing Time: 5:30 PM
You can visit any day of the week. It is best to come early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the weather is cooler and the giraffes are more active.
Best Time to Visit
Morning Visits
The morning is a great time to visit because it is not too hot and the giraffes are usually hungry and more active. There are also fewer visitors early in the day, so you can have more time with the animals.
Weekday vs Weekend
The center can get very busy on weekends and public holidays. If you want a quieter experience, try visiting during the week. This way, you will not have to wait in long lines or feel rushed.
Tips for Visiting the Giraffe Centre
What to Wear
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Nairobi can be sunny, so bring a hat or cap, and do not forget sunscreen. The ground may be dusty, especially on the nature trail.
Bring a Camera
The giraffes are beautiful and photogenic. Bring a camera or phone with good battery life. You will want to take many photos with the giraffes, especially while feeding them.
Be Respectful
Even though the giraffes are friendly, they are still wild animals. Do not tease them or try to touch them too much. Always follow the rules given by the staff.
How to Get There
The Giraffe Centre is located in the Lang’ata area of Nairobi. It is about 12 kilometers from the city center. You can use a taxi, ride-hailing app like Uber or Bolt, or even drive yourself if you have a car. There are also local buses and matatus that go in that direction, but a private ride is easier.
Why Visit the Giraffe Centre
See Giraffes Up Close
There are not many places in the world where you can stand face to face with a giraffe. The Giraffe Centre lets you do just that. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet one of the tallest animals on Earth.
Help Wildlife Conservation
When you pay the Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees, your money goes towards helping protect giraffes and educating people. You are not just having fun, you are also helping save animals.
Fun and Learning Combined
The Giraffe Centre is fun for both kids and adults. You can feed giraffes, take a nature walk, and learn more about animals and the environment. It is a great place for families, school groups, and tourists.
Other Places Nearby
If you still have time after visiting the Giraffe Centre, there are other great places close by:
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: A rescue center for baby elephants
- Nairobi National Park: A park full of wild animals just outside the city
- Bomas of Kenya: A cultural center where you can see traditional music and dances
You can visit two or three of these places in one day if you plan well.
Travel With Bony Recommends
If you are planning a trip to Nairobi, do not miss the Giraffe Centre. At Travel With Bony, we suggest this stop as one of the best experiences in the city. It is perfect for animal lovers and anyone looking for something special to do in Kenya. Plus, it is affordable and easy to get to.
Summary of Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees Blog
- The Giraffe Centre helps protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe
- You can feed giraffes, take a nature walk, and learn about wildlife
- Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees depend on your residency status
- The center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Visiting supports animal conservation and education
Final Thoughts
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a special place. Whether you are visiting Kenya for the first time or have lived here your whole life, this center offers something magical. It brings people closer to animals in a way that teaches love and respect for nature. Knowing the Giraffe Centre Entrance Fees ahead of time helps you plan your trip better.
Make sure to bring your friends, family, or classmates for an unforgettable visit. Feed a giraffe, take photos, and enjoy the calm of the nature trail. You will leave with great memories and a better understanding of why it is important to protect wildlife.Tools
