The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is an amazing place to visit. It started as a rehabilitation project to rescue the Rothschild Giraffe. There were only 120 giraffes left in a ranch in Western Kenya when the Giraffe Center was founded. The actual non profit organization is called the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya (AFEW). The original house of the founders has been converted into a very impressive boutique hotel called the Giraffe Manor. The center is located roughly 12.5 miles (20km) away from the center of Nairobi.
We get along great 🙂
Things To Do At The Giraffe Center
Pet a Giraffe? Check. Kiss a Giraffe? Check. At the Giraffe Center you are able to site on top of a platform and stand eye to eye with the Giraffes. You are given small pellets to feed the Giraffes and there are unlimited refills. Across from the Giraffe Center is a small nature walk that features two other giraffes and a variety of unique plants and birds. This is where I was attacked by a Giraffe so make sure that you stay 50 feet (15 meters) away from them. This is the closest that you will be able to get to the giraffes in Kenya.
Click here to see a great video of me feeding the giraffes
Directions to the Giraffe Center (click for large image)
Getting to the Giraffe Center
- Via Local Transportation (Matatu)
The same Matatus that you take to see the Nairobi National Park can be taken to get to the Giraffe Center. You can either take two Matatus that will originate form the Nairobi Railway Station or one Matatu that will start from the KenCom & Ambassador Buildings.
From Nairobi Railway Station
The first will go to Galleria Mall in the neighborhood of Nairobi called Karen and will cost 30 Shillings. Look for Matatu #124/125 (combined number).
The second Matatu will be taken once you arrive at the Galleria mall in Kenya. Walk towards the Galleria Mall and you will see the Matatu station that you will take to the Giraffe Center(20-40 shillings).
The Kencom Building in Nairobi
From Kencom & Ambassador Buildings
After you get dropped off you will see signs for the Giraffe Center. There will be a very long road that will bend left (you will see a white wooden gate and then the Giraffe Manor) followed by a bend to the right. The giraffe center will be on the right. You can also take a local piki piki (motorcycle) to take you from where you get off the Matatu to the Giraffe Center, should only cost you roughly 50 shillings.
- Via Taxi
Cost to Enter Giraffe Center
Non Resident Adult – 700 Kenyan Shillings ($7.50, 5 Euros, 4.75 British Pounds)
Non Resident Child or Student – 250 Kenyan Shillings ($3, 2 Euros, 1.75 British Pounds)
Hours & Phone
- Opening Hours:
- 9.00 am to 5.30 pm7 days a week
