Tsavo West Experience

Just 7 km from Nairobi CBD, this 117 km² park is the world’s only urban safari destination. It hosts lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos and giraffes with a cityscape backdrop. Highlights include the Ivory Burning Monument and nearby Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. It’s perfect for transit visitors or locals seeking a quick escape without leaving the city. Go early morning for top predator sightings before the heat rises.

Nestled on the edge of Nairobi’s urban bustle lies a unique wildlife encounter: feeding giraffes by hand and walking amid forest trails. At the Giraffe Centre, every guest becomes a participant in conservation. <h3 data-start="581" data-end="626"><strong data-start="585" data-end="624">Where Conservation Meets Connection</strong></h3> <p data-start="627" data-end="1001">Just a short drive from the heart of Nairobi lies one of Kenya’s most iconic conservation landmarks the Giraffe Centre, home of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.<br data-start="801" data-end="804" />Founded in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), the centre was established to rescue, breed, and reintroduce these majestic giraffes into protected areas across Kenya.</p> <p data-start="1003" data-end="1195">Today, the Giraffe Centre welcomes visitors from all over the world to experience the unforgettable joy of feeding giraffes up close while learning about Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts.</p> <hr data-start="1197" data-end="1200" /> <h3 data-start="1202" data-end="1239"><strong data-start="1206" data-end="1239">The Giraffe Centre Experience</strong></h3> <p data-start="1240" data-end="1378">Imagine standing eye-to-eye with a giraffe as it gently leans down to take food straight from your hand. That’s the magic of this place.</p> <p data-start="1380" data-end="1625">From the raised wooden platform, visitors can interact safely with giraffes, learn about their conservation journey, and even meet some of the centre’s well-known residents. The experience is immersive, educational, and surprisingly emotional.</p> <p data-start="1627" data-end="1837">Afterward, guests can take a peaceful stroll along the Gogo River Nature Trail, a short forest walk filled with birds, butterflies, and scenic views a perfect way to slow down and reconnect with nature.</p> <hr data-start="1839" data-end="1842" /> <h4 data-start="1844" data-end="1876"><strong data-start="1848" data-end="1876">Why It’s Worth the Visit</strong></h4> <p data-start="1877" data-end="1983">The Giraffe Centre isn’t just a tourist stop it’s a beacon of wildlife conservation and education.</p> <p data-start="1985" data-end="2232">By visiting, you directly support efforts to protect the Rothschild’s giraffe, one of Africa’s rarest giraffe subspecies. The centre also funds community programs, wildlife education for Kenyan schools, and environmental awareness campaigns.</p> <p data-start="2234" data-end="2370">It’s a feel-good experience that gives back making it an ideal stop for travellers who care about ethical and sustainable tourism.</p> <hr data-start="2372" data-end="2375" /> <h3 data-start="2377" data-end="2404"><strong data-start="2381" data-end="2404">Visitor Information</strong></h3> <h4 data-start="2405" data-end="2543">📍 <strong data-start="2408" data-end="2421">Location:</strong> Nyumbi Road, off Duma Road, Lang’ata, Nairobi<br data-start="2467" data-end="2470" />🕘 <strong data-start="2473" data-end="2491">Opening Hours:</strong> Daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM<br data-start="2520" data-end="2523" />💰 <strong data-start="2526" data-end="2541">Entry Fees:</strong></h4> <ul data-start="2544" data-end="2712"> <li data-start="2544" data-end="2578"> <p data-start="2546" data-end="2578">Non-Resident Adult – KSh 1,500</p> </li> <li data-start="2579" data-end="2622"> <p data-start="2581" data-end="2622">Non-Resident Child (3–12 yrs) – KSh 750</p> </li> <li data-start="2623" data-end="2651"> <p data-start="2625" data-end="2651">Resident Adult – KSh 400</p> </li> <li data-start="2652" data-end="2680"> <p data-start="2654" data-end="2680">Resident Child – KSh 200</p> </li> <li data-start="2681" data-end="2712"> <p data-start="2683" data-end="2712">Children under 3 yrs – Free</p> </li> </ul> <h4 data-start="2714" data-end="2741">🎒 <strong data-start="2717" data-end="2739">Tips for Visitors:</strong></h4> <ul data-start="2742" data-end="3075"> <li data-start="2742" data-end="2817"> <p data-start="2744" data-end="2817">Arrive early to avoid crowds (giraffes are most active in the morning).</p> </li> <li data-start="2818" data-end="2900"> <p data-start="2820" data-end="2900">Bring a camera  the lighting and angles are perfect for wildlife photography.</p> </li> <li data-start="2901" data-end="2968"> <p data-start="2903" data-end="2968">Wear comfortable shoes if planning to explore the forest trail.</p> </li> <li data-start="2969" data-end="3075"> <p data-start="2971" data-end="3075">Don’t forget to visit the tea house and gift shop, where proceeds go directly to conservation.</p> </li> </ul> <hr data-start="3077" data-end="3080" /> <h3 style="text-align: center;" data-start="3082" data-end="3131"><strong data-start="3086" data-end="3131">Perfect Addition to Your Safari Itinerary</strong></h3> <p data-start="3132" data-end="3331">At KenyaOnABudgetSafaris, we often include the Giraffe Centre in our Nairobi city day tours or as a pre-safari highlight for guests heading to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or the Rift Valley.</p> <p data-start="3333" data-end="3396">For our premium and executive travellers, we can arrange:</p> <ul data-start="3397" data-end="3536"> <li data-start="3397" data-end="3448"> <p data-start="3399" data-end="3448">Early-morning private access (by prior request)</p> </li> <li data-start="3449" data-end="3483"> <p data-start="3451" data-end="3483">Exclusive photography sessions</p> </li> <li data-start="3484" data-end="3536"> <p data-start="3486" data-end="3536">Combined conservation briefings with local staff</p> </li> </ul> <p data-start="3538" data-end="3697">Pair this visit with nearby attractions such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, or Bomas of Kenya for a full Nairobi experience.</p> <hr data-start="3699" data-end="3702" /> <h3 style="text-align: center;" data-start="3704" data-end="3726"><strong data-start="3708" data-end="3726">Why We Love It</strong></h3> <p data-start="3727" data-end="3983">The Giraffe Centre perfectly represents what responsible tourism should look like interactive, educational, and impactful.<br data-start="3855" data-end="3858" />It’s one of those rare places where fun meets purpose, and every visit contributes to preserving Kenya’s wildlife heritage.</p> <p data-start="3985" data-end="4115">Whether you’re a solo traveller, family, NGO delegate, or executive on a short stay, this is one Nairobi stop you’ll never forget.</p>  

A Legacy of Love and Conservation Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, David Sheldrick the first warden of Tsavo East National Park the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) has become one of the world’s most respected conservation organisations. Based inside Nairobi National Park, the Trust is best known for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, giving them a second chance at life in the wild. What Makes the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Special SWT’s mission goes beyond caring for orphans it’s a comprehensive conservation ecosystem. The Trust runs multiple initiatives including: 🐘 The Orphans’ Project - A globally renowned program rescuing and nurturing baby elephants and rhinos before safely reintroducing them into the wild. 🚨 Anti-Poaching Units – In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), SWT operates rapid-response units to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking. 🩺 Mobile Veterinary & SkyVet Units – Teams of vets provide emergency treatment to injured wildlife across Kenya, supported by aerial surveillance. 💧 Habitat & Water Projects – SWT manages boreholes, fencing, and ecosystem restoration in key wildlife corridors. 👩🏽‍🏫 Community Outreach & Education – Empowering communities near protected areas through conservation education, livelihood support, and co-existence programs. Visiting the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Travelers can visit the SWT nursery inside Nairobi National Park, where the rescued elephants are cared for. Visiting hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (strictly one hour). Booking: Advance reservations are required through the official SWT website. Fees: The Trust charges an entrance fee, and guests also pay Nairobi National Park entry fees separately. For those who want a deeper experience, SWT offers exclusive “adopt an elephant” programs and even private conservation experiences through Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Eco-Lodges. Why KenyaOnABudgetSafaris Recommends SWT At KenyaOnABudgetSafaris, we’re big believers in ethical and sustainable tourism travel that gives back to the land and wildlife that make Kenya magical. Including a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in your itinerary isn’t just another stop it’s a meaningful connection to Kenya’s conservation heartbeat. Whether you’re a diplomat, executive traveller, NGO delegate, or conscious explorer, SWT offers a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that reminds us why Kenya’s wildlife deserves protection. Plan Your Visit We can include a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as part of any Nairobi itinerary or pre-safari experience. 📍 Location: Inside Nairobi National Park, near the KWS Headquarters. 🌐 Official website: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org