Nairobi • Tsavo East • Diani • Nairobi

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>  

Where Nature Walks Beside You Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is one of Kenya’s most enchanting and underrated wildlife spots. Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Naivasha, this private sanctuary is a rare place where visitors can walk freely among wild animals no vehicles, no predators, just pure nature. Located just two hours from Nairobi, Crescent Island is the perfect addition to your Rift Valley safari itinerary, offering a peaceful, up-close encounter with Kenya’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. A Living Paradise on the Lake The sanctuary sits on a peninsula formed from the rim of an extinct volcano, creating rolling grasslands and sweeping 360-degree views of Mount Longonot, the Aberdare Range, and Mau Escarpment. Crescent Island is home to a rich collection of wildlife giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and gazelles all roam freely here. The absence of large predators makes it one of the safest and most relaxing safari walks in Kenya. It’s also a haven for bird lovers, hosting over 200 species including fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and herons that thrive in the lake’s freshwater ecosystem. The Crescent Island Experience Unlike traditional game drives, Crescent Island offers a guided walking safari that feels intimate and liberating. Visitors can walk side by side with giraffes, observe herds of zebra grazing at arm’s length, and enjoy the sound of nature uninterrupted by engines. You can access the sanctuary either: By boat across Lake Naivasha (a stunning scenic ride), or By road via the sanctuary’s private entrance, depending on the lake’s water levels. For photographers and filmmakers, this is one of Kenya’s most cinematic locations used in the iconic 1980s film Out of Africa. Opening Hours & Visitor Information Opening time: 8:30 AM Last entry: 4:30 PM Closing time: 5:45 PM (visitors must leave before dusk due to hippo movement) Location: Lake Naivasha, Rift Valley, Kenya Distance from Nairobi: Approx. 90 km (2 hours by road) Entrance: Payable at the gate or official dock always request a valid receipt from the sanctuary. Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and binoculars if you’re into birdwatching. Why We Recommend Crescent Island At KenyaOnABudgetSafaris, we believe travel should be authentic, ethical, and enriching. Crescent Island is a model of eco-friendly tourism that aligns perfectly with those values. It’s ideal for: ✅ Families looking for a safe, relaxed nature walk. ✅ Diplomats or NGO clients seeking tranquil, exclusive environments. ✅ Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts craving intimate encounters. ✅ Couples and small groups wanting an immersive experience beyond the vehicle. We often pair Crescent Island with Lake Naivasha boat rides, Hell’s Gate cycling adventures, or a Mount Longonot hike for a full-day Rift Valley experience. Pro Tip for Premium Travellers For guests on our Executive Safari Packages, we can arrange: Early-morning private access for golden-hour photography. Tailored conservation talks with local guides. Sundowner picnics overlooking the lake (with required sanctuary permission). These exclusive touches elevate a simple excursion into an unforgettable, world-class memory. Final Thoughts Crescent Island is more than a sanctuary it’s a reminder of how harmonious life can be when humans and wildlife share space respectfully. Whether you’re exploring Kenya for the first time or curating a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, a walk at Crescent Island is an experience that connects you to nature in its purest form. Plan Your Visit with KenyaOnABudgetSafaris 📍 Destination: Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha 🌍 Coordinates: 0.7785° S, 36.3870° E 🌐 Official site: www.crescentisland.co

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

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.