Giraffe Centre Kenya

Introduction

The Giraffe Centre is located in Langata which is approximately 20 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya. It was established in order to protect the vulnerable giraffes found only in the grasslands of east Africa. The giraffe Centre – plays a pivotal role in conserving the endangered Rothschild giraffe which differ from other giraffe subspecies as they have no patterning below the knee.

In 1979, the Giraffe Centre was a nature sanctuary for visiting including wildlife conservation education for urban school children and it was started by Jock Leslie Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish Earl when he and his wife betty captured two baby giraffes to start a programme of breeding giraffe on their Langata property the site of the present Centre. the programme has had huge success, resulting in the introduction of several breeding pairs of Rothschild Giraffe into Kenyan national parks. The main activity for both school children and visitors is feeding giraffes from a raised observation platform. The Giraffe Centre is also home to several warthogs which freely roam the area along with the giraffes.

From the raised wooden structure, you can watch the giraffes up-closely and hand feed them and also observe warthogs snuffling at their hooves, scavenging on the fallen pellets. Relax with a pot of tea in the tea house or into the Daisy Zoovenir Shop for some keepsakes on your way out and 90% of the funds for the giraffe centre are derived from the entrance fee, curio shop and tea house.

Activities in the center

Feeding the Giraffes

Visitors to the Giraffe Centre have the opportunity to feed and interact with the giraffes. The center provides specially formulated food pellets for feeding, and guests can observe these gentle giants up closely helping them to learn more about the animals and enjoy them.

Observation Deck

The Giraffe Centre features an elevated observation deck, allowing visitors to be at eye level with the giraffes. This vantage point offers a unique perspective for observing and photographing these elegant creatures where they come close to the tourists and show their tongues out while feeding them.

Nature Trails

The center has nature trails that lead through the adjacent Giraffe Manor forest, providing opportunities for visitors to explore the natural surroundings and potentially spot other wildlife and bird species in the center and also small animals which are nocturnal.

Game viewing

Tourists tend to spot numerous animal species in the enter namely; bushbucks, dik dik, hyena and they can be spotted at Gogo river on the Ngong hills which is near the center. The center and giraffe manor has got various tree species around the place covered with birds making it a Kenya bird watching destination offering a bird watching activity in the center to tourists. Various bird species are spotted in the center and some of them include; Narina trogon, black backed puffback, collared sunbird, black kite, marabou stork, chestnut weaver and others.

Education programs

Many tourists visit the giraffe center to get more knowledge through walking in various series of information boards where they gather information in the way of learning more about the giraffes, making it a magical due to the travelers meet the giraffes closely with clear witness. This education programs are mostly important to children and students as an education center.

Giraffe kissing

This is the most enjoyed activity by tourists where they place a pellet in their mouth as a way of feeding the giraffes as they come close to take it. The giraffes then on their leave give a big kiss which is recognized as kissing the giraffe activity.

Accessibility to the park

The Giraffe Centre Kenya is conveniently located in the Nairobi suburb of Karen, making it easily accessible for both local and international visitors. It is just a short drive from the city center, and numerous tour operators offer guided trips to the center. The center is located 5km and it is a 40 minutes’ drive from Nairobi city meaning that you can fly to Jomo Kenyatta international airport and connect by road to the center. While using road, you can opt for a tour operator or you can drive yourself to the center.

Best Time to Visit

The Giraffe Centre is open throughout the year, and the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences. However, Kenya’s dry seasons, from January to February and July to October, are often recommended for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, as the weather is typically pleasant for outdoor activities. The Giraffe Centre is an incredible place worth visiting all year round and the best time to visit the center is during weekly days and Mainly the sanctuary is much less crowded right when it opens.

Where to stay on your safari at Giraffe Centre Kenya

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, is a popular attraction where visitors can interact with and learn about endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. While there are no accommodations at the Giraffe Centre itself, there are several lodging options in the nearby Karen neighborhood, which is also home to other attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative. Here are a few places to stay on your safari at the Giraffe Centre in Kenya:

1. Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is an iconic and luxurious boutique hotel situated in the Karen suburb. It offers a unique experience with resident Rothschild’s giraffes that often join guests for breakfast. Guests can feed and interact with the giraffes, and the hotel provides guided nature walks and other activities. The manor features elegant accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, and beautiful gardens.

2. 2. House of Waine

House of Waine is a luxury boutique hotel located in Karen. It offers a serene atmosphere and personalized service. The hotel provides comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, and a restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. It’s a tranquil option for a relaxing stay.

3. 3. Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages

Overview: The Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages offer a cozy and historic stay in the Karen neighborhood. The property is near the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Highlights: Guests can enjoy well-appointed cottages, a delightful garden, and a restaurant known for its fresh coffee and cuisine. The cottages provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

4. 4. Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Consider exploring Airbnb options and vacation rentals in the Karen neighborhood for a more personalized experience. You can find unique properties that cater to various group sizes and preferences in Kenya for example cabins, houses, cottages, villas and rentals which are good looking with an amazing environment.

Giraffe manor

Giraffe manor is one of the best Nairobi’s destination with attractive buildings with such incredible elegant interior, verdant green gardens, façade, terraces and courtyards. The place is well established with 12 rooms with great views offering guests the most calmness time during their stay. It is such a fascinating place with various and amazing residents of Rothschild’s giraffes making the best presence of them to the guests in the morning time during their breakfast and evening hours while in their rooms when they poke their long necks into the windows.