Nairobi: Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour with Pickup

Summary

Feed giraffes in Nairobi then watch rescued elephants play

You’ll feed giraffes from your own hand at Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, then watch orphaned elephants charge in for their midday bottles at Sheldrick Orphanage. Hear real rescue stories from local keepers and visit a bead workshop run by single mothers—expect laughter, maybe a lump in your throat, and memories that linger longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to have a giraffe’s tongue wrap around your hand? I hadn’t, honestly, until we pulled up at the Giraffe Centre just outside Nairobi. The keepers handed us little food pellets and showed us how to hold them out — I tried to say “karibu” but Li laughed at my accent. The Rothschild giraffes are taller than you’d think, and they lean down so close you can smell the grass on their breath. One of them blinked those long lashes at me — made me forget about the city traffic for a minute.

After that, our guide Joseph drove us over to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. You have to time it right — viewing is only between 11am and noon. There’s this rope fence, and suddenly a parade of baby elephants comes trotting out of the bush, ears flapping. Their keepers wait with huge bottles of milk (I swear one little guy drank faster than I’ve ever seen). You stand there listening as the staff tell stories about each elephant — where they were found, what happened to their families. Some stories are hard to hear, but there’s hope in the way the keepers talk to them, gentle and patient. I still think about that view: red earth, sunlight on wrinkled skin, the quiet after all the bottles are empty.

We finished up at the Kazuri Bead Factory (the Maasai Market was closed that day), which I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. It’s run by single mothers from nearby neighborhoods — they showed us how every bead is shaped by hand before being painted and fired. The clay dust stuck under my nails for hours after. There’s a gift shop if you want souvenirs; I bought a necklace because Mary insisted it would bring good luck (not sure if it has yet).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage

• Pick up from Nairobi hotel
• Feed Rothschild giraffes at Giraffe Centre
• Drive to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Watch baby elephants fed milk 11am-12pm
• Observe young elephants playing and feeding
• Visit Kazuri Bead Factory and gift shop

Top questions

What time can you visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

Viewing hours are strictly between 11am and 12pm daily.

Is hotel pickup included in this Nairobi elephant orphanage tour?

Yes, hotel or home pickup within Nairobi is included.

Can children join the tour? Is it stroller-friendly?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers/prams are welcome.

Are entry fees included for both attractions?

Yes, entrance fees for both the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre are covered.

What happens if the Kazuri Bead Factory is closed?

The gift shop remains open seven days a week even if the workshop is closed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, entrance fees for both David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre, a small group setting with a professional guide throughout, plus time at Kazuri Bead Factory where you can meet local artisans before heading back home or to your hotel.