Nairobi Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen Day Tour with Bead Factory

Summary

Private Nairobi Day Trip: Giraffes, History & Local Crafts

You’ll get to feed giraffes by hand, meet local bead artisans at Kazuri, and walk through Karen Blixen’s historic home—all in one easy day trip from Nairobi. This tour is perfect if you want real stories, hands-on moments, and a taste of local community life.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at the Giraffe Centre was the gentle nudge of a giraffe’s head—soft, curious, and a little bit slobbery. Our guide, James, knew every giraffe by name and told us about the Rothschilds’ long journey from near extinction. You’ll hear the crunch of pellets as you feed them, and if you’re lucky, Daisy (the oldest female) might lean in for a photo. The place smells faintly of hay and acacia trees, and there’s always a low hum of school kids on field trips nearby.

Just down the road, we ducked into the Kazuri Beads workshop. The air inside was warm and filled with the sound of laughter—women shaping clay beads by hand, each one different. I chatted with Mary at her workbench; she showed me how they paint every bead before firing them in old kilns out back. It’s hard not to pick up a few souvenirs here—the colors are impossible to resist, and every purchase helps support these women.

Our last stop was the Karen Blixen Museum. The house sits quietly under giant jacaranda trees. Inside, it feels like stepping into another time—her old typewriter still on the desk, coffee cups lined up on the shelf. Our museum guide shared stories about Karen’s life in Kenya (and yes, she really did have lions in her backyard). If you’ve seen “Out of Africa,” you’ll recognize the porch view right away. We lingered outside as the afternoon cooled off—there’s something peaceful about this spot that makes you want to stay just a bit longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi Giraffe and Cultural Tour

• Visit Giraffe Centre with guide
• Tour Kazuri Beads factory
• Explore Karen Blixen Museum

Top questions

Can I be picked up or dropped off at the airport?

Yes! We can arrange airport pick-up or drop-off for a small extra fee—just let us know your flight details when booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Absolutely. It’s an easy-paced day with private transport and short walks. We also have infant seats available if needed.

Can I buy beads directly from the Kazuri factory?

Yes—you can browse and buy beads or jewelry right at the workshop. Every purchase supports local women artisans.

How long does the tour take?

The whole experience usually takes about 5-6 hours depending on traffic and how long you want to spend at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with an experienced local guide/driver, all entrance fees for the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum, plus a guided visit to Kazuri Beads Factory. We can also arrange airport transfers if you need them—just ask!