Nairobi National Park & Giraffe Center: Safari & Wildlife Half-Day

Four of the Big Five, City Skyline Behind You, All Before Lunch

You get a morning safari through Nairobi National Park with chances to spot four of the Big Five against the city backdrop, then hand-feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and tour a working bead factory. Hotel pickup and drop-off, park entry, and water are included, so you show up and the rest is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nairobi National Park and local visits

• Drive to Nairobi National Park
• Safari tour spotting wildlife
• Visit Giraffe Centre and feed giraffes
• Tour Kazuri Beads Factory

The Experience

So you're in Nairobi and someone tells you there's a national park basically inside the city—and you think they're joking. But Nairobi National Park sits just 7 kilometers from the center, and yeah, you can actually see the skyscrapers while you're watching a lion walk across the grass. The half-day safari tour takes you through open plains in a van with a pop-up roof, and your guide drives slow enough that you spot the animals without feeling rushed. You're looking for rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, giraffe—four of the Big Five, since the elephants aren't usually in this park. The whole thing takes a few hours, which is why it works even if you've only got a morning free.

After the park, you head to the Giraffe Centre on Langata Road, where you actually get to feed the giraffes by hand. They come right up to the platform, and it's one of those moments where you stop thinking about the itinerary and just watch them eat from your palm. Then there's a stop at Kazuri Beads, a factory where local artisans make beaded jewelry—it's less of a hard sell and more of a real look at how the work gets done, and you can buy something if you want or just walk through. The whole day—park, giraffes, beads—wraps up in time for lunch back in the city.

Your hotel pickup happens in the morning, and the driver knows the park well enough that you don't spend time looking for animals or wondering if you're in the right spot. The van has an open roof, so the light and the air are part of it, and the bottled water keeps you hydrated during the drive. It's not a full-day expedition, so you're not exhausted by evening, but you've seen enough wildlife and done enough that it feels like a real day, not a checkbox.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel, apartment, airport, or Airbnb pickup and drop-off anywhere in Nairobi, entry to Nairobi National Park, a guided safari drive through the park in an open-roof van, a visit to the Giraffe Centre with the chance to feed giraffes, a tour of Kazuri Beads Factory, bottled water throughout, and a professional driver-guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kenya Safaris

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're in Nairobi for just a day or two and want to see real wildlife without spending a full day traveling—the park's location 7km from the city center is what makes a half-day safari possible, and the included stops at the Giraffe Centre and bead factory turn it into a fuller morning than a park-only drive.

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Top questions

How long is the half-day safari in Nairobi National Park?

The tour typically takes a few hours, starting with hotel pickup in the morning and returning by early afternoon.

Can you see elephants in Nairobi National Park?

No. The park is home to four of the Big Five—rhino, lion, buffalo, and cheetah—but not elephants.

What animals will I see on the safari?

You can expect to see rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, lion, and various antelopes and gazelles, depending on the day and time.

Is the Giraffe Centre feeding included?

Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Giraffe Centre where you can feed the giraffes by hand.

What is Kazuri Beads?

Kazuri Beads is a factory where local artisans make beaded jewelry. The tour includes a visit where you can see the work and purchase items if you wish.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel, apartment, airport, or Airbnb are included.

What should I bring on the safari?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Bottled water is provided.

Is the safari van comfortable for viewing?

Yes, the safari van has an open roof for unobstructed wildlife viewing and photography.

Can I do this tour if I'm staying at the airport?

Yes, airport pickup is available. Confirm your exact location when you book.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, though it involves sitting in a vehicle for several hours. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.