Nairobi: Private Safari & Giraffe Centre Day Trip Pickup

Summary

Private safari adventure through Nairobi’s wild side with giraffes and big game

You’ll feel Nairobi shift from city to wild as you spot lions and rhinos on a private safari drive, then feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre—all with hotel pickup included. Expect real moments: laughter with your guide, dusty tracks under open sky, and animal encounters you can’t quite explain later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to hear lions before my first coffee, but that’s exactly what happened as we rolled through the main gate into Nairobi for our private day trip. The city was still waking up behind us—honking matatus fading—and suddenly there was just grassland and this chilly morning air. Our guide, Joseph, had this easy way of spotting things I’d never notice. He slowed the safari car (with that pop-up roof—actually fun) and pointed out a pair of rhinos grazing so close you could see their skin wrinkle when they moved. I kept fumbling with my camera because honestly, it felt like cheating to be this close to wildlife without leaving the city.

We saw three of the Big Five within an hour—lions lounging in the gold grass, buffalo herds blocking the track (they don’t care about your schedule), and those rhinos again. Joseph told us about how some animals stick near the park’s edge when it’s cooler. I remember the smell too—a mix of dust and something sweet from acacia trees. At one point he laughed when I tried to pronounce “mbuni” (ostrich) in Swahili; pretty sure I butchered it but he just grinned and said I’d get it by lunch.

The Giraffe Centre was a whole different energy—kids giggling, giraffes poking their heads over railings looking for snacks. The guides there explained about Rothschild’s giraffes and let us feed them these little pellets. Their tongues are way rougher than you’d think. There was this moment where everything slowed down—just me, a giraffe’s big eyes blinking at me, Nairobi’s skyline far off behind its neck. Kind of surreal. We headed back with red dust on our shoes and more photos than I’ll ever sort through… but I still think about that silent stretch with the lions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Center visit

• Enter Nairobi National Park main gate
• Enjoy 3-hour game drive spotting big five
• Observe wildlife and nature scenery
• Visit Giraffe Centre
• Learn about giraffes and conservation

Top questions

How long does the Nairobi private safari & Giraffe Centre tour take?

The tour lasts about half a day, including around 3 hours in Nairobi National Park plus time at the Giraffe Centre.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What animals can I expect to see in Nairobi National Park?

You’ll likely see at least three of the Big Five: lions, rhinos, and buffalo herds—plus other wildlife depending on luck.

Is entry to both Nairobi park & Giraffe Centre covered?

All entrance fees for both locations are included in your tour price.

What kind of vehicle is used for the safari?

A customized safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is provided for easier game viewing and photography.

Are guides knowledgeable about local wildlife?

Your guide is a professional safari expert—not just a driver—and shares insights throughout the trip.

Is this tour suitable for families or all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and even offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What’s included

Your experience includes door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, all entrance fees for both Nairobi park and the Giraffe Centre, bottled drinking water throughout the day, plus transport in a custom safari vehicle with an open roof so you won’t miss any photo moments along those red-dust tracks.