David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre half day Nairobi city excursion
Safari program (customizable on request)
Please Note: The below tour prices may vary based on specific accommodation choices, tour seasons, transport option, sudden changes in taxes, availability e.t.c. Exact Safari prices shall be provided at booking. Expect marginal +/- Price Variations e.t.c.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre
Half-Day Nairobi City Excursion with Adeli Kenya Safaris
Experience two of Nairobi’s most iconic wildlife conservation attractions in a single unforgettable half-day tour. This excursion combines close-up encounters with endangered Rothschild giraffes and rescued baby elephants, offering a perfect introduction to Kenya’s conservation success stories.
Tour Highlights
- Feed and interact with Rothschild’s giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
- Witness baby elephants during feeding and mud play at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Learn about Kenya’s leading wildlife conservation programs
- Enjoy guided commentary from a professional safari driver-guide
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
- Perfect for families, layovers, and short-stay visitors
Detailed Half-Day Itinerary
08:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up (Nairobi)
Your professional Adeli Kenya Safaris driver-guide will pick you up from your Nairobi hotel or residence in a comfortable safari van or Land Cruiser. A short briefing is provided before departure.
09:00 AM – Giraffe Centre (Karen/Lang’ata)
Begin your adventure at the famous Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
Experience includes:
- Feeding giraffes from a raised observation platform
- Eye-level photography with the giraffes
- Educational talk on giraffe conservation and breeding programs
- Optional nature walk along the Gogo River trail
- Visit to the conservation information center and souvenir shop
⏱️ Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
10:30 AM – Drive to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
A short scenic drive (approximately 15–25 minutes) through Nairobi’s leafy Karen suburb takes you to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located near Nairobi National Park.
11:00 AM – David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Experience
This is the highlight of the tour and operates during a strict public viewing window.
What to expect:
- Watch baby elephants being bottle-fed by their dedicated keepers
- Observe playful mud bathing and social interaction among calves
- Hear real rescue stories and conservation updates from the team
- Learn about elephant rehabilitation and rewilding efforts in Tsavo
⏱️ Fixed visiting time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:15 PM – Optional Lunch in Karen (Extra cost)
After the elephant experience, enjoy optional lunch at a nearby café or restaurant in Karen (optional and at guest’s own cost).
Popular stop areas include Karen and Lang’ata dining spots.
01:30 PM – Return Transfer
Begin your journey back to your hotel or preferred drop-off location in Nairobi.
| Tour Price is Per Person | Tour Price |
|---|---|
| 1 person in private tour | $310 |
| 2 persons in private tour | $225 |
| 3 persons in private tour | $200 |
| 4 persons in private tour | $185 |
| 5 persons in private tour | $175 |
| 6 persons in private tour | $170 |
| 7 persons in private tour | $165 |
| NOTE: If you wish not to visit Sheldrick or there’s no availability, plus deduct US$ 20 off the per person rate | – |
| Children below 3 Years Children between 3-12 Years | FREE 75% of adult rate |
Tour Inclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
- Private transport in safari vehicle (van or 4×4 Land Cruiser)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water
- Full coordination of itinerary timing
- Entry fees (Giraffe Centre & Sheldrick Wildlife Trust)
Exclusions
- Lunch and drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
Tour Duration
4 to 5 hours (Half-Day Tour)
Why Choose This Tour?
This is Nairobi’s most popular wildlife experience, combining education, conservation, and close animal interaction—all within a short distance from the city. It is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful safari-style experience.
Important Notes
- Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage requires strict timing (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Advance booking is strongly recommended
- Best combined with airport arrivals/departures or short Nairobi stays
- Located in the safe and scenic Karen/Lang’ata area
Book with Adeli Kenya Safaris
📱 Tel/WhatsApp: +254 720 564 538
📧 Email: info@adelikenyasafaris.com
🌐 Website: www.adelikenyasafaris.com
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Half Day Nairobi Excursion – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Half Day Tour?
This is a short but highly popular Nairobi city excursion that combines two of Kenya’s top wildlife conservation experiences: the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. It offers close encounters with rescued baby elephants and endangered Rothschild giraffes in one half-day trip.
2. How long does the tour take?
The tour typically lasts 4–6 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time, layovers, or a half-day in Nairobi.
3. What time does the tour start?
Most tours begin in the morning, usually between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on elephant viewing schedules and pickup location.
4. Where does the tour start?
Pickup is available from:
- Nairobi hotels
- Residential apartments
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
- Wilson Airport
- Other locations within Nairobi
5. Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Adeli Kenya Safaris provides convenient door-to-door pickup and drop-off within Nairobi.
6. What is special about the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?
It is a world-famous wildlife rescue center that rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants and prepares them for return to the wild. Visitors can watch the elephants during their daily feeding and mud bath session while keepers share their rescue stories.
7. What time can I see the baby elephants?
Public viewing usually happens around 11:00 AM for one hour, when the baby elephants are brought out for feeding and care demonstrations.
8. Can visitors touch the baby elephants?
No. Visitors are not allowed to touch the elephants, but you can watch them up close during feeding and mud bathing.
9. What is the Giraffe Centre?
The Giraffe Centre is a conservation and education center dedicated to protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. It allows visitors to get very close and feed giraffes from a raised platform.
10. Can I feed the giraffes?
Yes. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes using special pellets provided at the centre. In some cases, you may even get a giraffe “kiss.”
11. Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. It is one of the most family-friendly activities in Nairobi, especially popular with children who enjoy feeding giraffes and watching baby elephants.
12. Is the tour suitable for seniors?
Yes. The tour involves minimal walking and is generally comfortable for elderly travelers.
13. What wildlife will I see on this tour?
You will see:
- Orphaned baby elephants
- Rothschild’s giraffes
- Warthogs (at the Giraffe Centre)
- Occasional birdlife and small wildlife around the sanctuaries
14. Are the attractions inside a national park?
The elephant orphanage is located near Nairobi National Park, while the Giraffe Centre is in the Karen/Langata area of Nairobi.
15. Is lunch included in the tour?
Some packages include lunch, while others allow guests to choose and pay at nearby restaurants in Karen. Always confirm inclusions when booking.
16. What should I wear?
Recommended clothing includes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light clothing suitable for Nairobi weather
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
17. What should I bring?
- Camera or smartphone
- Drinking water
- Personal ID or passport
- Cash or card for souvenirs or optional expenses
18. Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography is allowed and highly encouraged at both attractions.
19. Is the tour safe?
Yes. Both attractions are secure, professionally managed conservation centers with trained staff and guided visitor access.
20. Can I combine this tour with other Nairobi attractions?
Yes. It can be combined with places like the Karen Blixen Museum, Kazuri Beads Factory, or a short Nairobi city tour depending on your schedule.
21. Is advance booking required for the elephant orphanage?
Yes. Entry to the elephant orphanage is strictly time-based and often requires advance booking due to limited viewing hours.
22. Are entrance fees included?
This depends on your package. Some tours include entrance fees, while others require separate payment. Confirm before booking.
23. Is the tour available every day?
Yes, both attractions generally operate daily, although the elephant viewing session is limited to specific hours.
24. Can I visit both attractions in any order?
Yes. The itinerary is usually planned around the elephant feeding schedule, followed by the Giraffe Centre or vice versa.
25. Can I see other animals besides elephants and giraffes?
Yes. At the Giraffe Centre you may also see warthogs and various bird species.
26. Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Wi-Fi is not provided in transport, but some nearby cafes and restaurants in Karen may offer internet access.
27. Is the tour good for a layover in Nairobi?
Yes. It is one of the best short excursions for travelers with a long layover at JKIA.
28. Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Adeli Kenya Safaris can adjust timing, add attractions, or create a private tailored Nairobi experience.
29. What is the best time to take this tour?
Morning hours are best, especially to align with the elephant orphanage feeding session and avoid afternoon traffic.
30. How do I book the tour?
You can book directly through the Adeli Kenya Safaris website or contact them via WhatsApp, email, or phone for fast reservations and customization.
