The Giraffe Centre in Lang’ata is where Nairobi visitors get closest to Africa’s tallest animal. Run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, a Kenyan conservation charity, it breeds and protects the endangered Rothschild giraffe and runs education programmes for thousands of Kenyan schoolchildren every year. The heart of the visit is a raised wooden platform where the giraffes lean in at eye level and take pellets from your hand with their long purple tongues; brave visitors hold a pellet between their lips for a giraffe kiss. Staff give short talks about giraffe biology and conservation, and a small education room explains the work. Across the road, a nature trail of about one and a half kilometres winds through indigenous forest, with dozens of bird species, and there is a tea house and a gift shop. The giraffes also wander over to the grounds of Giraffe Manor, the famous hotel next door. The tour we link is a two-hour guided visit with transport from Nairobi.
How it works: the Giraffe Centre is open from 9am to 5pm every day, including weekends and public holidays, and a typical visit lasts one and a half to two hours. It is on Nyumbi Road off Duma Road in Lang’ata, about fifteen kilometres from the city centre. Entry for non-resident adults is 1,500 Kenyan shillings, with half price for children aged three to twelve and lower rates for residents. Payment is by card or M-Pesa; cash is not accepted. The Viator tour we link, Giraffe Centre visit Nairobi, is rated 4.9 from 88 reviews and takes care of the transport.
What to expect: the platform gets busy at weekends and around midday on weekdays, and Fridays bring school groups. The keepers hand out a cup of pellets with each ticket, so feed slowly and let the giraffes come to you. Small children can be lifted to the rail safely, but keep fingers flat.
Making the most of it: come in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter platform and gentler light. The centre is a few minutes from the Sheldrick nursery, the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kazuri bead workshop, so it slots easily into a Karen and Lang’ata day.
What to expect
The experience
A visit to a raised feeding platform with short keeper talks, an education room and an optional forest nature trail.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon on a weekday, avoiding weekends, midday and Friday school groups.
How long
One and a half to two hours on site, or about two hours with the linked tour’s transport.
Tips
Bring a card or M-Pesa, since cash is not accepted, and keep your fingers flat when you offer a pellet.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-time visitor to Nairobi, and especially anyone travelling with children.
- Families
- The top family stop in the city, with feeding, short talks and a forest walk all in under two hours.
- Couples
- A playful photo moment, and a giraffe kiss is a story you will tell for years.
- Pair with
- The Sheldrick elephant nursery in the morning and the Karen Blixen Museum afterwards.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
What are the Giraffe Centre opening hours?+
It is open from 9am to 5pm every day, including weekends and public holidays. A visit usually takes one and a half to two hours.
How much is the Giraffe Centre entry fee?+
Non-resident adults pay 1,500 Kenyan shillings and children aged three to twelve pay 750, with lower rates for residents. Children under three enter free.
Can I pay cash at the Giraffe Centre?+
No, the centre takes cards and M-Pesa rather than cash. Bring a Visa or Mastercard to avoid any problems at the gate.
Is the Giraffe Centre the same as Giraffe Manor?+
No, Giraffe Manor is a private hotel next door where the giraffes visit at breakfast. The Giraffe Centre is the public conservation centre, open to everyone with a ticket.
How far is the Giraffe Centre from Nairobi city centre?+
It is about fifteen kilometres away in Lang’ata, typically a 40-minute drive depending on traffic. Tours, taxis and ride-hail apps all go there easily.
