Giraffe Centre

You don’t need to go on safari to encounter Kenya’s wildlife; the Giraffe Centre is an inspiring example of conservation within city limits. Since the center is close to top Nairobi attractions—including the Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Kazuri Beads Factory—many guided tours combine two or more stops to cut down on transit time.

• Kid-friendly staff and presentations make this a great choice for families with children.

• Bird lovers won’t want to miss the .9-mile (1.5-kilometer) nature trail, which is home to dozens of bird species.

• Tickets must be paid for with credit or debit cards—no cash is accepted.

• Children 12 and under, as well as students, pay a discounted rate, so bring valid identification to save on entry.

The Giraffe Centre is off Duma Road, roughly a 40-minute drive southwest of downtown Nairobi. It can be reached by taxi or public transit. To arrive by matatu, or minibus, take matatu route number 24, which stops near the Giraffe Centre. Many tour operators offer pickup and drop-off at your hotel, a convenient option if you have limited time in the city.

Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the Giraffe Centre offers presentations throughout the day. Fridays are popular with school groups, so if you’d prefer a less crowded experience, plan to arrive early or choose a different day. The busiest times at the Giraffe Centre are weekdays from 11am to 1pm and on weekends.

Rothschild’s giraffes have long, black tongues, and feeding them can be a somewhat slimy experience. If you’d like to participate, staff will provide you with pellets when you arrive at the Giraffe Centre. While the giraffes aren’t dangerous, it’s worth exercising caution while feeding them, as they’ve been known to dole out the occasional head butt.