Giraffe Centre

Kituo cha Twiga

A sanctuary dedicated to the endangered Rothschild's giraffe where visitors can feed and interact with these gentle giants up close. It's one of Nairobi's most unique and memorable wildlife experiences.

Things to do

• Hand-Feed Rothschild's Giraffes — Stand on an elevated platform and offer pellets directly to the giraffes' long tongues, creating an intimate and unforgettable interaction with these endangered animals.
• Guided Sanctuary Tour — A knowledgeable guide leads you through the 140-acre conservancy while sharing detailed information about giraffe behavior, conservation efforts, and the centre's breeding program.
• Photography Session — Capture stunning close-up shots of giraffes as they eat from your hands or move gracefully through the grounds, with the Nairobi skyline visible in the distance.
• Giraffe Adoption Program — Symbolically adopt one of the giraffes at the centre and receive updates on your adopted animal's progress, supporting conservation initiatives.
• Nature Walk Through Acacia Woodland — Explore the natural habitat surrounding the sanctuary on foot, observing indigenous plants, birds, and occasionally other wildlife native to the Central Highlands.

Food to try

• Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat) — Succulent grilled beef or goat served with ugali and fresh vegetables, commonly available at the centre's restaurant or nearby establishments in Langata.
• Ugali with Sukuma Wiki — A hearty Kenyan staple of maize flour porridge paired with sautéed collard greens, often served as a lunch option at the centre's café.
• Mandazi (Fried Dough) — Sweet or savory fried pastries served as a snack with coffee or tea, a popular treat available at the centre's refreshment area.
• Fresh Fruit Juice — Freshly squeezed papaya, mango, or passion fruit juice reflecting Kenya's abundant tropical fruit harvests, commonly served throughout the day.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early for Calmer Giraffes — Visit in the morning hours before midday heat when the giraffes are most active and social, allowing for better feeding interactions and photography opportunities.
• Use Gentle Hand Feeding Technique — Hold your palm flat and allow the giraffe to delicately wrap its prehensile tongue around the pellets rather than grabbing, respecting the animal's natural feeding behavior and safety.
• Respect Photography Boundaries — While photography is encouraged, avoid using flash or making sudden movements that startle the animals, maintaining the sanctuary's peaceful environment and animal welfare standards.
• Support Conservation Mission — Purchase souvenirs from the gift shop and consider donations, as all proceeds directly support the centre's breeding program for endangered Rothschild's giraffes and habitat protection.

Nearby

• Karen Blixen Museum — 2 km
• Nairobi National Park — 4 km
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — 6 km
• National Museum of Kenya — 9 km