Review: Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage & Bomas of Kenya

Planning a trip to Nairobi? Very, very cool! So, you probably have heard about the Giraffe Center, the Elephant Orphanage, and Bomas of Kenya. Maybe you are thinking of visiting them. We went, and let me tell you, it’s an experience! Actually, I think you would love to know what it’s really like and how to make the absolute most of it. So, let’s jump right in!

The Giraffe Center: Up Close With Gentle Giants

So, first up is the Giraffe Center. This is that place where you can, almost, get face-to-face with giraffes! You know, those really tall, spotted creatures we are all pretty familiar with. In fact, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya, almost always called the Giraffe Center, looks after these gentle giants. It has some noble conservation goals. The main deal here is that it breeds the endangered Rothschild giraffe and teaches kids, students and just everyday people about conservation. That might be something you find neat.

When you arrive, it is almost, certain you are given a handful of special pellets. These aren’t, sort of, for you. So, you can feed them to the giraffes. Actually, what is so fun is that you can watch the giraffes stick their long, purplish tongues right out to grab them from you. That, arguably, can be something you remember! You, basically, can even kiss a giraffe if you are up for it! That’s one for the bucket list, in a way, you see.

The whole spot is rather intimate, typically, not overly crowded when you go during off-peak hours. But, that might depend on what you’d prefer. So, it gives you, maybe, ample opportunity to interact with the giraffes and to snap some memorable photos. There’s a raised platform so you can get even closer to their heads. But, be warned, these giraffes are super skilled at snagging those pellets. Almost, they can be just a little greedy!

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Meeting Baby Elephants

Next up is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, otherwise known as the Elephant Orphanage. This, apparently, is one spot you really do not want to miss. Basically, the orphanage rescues orphaned baby elephants. Almost always, these babies are the result of poaching. Sometimes their habitats get destroyed or the animals even get into conflict with people.

There’s only one public visiting hour per day – usually between 11am and 12pm. This, in fact, makes the experience pretty unique and keeps things less stressful for the elephants. The keepers will, pretty much, introduce each elephant by name, tell you how they came to be at the orphanage and then share a little about their personalities. They sometimes seem proud.

You are, basically, going to see the little elephants playing, rolling around in the mud, and getting fed with giant bottles. Really, it’s the sweetest thing to watch, even heart-warming. The keepers are all so, totally, dedicated. You get the feeling that they are, just maybe, offering these creatures a second chance at life. By the way, donations really help. Consider, almost, adopting an elephant and contributing towards the conservation work they are doing.

Bomas of Kenya: A Celebration of Culture

The last stop on the tour is Bomas of Kenya, a great tribute to Kenya’s cultural heritage. Actually, ‘Boma’ means homestead. What the place almost always tries to do is show you a slice of the traditional homes of different Kenyan tribes. That is a pretty unique opportunity, when you think about it!

You can walk around the grounds and explore different types of traditional homesteads. Each is built and furnished, apparently, to show how people in that specific tribe live. What is nice is that this part offers insights into the architecture and lifestyle of each community. It makes history feel more real.

What you will definitely like is that there is also a daily traditional dance and music performance in the arena. That is something special to think about! What this might do is show you dances from different tribes across Kenya. The energy and the colors, apparently, can just sweep you away! But, that can all depend on you, in fact. In other words, be sure to check the show times so you can fit it into your visit. Basically, if you love to celebrate diversity, you, almost always, love this.

Planning Your Visit: Tips and Tricks

Okay, now here are a few, possibly, handy things that might help you in preparing for your visits.

Best Time to Go: The earlier you go, the better! Just about everyone goes during the main hours. Really, if you go early, that can help you escape the big groups, but it, seemingly, all hinges on getting there as soon as they open.

Transportation: Nairobi has transportation covered with taxis, ride-sharing, and tour companies, you know. Arranging a taxi or Uber is also okay, usually! Otherwise, there are group tours covering all three attractions and the arrangements might make things very easy to deal with, though! Arguably, booking the tickets, sort of, ahead, may cut the lines.

What to Wear: So, something comfy is something that goes! As a matter of fact, since the weather can vary, dress in light layers, like your typical travel scenario! Be, like, extra conscious of that sunshine; don your trusty hat, shades, and sunscreen combo. In Kenya, there are good times, of course.

What to Bring: Never ditch sunscreen and a hat, of course. Of course, too, that handy hand sanitizer never does harm. Also, bear in mind the Kenyan currency – that would be Kenyan Shillings, basically! You’ll, almost always, find restaurants and places keen on a bit of tip, should they give satisfying service.

Is the Combo Ticket Worth It?

Now, here is a really reasonable question for all travelers – are these destinations, potentially, more affordable separately, or with a combo ticket? Alright, so there are benefits to both!

If your cash pile is fairly strict, and your time’s adaptable, doing them independently has, more or less, its appeals. On the other hand, combo tickets usually come with reductions and might include round trips, to be clear. Think about, like, whether it saves you time!

What did we Learn?

So, basically, you see animals and enjoy yourself. That said, there’s also value and impact beyond the day-out kind of thing. What I mean to say is that, apparently, seeing these places firsthand really helps you appreciate and get involved in Kenya’s wildlife and culture, you understand.

• Giraffe Center: A rare peek into the wonderful and peaceful planet of giraffes and conservation!
• Elephant Orphanage: See something moving, the real value of protection. Also, those baby elephants are totally cute.
• Bomas of Kenya: Dive in for that deep awareness of Kenyan cultures – one grand experience!

I sure think so; go make it an adventure to remember!

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