Nairobi National Park & Baby Elephant Center: A Candid Tour Review

Alright, so you are thinking about checking out the Nairobi National Park, maybe the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (that’s the baby elephant spot), and the Giraffe Centre too? That’s very understandable. These places usually pop up on all those “must-see” lists for Nairobi. But is it worth it, really? Especially when you factor in time, the cash, and what you truly want from a wildlife experience? I recently wrapped up this exact tour. I thought I’d lay down my thoughts, very honestly, to perhaps assist you. Think of it like chatting with a pal who’s already been there.

First Stop: Nairobi National Park – The Good, the Not-So-Good

The park itself is interesting, in a “city-meets-wildlife” kind of way. Where else could you, arguably, snap a photo of a giraffe with skyscrapers behind it? It is almost surreal. On a clear day, it really offers that type of juxtaposition, where it feels so striking. The appeal is real if that sounds cool to you. Yet, it’s not quite the untamed savanna I was envisioning. Think of it more as, in a way, a moderately sized reserve pressed right up against the city limits.

Depending on when you visit, you might spot lions, rhinos (they have quite a few, actually), zebras, giraffes (as you would expect), and various antelopes. The thing is, seeing them can, too it’s almost, feel a bit like a game of chance. We spent a solid three hours driving around, and the animal sightings were somewhat sparse, at least compared to spots like Masai Mara. That said, it definitely wasn’t a bust. We certainly saw several animals.

The park feels a bit dry and dusty, very truthfully, during certain times of the year, adding to the “not quite wild” feel. Now, if you have never been on safari, then it still has value for sure! Seeing a rhino, any rhino in person for the first time is truly special. If you only have one day, or one very partial day in Nairobi and desire any wildlife viewing, it will certainly deliver.

Is it worth your time?

That really depends on your expectations and timeframe. If you have loads of time in Kenya, maybe skipping it for a different park makes sense. If you’re only in Nairobi briefly? Well, in that case, it does provide an experience you just couldn’t have anywhere else in the world. It can check the wildlife box, you see, without taking up too much of your travel schedule, for sure.

Baby Elephant Cuteness Overload: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Okay, here’s the thing: the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is seriously adorable. No question about it. Getting to watch baby elephants frolic, slather themselves in mud, and basically act like playful toddlers is genuinely heartwarming. Very seriously. That’s so precious.

They only open to the public for an hour each day (usually 11 am to noon), and it gets crowded. Prepare to be surrounded by people eager to capture the perfect photo. In spite of the crowd, you do usually manage to get pretty close to the elephants. Keep in mind it is not super intimate, as it is set up a bit like bleacher seats, separated from the grounds where the babies hang out. I also believe that there is a small donation fee required for entry.

The keepers give really short, interesting talks about each elephant, sharing how they were rescued and their individual stories. It truly adds a personal touch to the experience and definitely lets you bond with each little fellow.

Adoption Option?

They promote their adoption program heavily. If you feel particularly moved, you can adopt an elephant and contribute to their care. Very admittedly, it is very heartwarming and tempting! That does support their conservation efforts, after all. Yet it also seems a tad commercialized. Still, the work they’re doing is, clearly, important.

Giraffe Centre: Up Close and Personal (With Warts!)

The Giraffe Centre is, yet, another stop on the typical tour, and it’s all about getting eye-to-eye with Rothschild giraffes. So, what does that really mean? It means feeding them specially made pellets. If you’re lucky, it also could mean getting a giraffe “kiss” (they take the pellet from your mouth – it tickles!).

This place, very honestly, feels less about wildlife conservation and more about direct interaction. Some would find that exciting. And kids absolutely seem to love it. Yet, you ought to go in expecting a tourist attraction first and foremost. The platforms make it easy to get level with the giraffes, by the way, and take that ideal photo. In a way, it all runs fairly smoothly and is very coordinated.

The Warts… Literally

Here’s something a lot of pictures leave out. These giraffes have warts! Lots of them! And up close, they are definitely noticeable. Did it ruin the experience? Not at all. But it was slightly unexpected and made the experience all the more special. These animals are, perhaps, less airbrushed than what is on Instagram!

Logistics: Booking, Transport, and What to Expect

Okay, you want the details, yes? Let’s talk about the how-to of it all. If I have a tour operator that is tried and true, I will use them. You may just have a local you want to hire, as well! So just ask the right questions. How does a Nairobi National Park, Baby Elephant Center, and Giraffe Centre tour operate, then?

Booking a Tour

You have got a few options. Book online with a reputable tour company. In that case, make sure you read the reviews very carefully. Often, they will bundle all three locations into a single day trip. Talk to your hotel. I have actually found amazing tours directly through them at incredible prices. Use a local guide. This can actually be done on apps, actually, so that’s pretty sweet, yes?

Transportation

Traffic in Nairobi can be killer. Fact. Be sure to factor that into your plans. What you can be assured of is that driving between locations, in the best case, is quite slow. This does reduce the overall time at any particular spot. I feel as though you need the entire day blocked out.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen: The Kenyan sun is really powerful.
• Hat: For extra sun protection.
• Comfortable shoes: You will do a lot of walking.
• Camera: Obviously! You just wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself!
• Snacks/Drinks: Sometimes tours provide them, but it’s always good to have extras, yes?
• Cash: In case you wish to buy souvenirs or adopt an elephant.

Is the Combined Tour Worth It? My Honest Opinion

So, putting it all together, is the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Giraffe Centre tour worth your time and money? Maybe yes. Very possibly so, yes?

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, in fact, and the Giraffe Centre provide great, short, memorable experiences. Nairobi National Park’s appeal kinda rides on luck and your prior safari experience. Yet, being very candid, it also adds an undeniable cool factor, especially if you manage to snag that city-meets-wildlife snapshot. It just looks cool to see!

I suggest it very wholeheartedly if you have limited time. Manage your expectations slightly, in any case, and you will find moments of true enjoyment.

Now, if you have already seen it all? That really just frees you up to focus your energies on something a little more immersive.