Nairobi National Park, Elephant Sanctuary & Giraffe Centre: Your Must-See Review
Alright, so, you’re thinking of visiting Nairobi, Kenya, and perhaps seeing some amazing wildlife too it’s almost certain. I mean, let’s be frank, who visits Nairobi and doesn’t consider checking out the famous Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery (often called the Elephant Sanctuary), and the Giraffe Centre is that very place? Each offers a unique peek into the natural world, yet planning how to see them and what to anticipate, that is very important indeed.
Nairobi National Park: A City’s Wild Side
Think of Nairobi National Park, you, like your typical nature reserve, but literally right next to a busy city, similarly to a concrete jungle bumping up against, say, an actual one, isn’t it? It’s pretty wild to think about, to be honest. I mean, where else can you witness giraffes casually strolling in front of skyscrapers, which is absolutely fantastic?
What You’ll See There
Nairobi National Park isn’t the biggest park, and it’s pretty good for a quick safari. You can catch sight of lions, rhinos (including the almost rare black rhino), giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos, and all kinds of bird species too it’s just amazing. Apparently, during migration periods, you can witness quite a display of animals moving. You might just witness that.
Best Time to Visit
Alright, so when’s the best moment to pop in? The dry season, which tends to run from June to October and January to February, actually has the animals gather around water sources making them much simpler to spot too it’s very convenient, which I find is just brilliant. Basically, mornings are often best since the animals are generally more active, too it’s an early rise, but honestly, worth it!
What to Expect on Safari
Safaris are usually conducted in 4×4 vehicles that is for off road terrain that really lets you to view the wildlife easily, and so it doesn’t spoil things from them. Remember to take binoculars, that could really benefit you, that said so you can appreciate these amazing creatures closely too it’s like having super vision! Remember sunblock, too it is nearly guaranteed to save your skin, especially on the clearer days, so really do bring sunblock.
Things to keep in mind.
Remember to listen to your guide, this could very well benefit you, and always maintain a safe distance from the animals, so do give them their space, it would definitely do them some good, since they don’t want to feel intimidated. You should stay quiet, and refrain from loud talking or creating sounds; since it would keep you safe, I mean. If it isn’t allowed don’t even consider feeding them. Finally, really be sure you’ve packed batteries, for capturing the beautiful landscapes and scenes too it’s one to think about!
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery: A Heartwarming Experience
Arguably, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Nursery, which is just outside Nairobi National Park, arguably could very well be one of the highlights of a visit to Nairobi, just simply because of its charm, yet you just can’t overlook it. So what really separates this is from other elephant encounters? The fact is that this nursery specifically cares for orphan elephants that need milk, it is the heart of the foundation itself!
What You’ll See There
From 11am to 12pm, visitors can easily witness the young elephants being fed with enormous baby bottles too it’s very wholesome, and playing in mud baths and hear about the tales of how they had been saved, and now how they have improved physically, which is wonderful news for each of them. Apparently, these little fellas, the elephants are really charismatic which makes you feel more sympathetic towards the endangered creatures too it’s quite an attraction to witness.
Supporting Conservation
The beautiful aspect of this spot, is that entry fees and donations, that, like your good deeds, will certainly aid the nurseries conservation plans; since the funds are invested directly to assist the endangered groups too it’s one of the few that benefits more than one stakeholder. Consider “fostering” an elephant – it would certainly benefit someone, it’s like a symbolic adoption where your donations directly aid the nurturing and upkeep of a selected baby elephant too it’s another lovely act. Either you visit, you like your new family, will get occasional news and pictures updating you, I think!
Planning Your Visit
Since visiting times are limited, and honestly do purchase your tickets ahead of time, due to popularity, since it can be busy and cramped too it’s an option you have available. Consider a light sunblock, and wear a cap too it will help prevent sunburn, due to the limited shades that’s available in the location.
Things to keep in mind.
Respect that it’s pretty obvious that elephants, very generally, especially young ones, are sensitive to loud sounds, you know? Do make sure you lower your voice, too it will avoid unnecessary tension or distress that some might be causing. When taking pictures do remember to avoid using flash, similarly to photography etiquette, so as to safeguard the delicate animal’s eyes; since they might be temporarily impaired with that light.
Giraffe Centre: Get Up Close and Personal
Consider a place to get super close to giraffes, is that the kind of appeal that interests you? It tends to be what makes the Giraffe Centre very appealing is that it lets you to personally interact with these tall creatures from a raised platform. I find this really good for bonding with creatures, isn’t it?
Meeting the Rothschild Giraffes
The centre, it tends to focus, specifically on protecting the Rothschild giraffe, that like anything precious in this era, happens to be endangered, too it is a sad fact for anything close to that. Visitors get to have first-hand interactions by feeding the giraffes too it’s an interactive form, that might also educate some others. Don’t be alarmed, those giraffe pellets aren’t anything out of this earth.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you enter, very literally anyone can often get a handful of pellets to encourage you to begin feeding these spotted giants that are very tame. You could often just place a pellet on your tongue, if it means getting the animal close, but the risk could be grave, too it’s very questionable indeed! (Not officially sanctioned of course). While doing this, take time, especially if it’s your interest to capture awesome photos, with what appears to be a natural connection.
Learn and Support
Arguably, the Giraffe Centre does provide lots of learning chances through exhibits and presentations, as its primary function. The funds from tickets, they could assist you in the preservation initiatives of Rothschild giraffes; it’s likely what most centers could offer at their locale.
Important points.
Even though it’s obvious, only consider feeding these animals from the pellets which were made available; due to they already follow diet management plans from the caretakers, and you probably wouldn’t want to poison these amazing giants that roam Kenya! Be patient. Very generally, a number of tourists go in, similarly to your normal travel location, so perhaps there may be periods where a chance with a giraffe is limited that are definitely just times where many visits happen.
Planning Your Trip: Tips and Recommendations
Alright, you’ve picked your desired tourist spots, now you should arguably consider logistical facets such as securing accommodations, to really set yourself in a place. I find considering transportation methods the more complicated thing to do; whether you’re arranging tour guides, especially with your itinerary. Here are some points, just generally, that will better guide your travels:
Getting Around
When it comes to transportation, there are many choices, specifically on whether or not, you would want to see each point of interest in your itinerary, alright? Hiring a cab or a vehicle really just gives one much more autonomy on movement; you’re most probably looking for this factor! Join a guided tour to allow one a convenient solution that manages logistics and gives detailed insight. The more luxurious choice; that is one reason why it cost much.
Where to Stay
Arguably, Nairobi provides some accommodations; ranging from hotels, all the way to lodging spots and quaint bed and breakfasts, to definitely better cater for many budgets as a plan for expenditure. So should staying closer to Nairobi National Park, that allows much simpler access during any safari visits. Arguably choosing accommodation in safer regions will improve your feelings.
Booking in Advance
For lodging to seeing orphaned baby elephants, basically, its more advisable, to be secured with ticket access beforehand; this action should save you from the likelihood of a schedule conflict due to spots usually being filled due to popular choices by many. So don’t wait too long before committing.
Respecting Wildlife and Nature
Most important is a reminder to preserve and conserve their resources. Follow rules, too, since most guidelines were setup to provide that form of protections from a myriad of dangers, such as pollution. In the end every step will secure the habitats that may come under harm or even go, it would really harm some of them to some degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nairobi National Park worth visiting?
Apparently, Nairobi National Park, just so you’re asking is really that popular. It usually has high points; since you, similarly to everyone, can see incredible fauna so close that might exist around the downtown area. However it, very roughly may be quite full, there are some areas, you could say, that aren’t as pristine like your true remote safaris.
How much time do I need at each location?
Basically, I feel one-day is really pretty well allocated to witnessing the 3 locations I shared! Morning safaris, then mid-day on feeding the elephants in the nursery while you end seeing giraffes later! It may depend as your individual pace, really, to dictate that.
What should I wear?
The location, typically will warrant long and airy clothes to guard oneself in the sun; or to reduce pesky bug-bites from happening on some occasions! Always use shoes, like boots or footwear to keep them sheltered especially when moving on dusty plains, obviously.
Is it safe to visit these attractions?
It seems obvious, in which your guided tours would be always safer than seeing these sites yourselves, too, with expert navigators in place as escorts that might deal with any danger or incidents which would require expert guidance as backup, it is highly more preferred indeed.
- Nairobi National Park is unique wildlife experience with city views.
- The Elephant Nursery is an opportunity to connect with conservation.
- The Giraffe Centre allows for memorable close animal encounters.
- Careful planning and respecting guidelines improve your experience and assist sustainability.