Review: Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center

Visiting Nairobi, Kenya, just conjures up images of safaris and amazing wildlife. Right? A trip to Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, and the Giraffe Center are often considered a must do. I wanted to share, in a way, what it’s actually like to experience these locations, offer some tips, so too give you an idea if they need to be on your own “must-do” list.

A Morning at Nairobi National Park

So, Nairobi National Park? It’s pretty special in a way, that. Imagine, like your regular wildlife reserve, yet practically smack dab in the heart of a capital city! I think it’s safe to say, nowhere else can really compare. We got there real early, right at opening, like around 6 a.m. because of course, that’s often when the wildlife seems to be at their most active. Turns out that’s usually true.

The park itself is, basically, sprawling grasslands, areas of thick woods, and some little rivers. That sort of offers a home to different animals, it definitely makes it look pretty too. That’s, probably, one of the major reasons people come here. We were keeping an eye out for lions. Maybe even a leopard? Possibly some rhinos? That would make the visit complete. You get the idea.

I’ll tell you, there’s really something kind of breathtaking about witnessing wild animals against, still, a cityscape backdrop. Very surreal. It can be, in a way, a unique photo opportunity, honestly! During our drive, we saw all sorts of animals: giraffes that, too, seem to amble, zebras grazing peacefully, plus herds of gazelles doing their thing. Birds are everywhere as well! So many varieties! Honestly, that alone felt worthwhile. You know?

The only, I mean only thing? Spotting the big cats? Or a rhino? Basically, anything exciting was very, very challenging. The park, in that specific area we explored, is rather open. Many times, you’re watching things from super far away. Bring your binoculars and zoom lens for your cam. I will say that.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage: A Heartwarming Experience

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage? Now, this is that special place. It really is! It gives you, like your direct access to vulnerable baby elephants whose folks sadly, very, very sadly, could be poached, passed away or encountered some awful accident.

They usually have one session, it lasts just one hour. Typically, from 11am-12pm. Here’s what you need to understand though: be there like, before 10:30am at the very latest. What’s arguably happened is the queue is massive. Many people start trying to secure a prime spot. What can sometimes be true is people try to cram near to the ropes along the enclosure, in an effort to capture that incredible photo.

During the hour? That’s just incredible! The keepers give a talk about all of the different elephants. A short summary of the background? Basically how they ended up in that place. So it’s often just sad! Though you can learn what happens behind the scenes. You discover, in that space of time, how this specific trust goes that additional mile for these beautiful animals. They rehabilitate them with all of that tender loving care and they’re gradually released back into, arguably, the wild. Basically.

It’s heartwarming to see how playful the small elephants actually can be, playing around one other, taking mud baths and interacting with all their keepers. Honestly? Prepare to have a couple of those “ahh” moments. You can too, in fact, foster your own baby elephant for approximately $50 a year. Your cash helps pay to their healthcare and feeding! Which feels pretty fantastic.

Getting Up Close and Personal at the Giraffe Center

Now, the Giraffe Center? I believe you’re going to really find it interesting too. It’s pretty, pretty close to the Elephant Orphanage and honestly, often grouped into, more or less, a single day adventure. And if that seems like it’ll be fun, that would usually make a whole lot of sense.

What’s on offer at the Giraffe Center? A genuinely one-off opportunity of feeding the giraffes of Rothschild. The center has an elevated platform to meet the giraffes directly on their eye level. You have the potential of literally handing over these special pellet treats. And getting sloppily kissed because of the animal.

These animals often will gently take the pellets from both hands and will, in fact, curiously investigate. It is kinda unnerving, but I will say, wonderful. You too understand you will have, definitely, many photo possibilities? Taking a picture, more or less, cheek to cheek with this Giraffe? Now, that often is a photo you need for you instagram! Or X, I suppose? (Ha!)

Aside from feeding all the giraffes, there are educational presentations. So too some details about, well, all their conservation. So too? This giraffe center plays a significant part in preserving all the Rothschild giraffe. And as the wild population’s severely dwindled, this place? That’s really a beacon to optimism. The store on location can be that nice little touch too? Offering a number of crafts? Some are made by residents!

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Okay, a handful of tips and things to, possibly, remember when preparing that trip:

• Best time to visit: So that’s the dry months, like June to October. I found them arguably great times when viewing wild life as there happens to be way less plant cover, it feels. Which is usually great. But they also come with clear, sunny days! Also? Nairobi, basically, gets hot! Be mindful of these specific points.
• Booking ahead: Elephant Orphanage visits need often to be booked way, way in advance on the website! Don’t assume you can get one if you show. The Giraffe Centre is a lot more fluid but when you travel through peak season then, okay, book in advance online.
• What to Wear: Some layers I’d say, very, very comfortably. I’m saying this as you typically experience an early cool morning! Which evolves into that warmer midday time. Some relaxed casual gear, some sturdy closed footwear for moving all over? This might, I suppose, always be useful too.
• Getting Around: Taxies tend to be freely accessible, or ride-hailing applications work adequately to transport amongst each spot. So consider using all of them! Or, a pre booked travel/trip which insures? Transportation. I would usually recommend that, actually.
• Combine: Think of placing this with alternative, nearby activities! So, what I’m trying to point out, think Bomas of Kenya! It actually is an appealing, cultural center, that tends to highlight traditional Kenyan homesteads. Karen Blixen museum? That, arguably, adds even more context of the colonist history within the area? You know?

Is It Worth It?

So? Would I give it a yes or a no? Look, I thought these visits were so good. Especially the elephant orphanage! And to a degree, the Giraffe Center too. A drive at the National Park in Nairobi can feel? Somewhat underwhelming? Particularly if all your expectations had been set at safari. It simply? Is? No substitute for that! Do this trip in combo and all in a morning or afternoon?

Overall, should you want a quick wildlife repair in close proximity to that capital? This will be something worthwhile. The elephant experience particularly is one you cannot miss because these conservation efforts? These ones absolutely make a direct impact! Plus, these adorable elephants? They simply leave you smiling for all the day!