Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage

REVIEW · NAIROBI

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage

  • 4.97 reviews
  • 7 hours
  • From $155
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Operated by Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safari · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Giraffes up close really change your morning. This 7-hour trip pairs giraffe conservation and feeding at the center by Giraffe Manor with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphan stories, plus a cultural stop at Bomas of Kenya. You’ll get real context for why these animals are protected, not just photo ops.

My favorite part is how the day is built around respectful animal care: you watch elephants being fed while you learn about the orphaned elephants, and you learn the giraffe habitat details before you’re allowed to feed. One thing to plan for: the Bomas show can be closed on certain dates, so you may not get the dance-and-song portion even if the rest runs smoothly.

Key highlights you’ll care about

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Key highlights you’ll care about

  • Rothschild’s giraffe habitat facts right where you can feed and get a big kiss
  • Elephant orphan names and conservation context alongside feeding time at Sheldrick
  • A guided, English-speaking day with private transport from Nairobi hotels and residences
  • Bomas of Kenya song and dance as a real cultural add-on, when it’s operating
  • Great guide positioning for photos, since a strong guide knows the best spots to stand

Rothschild’s giraffe center near Giraffe Manor: feeding and that huge kiss

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Rothschild’s giraffe center near Giraffe Manor: feeding and that huge kiss
You start with a morning pickup at 9:30 a.m. from Nairobi, and the day moves fast in a good way. First stop is the giraffe center, adjacent to Giraffe Manor, which matters because you get the Rothschild’s giraffe story in the right setting.

Here’s what I like about this part: the feeding isn’t random fun. You first learn about the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and what the center is doing to support their survival. Then the experience becomes physical, in the best sense of the word. You get the chance to feed a giraffe, and yes, you can also get a big giraffe kiss. It’s goofy and a little surreal in the moment, and it’s exactly why this stop hits so hard.

A quick practical note: this is close-up time. Wear comfortable shoes so you can stand and shift your footing without fuss in the viewing area. If the sun is out, you’ll also appreciate a sun hat, since you’ll be outside during part of your feeding time.

If you’re a photography person, treat this stop like a mini game. Ask your guide where to stand for the best angle before the feeding starts. In past departures, English-speaking guides such as Meshack have been especially good at pointing out the better photo positions and helping you get your bearings quickly.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nairobi.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephants: orphan stories during feeding time

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephants: orphan stories during feeding time
Next comes one of the most meaningful parts of the day: the elephant orphanage experience connected with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. You’ll hear the stories of the orphaned elephants, each by name, which turns the visit from entertainment into understanding. Instead of seeing elephants as general wildlife, you start thinking about individual animals, what they faced, and why ongoing care matters.

Then you watch the elephants being fed. That feeding moment is often the highlight because it brings the whole place to life. It also gives you a better sense of routine: the way caretakers manage diets and how the elephants respond. If you’re hoping for hands-on contact, keep expectations flexible. One of the experiences people describe from this day is being able to touch some of the elephants when the center allows it, which is memorable but not something you should count on as guaranteed every minute.

This is also the part that gives you the most “why” for conservation. You’re not just looking at animals; you’re seeing how rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term support work in real time. You’ll leave with a clearer idea of what conservation efforts mean on the ground in Kenya, not just as a headline.

Bomas of Kenya cultural show: song and dance with context

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Bomas of Kenya cultural show: song and dance with context
After lunch on your own, the schedule continues to Bomas of Kenya, where you learn Kenyan culture through song and dance. This is a smart pairing with the wildlife stops. Animals teach you about conservation in practice; the cultural show helps you understand the human side of the same place—how traditions are carried through generations.

What to expect here is straightforward: a guided experience with the cultural performance included via entrance. You’ll be around other visitors, but the tone is different from the animal centers. It’s more about rhythm, storytelling, and audience energy.

Now, the consideration. A past departure noted that Bomas was closed at the time, even though the day was still a great experience overall. So if seeing the performance is a must for you, I’d treat it as a bonus that can sometimes be affected by operations on the day. Your best strategy is to be ready to enjoy the rest of the wildlife-focused portion just as much if the show doesn’t run.

Timing and transport: how the 7-hour day flows

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Timing and transport: how the 7-hour day flows
The tour is built as a full Nairobi day: pickup at 9:30 a.m. and a total duration of about 7 hours. Your day includes guided elements and sightseeing time, and you return to Nairobi afterward.

Transport is private, which is a big deal in a city like Nairobi. It usually means you’re not waiting around for a long chain of stops to collect other groups. It also makes it easier to keep your day on track when there are timing-sensitive animal care moments. The day is designed to fit multiple attractions without feeling like you’re sprinting between them every 10 minutes.

You also get pickup and drop-off at your hotel within Nairobi, and they can pick up from private residences and Airbnb. That flexibility is helpful if you’re staying outside the most central hotel areas. If you’re starting from the international airport, pickup or drop-off is possible for a small extra cost.

One more practical comfort point: vehicles are described as nicely maintained, and you travel with a professional, experienced guide who speaks English. If you have questions during the day, the provider lists a 24-hour mobile phone line (including WhatsApp), which can be a real lifesaver if your plans shift or you get delayed.

Price and value: what $155 covers, and what to budget for

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Price and value: what $155 covers, and what to budget for
The price is $155 per person for a 7-hour day. That sounds like a lot until you break down what’s included. Here’s what your money is buying:

  • Entrances to the giraffe center, elephant orphanage, and Bomas of Kenya
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi (plus pickup from residences/Airbnb)
  • Private transport so you’re not stuck with multiple group transfers
  • An English-speaking guide for the full flow of the day

That combination matters because the cost isn’t just for a ride. It’s also covering access and guided interpretation at three separate places. In other words, you’re paying for a structured day with fewer gaps.

What’s not included: lunch and drinks. You’ll want to plan for lunch either before you leave or during the scheduled lunch break. Since lunch is at your own expense, consider keeping your hunger under control so you’re ready for the next stop without feeling rushed.

There’s also an extra cost you should watch for: $80 per person for Nairobi National Park, noted as tied to KWS and located inside the park. The important part for you is this: if your day includes a Nairobi National Park component, you’ll need to budget that extra fee. When you book, confirm whether this is part of your exact routing so you don’t get surprised.

Who should book this day trip (and who might not love it)

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Who should book this day trip (and who might not love it)
This tour fits best if you want a Kenya taste that covers both wildlife care and culture without needing multiple days of planning.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

  • You’re in Nairobi for a short window and want multiple anchor stops in one day
  • You care about conservation and want your animal time explained with context
  • You like guided experiences where someone helps you time things and find the right viewing spots
  • You want a cultural performance stop that isn’t separate from your wildlife day

You might think twice if:

  • The Bomas show is non-negotiable for you and you can’t tolerate the chance it’s not running on your date
  • You prefer fully self-paced visits without a set schedule
  • You don’t want to pay additional fees if Nairobi National Park is part of the route

Practical tips that make the day smoother

Keep it simple and you’ll have a better day.

  • Bring comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet outdoors at multiple stops.
  • Bring a sun hat. Expect bright daylight outside during parts of the giraffe and elephant segments.
  • Be ready for close-up animal moments. For giraffe feeding, you’ll be near the animals for a short but intense window.
  • If you care about photos, ask your guide where to stand before the feeding moment. Strong guides, including those who have been identified like Meshack, often know the best spots quickly.
  • If anything goes off schedule, use the provider’s 24-hour phone line or WhatsApp to get answers fast.

Should you book Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safari’s giraffe-elephant-Bomas day?

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - Should you book Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safari’s giraffe-elephant-Bomas day?
In my view, this is a solid choice if you want a structured Nairobi day that mixes endangered giraffe care, elephant orphan conservation storytelling, and Kenyan culture through song and dance. The biggest reason to book is the “value density” of the day: your ticket covers entrances at three major experiences plus private transport and an English guide.

The one caution is the Bomas component. If it’s closed on your date, you’ll still have wildlife-focused value, but you might miss the performance portion. If you can live with that possibility, you’re set up for a memorable, educational day that feels purposeful rather than rushed.

FAQ

Giraffe, Elephant Orphanage - FAQ

What time does pickup start in Nairobi?

Pickup starts at 9:30 a.m. in Nairobi.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for 7 hours.

What attractions are included?

Entrance fees are included for the giraffe center, the elephant orphanage, and Bomas of Kenya.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, so plan to pay for them yourself.

Is there an extra fee for Nairobi National Park?

Yes. There is a listed extra fee of $80 per person for Nairobi National Park, since it is under KWS and located inside the park.

Do you offer pickup from places other than hotels?

Yes. Pickup is included for hotels within Nairobi city, and they can also pick up from private residences and Airbnb. Pickup or drop-off to the international airport is available for a small extra cost.

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