Discover The Giraffe Centre with Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Where else in the world can you go eye to eye with a towering giraffe, hand-feeding him (or her) a food pellet and watch up close as their long green tongue happily takes your offering? And then surprise – a moment later you get a kiss from that same giant giraffe tongue.

This could only be The Giraffe Centre, in Nairobi – a favorite refuge for giraffe lovers, conservationists, school children, and visitors eager to meet the Centre’s famous Rothschild’s giraffes.

For 40 years, the Centre has saved and restored the population of this endangered sub-species of giraffe. At the same time, it has offered millions of guests a fun and educational opportunity to learn about these majestic creatures.

Climb the feeding platform and offer a food pellet to one of the Centre’s giraffes. Or, stop at the Information Centre to learn how these endangered animals are cared for, bred, and released back into the wild.

There’s even a winding Nature Trail where you can spot birds, warthogs, dik-dik, and other wildlife.

An Idea Is Born

The story of this unique sanctuary began in 1979 when Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville discovered the unfortunate decline of the Rothschild’s giraffe. Once plentiful throughout Africa, the giraffe population had fallen to just 130.

The couple brought two young giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, to their Lang’ata property in Nairobi and began a successful breeding program that still thrives today.

To support this effort, Jock established the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). But to friends, donors, and visitors, the sanctuary is simply known as The Giraffe Centre.

The Idea Grows – An Education Centre

Realizing the importance of conservation education, Jock and Betty soon opened an environmental education centre in 1983. They offered free tours to Kenyan children, teaching them about the giraffes and the importance of protecting the environment.

Today, over 50,000 students visit annually, along with 40,000 members of the public who come to enjoy and learn from the Centre’s engaging resources.

Visitors discover how giraffe calves are nurtured at the Centre and released into the wild once they are 2–3 years old and able to survive independently. So far, over 40 giraffes raised at the Centre have been reintroduced into parks and conservancies across Kenya.

About The Giraffe Centre

• Location: Lang’ata suburb, about 20 km (12 miles) from central Nairobi.
• Climate: Nairobi enjoys a warm climate with year-round rainfall. The average temperature is 20°C (68°F).
• Operating Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, including weekends and holidays.
• Getting There: Book a tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris in Nairobi.
• By Air: Nairobi is served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Things to Do and See

Tea House

Relax and enjoy refreshments while observing giraffes from another vantage point at the Centre’s cozy Tea House.

Daisy Zoovenir Shop

Named after one of the original giraffes, Daisy, the shop offers memorabilia and souvenirs. The Centre earns 90% of its funding through entrance fees and sales here.

Books, Posters & Literature

The Centre produces educational materials including the Nature Trail Guidebook, conservation manuals, and awareness posters.

Giraffe Manor

Located next to the Centre, Giraffe Manor is a Tudor-style boutique hotel where you might share your breakfast with a giraffe peeking through your window!

Why Visit The Giraffe Centre?

Few places in the world allow you to get this close to a giraffe — let alone receive a kiss! The Giraffe Centre is a unique blend of conservation, education, and fun. With energetic school children, playful giraffes, and stunning scenery, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Visit The Giraffe Centre with Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris for a Nairobi city excursion to The Giraffe Centre and experience one of Kenya’s most cherished wildlife encounters.

We offer safaris departing from Nairobi to this and many other iconic parks and attractions across Kenya, making your African holiday an adventure to remember.