Giraffe Center National Park – Overview

The Giraffe Center National Park in Lang’ata, just outside Nairobi, Kenya, is one of the country’s most popular wildlife attractions. Established in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), the center was founded to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, a subspecies once on the brink of extinction.

Covering around 120 acres of land and located next to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Center serves as both a giraffe sanctuary and an environmental education hub. Today, it is celebrated worldwide as a symbol of conservation, eco-tourism, and interactive wildlife experiences in Kenya.

Why the Giraffe Center is Famous

The Giraffe Center is best known for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes, which visitors can meet, feed, and even interact with at eye-level from a raised platform. This close encounter makes it one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Nairobi.

Thanks to its successful conservation programs, the Rothschild’s giraffe population has grown significantly since the centre’s founding. The facility also plays a key role in environmental education, reaching thousands of schoolchildren in Kenya every year with its wildlife awareness programs.

Wildlife Sightings at Giraffe Center

While the main attraction is the Rothschild’s giraffes, the center is also home to:

• Warthogs that roam freely around the grounds
• Over 180 species of birds, ideal for birdwatchers
• Smaller mammals and forest wildlife within the sanctuary

Visitors can also take a peaceful nature walk along the trail leading to the Gogo River Bird Sanctuary, a hotspot for birdlife in Nairobi.

Activities at the Giraffe Center

A visit to the Giraffe Center National Park offers a variety of unique experiences:

• Feeding giraffes from the elevated deck for eye-level interaction
• Educational talks and displays about giraffe conservation
• Nature trails through indigenous forest for birdwatching and relaxation
• Cultural learning experiences about wildlife conservation challenges in Kenya
• Shopping at the souvenir and gift shop, supporting local artisans and conservation efforts

For those seeking an exclusive experience, the nearby Giraffe Manor, a boutique luxury hotel, allows guests to enjoy breakfast as giraffes peek through the windows – one of Nairobi’s most iconic travel experiences.

Best Time to Visit the Giraffe Center

The Giraffe Center is open year-round and located only 20 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center. The best time to visit is in the morning hours, when giraffes are most active and eager to feed. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience.

With Nairobi’s mild climate, there is no bad season to visit – making the Giraffe Center a must-see destination for both locals and international tourists.