A Magical Visit to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre: Up Close with Rothschild’s Giraffes

Growing up in Kenya, it’s easy to take the extraordinary for granted. Spotting giraffes in the wild, seeing monkeys in your back garden, or feeding endangered animals on a school trip felt completely normal — until you realise how rare these experiences are elsewhere.

It wasn’t until I moved abroad for university that I fully appreciated just how unique my upbringing had been. The looks of astonishment from friends when I casually mentioned feeding giraffes or having monkeys stealing fruit from the garden quickly reminded me: Kenya is no ordinary place. And if you’re visiting Nairobi, a trip to the Giraffe Centre in Langata is a must — it’s as unforgettable for first-timers as it is nostalgic for locals.

A Bit of Background

The Giraffe Centre was established in 1979 by Jock Leslie-Melville (the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish earl) and his wife Betty. Alarmed by the declining population of Rothschild’s giraffes – with numbers at the time dwindling to around 120 – the couple took action by rescuing and breeding a pair of giraffes on their Lang’ata property.

Today, that land is home to both the Giraffe Centre and the luxurious Giraffe Manor, with a thriving population of these rare and elegant creatures. While still the most endangered giraffe subspecies, Rothschild’s giraffes have made a promising comeback — and many can now be spotted in protected areas across Kenya.

What Makes Rothschild’s Giraffes Unique?

Rothschild’s giraffes are easily identified by their pale coats, irregular brown patches, and most notably  their white “stockings,” as their legs lack the spots that other giraffe species have. In Kenya, you’ll find three types of giraffes:

• Rothschild’s – rarest, pale, white-legged

• Maasai – native to southern Kenya, with jagged, vine-like patches

• Reticulated – native to the north, with striking, geometric patterns

Despite their towering height and strength, giraffes are gentle herbivores. With their impossibly long lashes and serene gaze, they’re truly some of the most captivating animals you’ll ever meet.

Visiting the Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre is located just 30 minutes from central Nairobi on Koitobos Road, in the leafy suburb of Lang’ata. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm, including weekends and public holidays.

️ Entry Fees (as of 2024):

• KSH 1,500 (approx. £8 / $10) for non-resident adults

• KSH 750 for children

• Substantially discounted rates for Kenyan citizens and residents

Top tip: All entry fees go directly towards giraffe conservation and education initiatives across Kenya.

Feeding Giraffes (and Maybe Even Kissing One!)

One of the highlights of visiting is the chance to feed the giraffes from an elevated wooden platform. Staff provide guests with small pellets – simply place one in your open palm and wait as a long, purple, prehensile tongue curls out to retrieve it!

Feeling brave? Try the popular (and slightly bizarre) giraffe kiss — where you hold a pellet in your mouth and wait for a gentle, slobbery smooch. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime photo op — and a guaranteed story to tell for years.

Warthogs and Wildlife Facts

Alongside the giraffes, you’ll spot plenty of warthogs, who have made the sanctuary their home. According to Rose, our knowledgeable guide at the Giraffe Centre, these cheeky companions are rarely far from giraffes — they follow them for safety, benefitting from the giraffes’ high vantage point to spot predators.

We also learnt some mind-blowing facts:

• Giraffes sleep just 30 minutes a day, in short bursts, usually standing up!

• Their pregnancy lasts 15 months, and the calf drops a full 6 feet to the ground at birth — a fall that actually kick-starts its breathing.

• Newborn giraffes can walk within 30 minutes of being born!

Don’t Miss the Gift Shop

Before you leave, pop into the charming on-site gift shop, which stocks a variety of giraffe-themed souvenirs, local crafts and ethically made goods. I left with a new giraffe mug — now proudly featured in my morning coffee routine (and, naturally, on Instagram).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning local, the Giraffe Centre is a beautiful reminder of how precious Kenya’s wildlife truly is. Beyond the Instagrammable moments, it’s an important conservation space helping protect one of the world’s most endangered animals.

Add it to your Nairobi itinerary, and thank me later.

️ How to Get There:

• Location: Koitobos Road, Lang’ata, Nairobi

• Transport: Approx. 30–40 minutes by taxi from Nairobi CBD or major hotels; you can also include it in a half-day tour with the nearby Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sanctuary and Karen Blixen Museum