The Giraffe Centre is a private sanctuary located in the Lang'ata neighbourhood, south of Nairobi. Since 1979, it has been dedicated to protecting the Rothschild giraffe, a subspecies also known as the Baringo or Ugandan giraffe. Its elevated observation platform allows you to feed the animals at head height, making it one of the most accessible wildlife experiences in Kenya's capital.

Why visit the Giraffe Centre

The centre combines three dimensions rarely found so close to a major city: an active conservation programme, an educational component for Kenyan schoolchildren, and direct contact with wildlife. The observation platform, built at the height of the giraffes' heads, allows visitors to hand-feed them with grains (maize, wheat) or leaves provided by the centre — outside food is forbidden for health reasons.

The experience fits easily into a busy schedule: allow 1 to 2 hours on site for a complete visit including the platform, nature trail and tea house. It's a logical stop before or after a safari in the country's major reserves.

History and conservation mission

The centre was opened in 1979 by Betty and Jock Leslie-Melville, an American-British couple based in Lang'ata. Jock, son of a Scottish nobleman, and his wife Betty witnessed the rapid decline of the Rothschild giraffe in western Kenya during the 1970s, threatened by habitat loss, bush fires and poaching.

The couple rescued two orphaned giraffe calves, Daisy and Marlin, which formed the nucleus of a future breeding programme. Based on this semi-wild population, the centre has organised reintroductions into several protected areas across the country: Nasolot Reserve, Ruma Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. The subspecies remains classified as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN, but its numbers have increased significantly thanks to these efforts.

The second pillar of the project is educational: the centre organises free school visits for Kenyan students, focusing on environmental awareness, forest protection and waste management.

What to see and do

The observation platform

This is the main attraction. Staff members give visitors cereal grains or fresh leaves to hand directly to the giraffes from the wooden walkway. English-speaking keepers provide information about the species' biology, the individual animals present and conservation work.

The Nature Trail

A discovery trail winds through a patch of indigenous forest rich in birdlife. The short, flat route offers the chance to spot dozens of species and encounter warthogs roaming freely within the reserve. Wear sturdy shoes and bring mosquito repellent depending on the season.

Tea house and gift shop

A tea house on site serves pastries and hot beverages in a verdant setting. The Daisy Zoovenir shop stocks related handicrafts: batiks, jewellery, wooden sculptures and books on Kenyan wildlife. Proceeds support the centre's operations.

Practical information

The sanctuary is open daily, including weekends and school holidays. Opening hours span a wide timeframe during daylight hours, from morning to late afternoon — check current times before your visit as they may change.

Entry fees are reasonable, with discounts for children. Kenyan residents receive a special rate. Visits can be self-guided, with no mandatory guide requirement.

What to bring:

• A camera with a versatile lens
• Water and sunscreen
• Hand sanitiser (direct contact with animals)
• Closed-toe shoes for the nature trail

When to visit

The centre is open year-round. Dry seasons (June-October, January-February) offer the best conditions for walking the Nature Trail. Morning visits tend to be quietest before school groups and tour buses arrive.

How to get there

The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang'ata, about ten kilometres south of Nairobi's city centre. Several options are available:

• Taxi or ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) from the city centre: the simplest option, expect 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic
• Matatu (shared minibuses) from the terminal near Galleria Mall, heading towards Lang'ata, stopping near the entrance
• Private vehicle with driver as part of an organised itinerary

What to combine nearby

South Nairobi hosts several complementary sites accessible in the same half-day or full day:

• The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an elephant orphanage, just a few kilometres away
• The Nairobi National Park, savanna within reach of the city
• The Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational pathway through Kenyan wildlife

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Giraffe Centre fits naturally into a Kenyan itinerary, as a stop on arrival or departure from Nairobi. To build an itinerary combining the capital, major reserves and the coast, consult our Kenya trips.