The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, founded in 1964, is Kenya's oldest facility of its kind. Located at the entrance to Nairobi National Park, approximately 7 km from the city center, it welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually and houses orphaned, injured, or abandoned wild animals.

Why visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage

The site combines animal sanctuary with educational center. Unlike a traditional zoo, it rescues animals from critical situations (orphans, injured animals, victims of poaching or human-wildlife conflict) and facilitates their reintroduction into their natural habitat whenever possible. For a traveler passing through Nairobi, it's a short stop that complements a city safari or half-day visit to the national park.

History and mission

Opened in 1964, shortly after Kenya's independence, the orphanage is the oldest animal rehabilitation center in the country. It operates in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), whose headquarters are nearby on Lang'ata Road. Beyond caring for animals, the center serves an educational role: it regularly receives groups of Kenyan schoolchildren and university students as part of conservation education programs.

What to see on site

Species housed

The orphanage shelters a diverse array of African wildlife, including:

• Large carnivores: lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals
• Small felids: serval cats and Sokoké cats, an endemic Kenya breed
• Other mammals: warthogs, baboons, buffalo
• Birds: parrots, guinea fowl, crowned cranes, ostriches

Educational panels trace the individual story of several residents, making self-guided visits possible.

The rehabilitation program

Part of the visit focuses on the work of caretakers: veterinary monitoring, feeding, and preparation for return to the wild for animals deemed ready. The records and follow-up files kept by the team provide concrete insight into the methods employed.

Practical information

The orphanage is open daily during daylight hours. Exact opening hours and admission fees are subject to change, so it's recommended to check with Kenya Wildlife Service before your visit. Allow 1 to 2 hours for a complete tour. The visit is family-friendly; pathways are well-maintained and easy to access.

When to visit

The site is open year-round, but dry seasons offer more comfortable conditions: July to September and January to February. Nairobi, situated at approximately 5,450 feet altitude, enjoys a temperate climate:

• December to March: 25 to 28 °C during the day, around 13 °C at night
• July to September: 21 to 25 °C during the day, down to 11 °C at night

Two rainy seasons mark the year: a long season from mid-March to May and a short season from late October to December. Showers, often in late afternoon, can make wildlife observation less pleasant.

How to get there

By car or taxi

The orphanage is about 7 km from Nairobi's city center, via Lang'ata Road, near the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters. Expect 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt work well for this journey.

By matatu

From Nairobi station, take a matatu heading toward Rongai and get off at the orphanage entrance. It's an economical option but slower.

Combined with a safari

A visit pairs naturally with a half-day in Nairobi National Park, whose main entrance is just next door.

Nearby attractions

• Giraffe Centre: dedicated to the Rothschild giraffe, a few kilometers away in the Karen neighborhood
• Aberdare National Park: montane forests and diverse wildlife, accessible as a day trip from Nairobi
• Crescent Island Sanctuary: walking among herbivores on Lake Naivasha
• Chyulu Hills National Park: for an extended safari experience

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Animal Orphanage fits naturally into an itinerary combining Nairobi and the major parks of southern Kenya. To build a tailor-made itinerary, explore our Kenya journeys.