Skip the Giraffe Manor, Visit the Giraffe Center Instead!
- Justine
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Located in the Karen Estate, just a short distance from the Sheldrick Elephant Nursery, the Giraffe Center is one of Nairobi's top wildlife attractions. It offers visitors the unique opportunity to interact with giraffes up close while learning interesting facts about them.
The Giraffe Manor Connection
Before planning my visit, I had only heard about the famous Giraffe Manor—a luxurious boutique hotel that has gained immense popularity on Instagram. Influencers often showcase their stays, feeding giraffes right from their balconies, creating a magical and picturesque experience. However, given the hotel’s steep prices, I didn’t consider it an option.
That’s when I discovered the Giraffe Center, located on the same property as the manor. This center allows visitors to have the exact same experience—feeding and interacting with giraffes—at a fraction of the cost! The couple who founded this giraffe reserve originally lived in what is now the Giraffe Manor, but their home was later converted into the exclusive hotel.
What to Expect at the Giraffe Center
During your visit, you can opt for a guided tour where experts share fascinating facts about African giraffes and the history of the center. I always prefer guided tours to maximize my learning experience, and one interesting fact that stood out to me was that a giraffe can kill a lion with a single kick to the head! Their powerful legs make them formidable animals in the wild. Additionally, giraffes act as “watchmen” in the savanna—since they are so tall, they can spot predators from afar. When they start running, other animals instinctively follow their lead, sensing danger.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Entrance Fee: You can pay using M-Pesa, a card, or cash.
Hand Washing: A handwashing station is available at the entrance to clean your hands before and after feeding the giraffes.
Time Needed: The center isn’t very large; you can explore everything within an hour. Feeding the giraffes and taking photos usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on the queue.
Feeding Experience: The founders cleverly built an elevated wooden platform so visitors can be at eye level with the giraffes. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a small scoop of giraffe feed. Tip: Giraffes are only interested in food—if you try to pet them without offering a treat, they won’t pay attention to you! Some even bend down to lick food off the ground, which is both hilarious and adorable.
Additional Attractions
Once you’ve finished feeding and taking photos, make sure to explore the Learning Center, where a 30-minute educational video about giraffes is played. The center also has murals with interesting facts, and they often host school trips to teach kids about giraffes.
If you need a break, there’s a small café where you can grab a snack, as well as a gift shop selling souvenirs and books.
Final Thoughts
For the incredible up-close experience with giraffes, the Giraffe Center is a must-visit spot in Nairobi. It’s an enjoyable activity for all ages, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. I also appreciated that, despite being founded by a foreign couple, all the staff members I saw working there were local, which I really liked.
If you're in Nairobi and looking for a fun and unique wildlife encounter, the Giraffe Center should be on your itinerary!
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