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Lioness in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park Day Tour, Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage

By the Africa Safaris team, Nairobi · · 3 min read

Make the most of a day in Nairobi: a Nairobi National Park game drive, baby elephants at the orphanage, hand-feeding giraffes and the Karen Blixen Museum. Tips and timings.

Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park on its doorstep, where lions and rhinos roam against a skyline of office towers. Whether you have a spare day before your safari or a long layover, a Nairobi National Park day tour is the perfect introduction to Kenya.

Nairobi National Park

Just 7 km from the city centre, Nairobi National Park is home to lions, black rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and more than 400 bird species. Elephants are the only big animal missing. The best time is an early-morning game drive from about 6am, when animals are active and the light is beautiful.

Baby elephants at the orphanage

The elephant orphanage on the edge of the park rescues orphaned baby elephants from across Kenya and raises them for return to the wild. At the late-morning public visiting hour, you can watch the babies being bottle-fed and playing in the mud while keepers share their stories. It's one of the most moving hours you'll spend in Kenya, and a favourite with children.

Giraffe Centre

At the Giraffe Centre in Langata, you can hand-feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform at eye level. It's run as a conservation and education centre. Next door, the famous Giraffe Manor hotel lets guests share breakfast with giraffes poking their heads through the windows. Our 8-Day Kenya Destination Wedding starts there.

Karen Blixen Museum and more

  • Karen Blixen Museum: the farmhouse of the *Out of Africa* author, set in quiet gardens.
  • Kazuri Beads: a workshop employing local women, with a shop for handmade ceramics.
  • Nairobi craft markets: for carvings, baskets and kikoys.

A perfect Nairobi day

TimeActivity
6:00Game drive in Nairobi National Park
11:00Elephant orphanage visiting hour
13:00Lunch in Karen
14:30Giraffe Centre
16:00Karen Blixen Museum or craft shopping

Our Elephant orphanage & Giraffe Centre half-day add-on (around $55 per adult) can be added to any safari starting in Nairobi.

Who is it for?

  • Arrival or departure days: many international flights arrive early or leave late in the evening.
  • Families: baby elephants and giraffes are guaranteed highlights. See our family safari guide and the 6-Day Kenya Family Safari.
  • Business travellers with a free day in Nairobi.

Ask us to add a Nairobi day to your safari when you build your own, or contact us for a standalone day tour.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see lions in Nairobi National Park?+

Yes. Lions, black rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and zebras live in the park. Elephants don't, but you can see baby elephants at the orphanage next door.

How long do you need for a Nairobi day tour?+

A full day covers an early game drive, the elephant orphanage, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum. A half day is enough for the orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.

Is a Nairobi day tour good for children?+

Very. Feeding giraffes and watching baby elephants at mud-bath time are favourites with kids of all ages.

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