Reviews: Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

"This was the better of our two visits to animal centers in Nairobi, but neither was among the highlights of our visit.

I think for experienced safari goers, it would be easy to skip this experience and especially the elephant orphans center. But the giraffe center had some positives, particularly the opportunity to pet a giraffe's neck and to feed it some kibble and pet the fascinating tongue." Read more about this whole safari

"I am not a fan of visiting animals in captivity. And, since we had just arrived at Emakoko and it was so lovely there and so isolated from the world, it felt jarring to go back into the city and be with so many tourists.

I could see visiting the giraffe center either coming into Emakoko or when leaving but to have it break up the stay there felt a shame.

I met a young aspiring guide who took me on a bird walk through the property. That was an unexpected and fun encounter with a bright young man." Read more about this whole safari

"Seemed like visit lasted slightly too long, but that was likely due to my jetlag." Read more about this whole safari

"WOW!! What an amazing place.

Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Nairobi.

It's a must see." Read more about this whole safari

"It was lovely to visit the giraffe centre, and wonderful to learn all that the centre is doing.

I am grateful to the conservation efforts in Kenya to preserve the world's most precious species (especially as the human race continues to destroy all that is so precious and important). Being able to get up close and see how beautiful these animals are, and look into their eyes is quite a privilege. Feeding them is a novelty, and I think an excellent experience for children (and adults). I think it is important for the guides to make the point that feeding them in this scenario does not make the giraffes dependent on humans feeding them so that when they get re-introduced it is not a "handicap" to these giraffes.

Also, at least for us, we got there early, and I would have liked for us to spend some more time with the giraffes before it became more crowded prior to going in for the presentation. It was a bit disorienting for me to walk out of the presentation into the crowd of people all competing for a space with the giraffes. I know that having many people is good for the centre (to raise funds), but for me personally, I am never comfortable when there are big crowds of people circling around animals. I know the animals are fine in this scenario, but, I just wonder if there is a way to structure the visits so that at any one time, there is more of a balance between those in the building for the presentations, and those outside feeding.

This is a wonderful organization providing an extremely important and necessary service for the animals, and the people of Kenya, Africa, and the rest of the world. And I am grateful that this exists." Read more about this whole safari

"The payment process was interesting - card only now. It used to be cash only, so that was a recent change.

Also, be prepared with your phone to take a snap of the payment confirmation on their computer screen, which is the only way to get through the guard at the kiosk to get into the park.

The park itself was very small, yet amazing - so many beautiful giraffe, up close and personal. The staff was knowledgeable and eager to share information with a group. And they do it so well!" Read more about this whole safari

"It was first day so was tired but a lovely gentle start to the safari experience" Read more about this whole safari

"I feel we could have skipped this knowing we would see many giraffe in the wild." Read more about this whole safari

"Hiccup at entry as cash was no longer accepted.

It was great to learn about and feed the giraffes. It was a fun way to start our adventure.

The gift shop was awesome." Read more about this whole safari

"What a fun place to visit!

Feeding the giraffes is a highlight, and there is a solid educational component as well. We went early in the day to beat the crowds (recommended) and had a wonderful time. It's fun for adults but quite magical for children and even a bit scary at first, as you're feeding the animals from a raised platform and they really want their food!

Note that you won't spend hours here, it's a good "stop along the way" but certainly not a half day excursion. There is nearby shopping making it a highlight of a morning or afternoon spent in the neighborhood." Read more about this whole safari