
Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour worth booking?
Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour is a 5-hour experience in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, from $95 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $95 per person
Explore Nairobi City visiting the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Kazuri Beads. Get an outstanding experience by observing these magnificent Rothschild Giraffes at eye level, seeing baby elephants at the elephant orphanage then enjoy the most amazing memorable experience tour of the Kobe beads women factory.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Nairobi City visiting the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Kazuri Beads. Get an outstanding experience by observing these magnificent Rothschild Giraffes at eye level, seeing baby elephants at the elephant orphanage then enjoy the most amazing memorable experience tour of the Kobe beads women factory.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Giraffe Centre
The tour start by picking you from your Nairobi Hotel. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, the headquarter for the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife made famous by "Daisy Rothschild", a giraffe calf rescued from Soi, on the Western Kenya border. Daisy and her family form only a small part of a herd of these gentle giants, living in a semi wild state at Giraffe Manor. You will also learn their behaviours, traits and more conservation education. These animals will come to a protecting wall to be fed. Make the most of your visit when you go to the Giraffe Center nature trail up until the Gogo River. This is what most people don't get to see and it's a fascinating place to walk in the nature, with bushes on either side and birds giving the most wondrous songs. The trail will take about 1-hour going up and down in a relaxing pace. Entry fees to the giraffe center are included.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
We will then drive you to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust have a walk through the little center from 11am - 12pm in an open space, with a rope fence around it. The youngest elephants come trotting out of the bush to greet their keepers who stand at the ready with giant bottles of milk. For the next 10-15 minutes you can watch each little one slurp and gargle their milk. When they're done, there's water to play. While you get to watch them play and take photos. You find out how old they were when they arrived at the orphanage, where they were rescued from, and what got them into trouble. Once the youngest are all fed, they are led back into the bush, and it's the turn of the 2-3 year olds. Some of them can feed themselves, and some are still fed by their keepers. It's very cute to watch them hold their giant milk bottles in their trunks and close their eyes with joy as they make quick work of several gallons of milk.
60 minutes here · Admission included
You will then be driven to the Kobe Beads factory. This is a pottery company that makes one of the world most beautiful beads. You will be shown all the stages from the start to the finish. If need to have lunch our guide will take you to the nearby restaurants at own cost
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Park fees included
Park fees Included: Giraffe centre park fees USD 15 Elephant USD20 Nairobi national park USD 85 Pickup included
All Park Fees Excluded
All Park Fee Excluded: Pay Giraffe entrance fee USD15 Per Person Pay Elephant Fee USD20 Per Person Pay Nairobi Park Entrance fee USD85 Per Person Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gracepatt Safaris
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- All are welcome
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing wildlife experience, but watch out for unexpected fees
Seeing the rescued elephants and hand-feeding the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre was an absolute highlight of our trip. The animals are incredible, and the work being done at both places is wonderful. However, be very cautious when booking this through Viator. The tour listing was misleading regarding what was included. Despite stating that all fees/admission were included, we were surprised with having to pay park entry fees out-of-pocket on arrival.The experience itself is 5-star, but Viator/the tour operator needs to be much more transparent about additional costs so travelers aren't hit with unexpected charges.
via Viator
Yay, Stephen - best guide!
Our driver/guide, Stephen Mutuku, was funny, kind and an an enthusiastic photographer. He seemed to have friends everywhere we went, knew the best places for the best views, and helped me "adopt" a baby elephant. The elephant orphanage was crowded with tourists, but a wonderful experience nonetheless.
via Tripadvisor
Must do in Nairobi
Excellent guides in Stephen and Joe. They both went beyond what was required. The elephant orphanage was amazing. Stephen provided valuable tips on how best to experience the orphanage. Joe gave detailed information on giraffes. Both Stephen and Joe provided guidance with enthusiasm and were both affable. Would highly recommend.
via Viator
I recommend traveling with your child.
There was a family of three, but they visited the Kirin Center without a guide, and they were afraid to feed the child, but they helped them keep trying. There was some misunderstanding at the Elephant Reserve regarding the information I had misunderstood in advance, but I would like to thank you once again for stephen's good arrangement. The seat line was also important, and the guide guided us to the top and made us enjoy our trip without any inconvenience. Thanks for the magnetics for the child.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Sheldrick Trust and the Giraffes!
We loved Sheldrick and the Giraffes. What a super experience. And the bead factory was also great! Thank you John for being a great guide too.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $95 to $295
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gracepatt Safaris, who run 32 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.3.
See everything Gracepatt Safaris runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Maasai Mara National Reserve.
How much does Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour cost?
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Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Maasai Mara National Reserve usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Maasai Mara National Reserve is not rushed.
Is Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Maasai Mara National Reserve, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Maasai Mara National Reserve can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Maasai Mara National Reserve and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Maasai Mara National Reserve within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve?
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On Outty we rank every Maasai Mara National Reserve experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include African Wildlife & Nature - 5 Kenya national parks - 6 day Jeep Safari, 2 Days Classic Maasai Mara Safari, 4-Day Tour in Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivash, Masai Mara from Nairobi. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Maasai Mara National Reserve?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; and Professional guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 647 listed pickup locations in and around Maasai Mara National Reserve. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Maasai Mara National Reserve. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Park fees included, All Park Fees Excluded. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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