The Giraffe Centre is a world-famous wildlife conservation and education centre situated in the Lang’ata suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi city in Kenya. Founded  in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville under the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), the centre’s primary role was to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.

The Giraffe Experience
The centre’s main attraction is the platform where visitors can hand-feed Rothschild’s giraffes. Visitors have an up close with these graceful giants where they offer them specially formulated pellets from the centre while the giraffes’ long, prehensile tongues gently take the food from their hands. This is an unforgettable experience that offers an opportunity to study the giraffes’ markings and  behaviour at close range. Educational programs about giraffe conservation and the threats facing these magnificent animals also run at the centre.
Conservation Impact
The Giraffe Centre’s work has contributed significantly to the recovery of the Rothschild’s giraffe population. Through captive breeding and release programs, the centre has helped stabilize the species, which is listed as endangered by the IUCN.

How to Get There
Reaching the Giraffe Centre takes approximately 20-30 minutes from the city centre, which is approximately 15- 20 km away.

When to go there

The centre is open on a daily basis from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Mornings are generally quieter and offer better photo opportunities. Weekdays are less crowded. The centre is accessible year-round. The experience of seeing a giraffe’s large, dark eyes studying you while their tongue gently nuzzles your hand is one of Kenya’s most joyous and memorable experiences. This is definitely one of the activities one should do while in Nairobi, Kenya.