Giraffe Centre: Get Up Close and Personal with Kenya’s Long-Necked Residents
When you think of Kenyan wildlife, the first animals that come to mind are usually lions, elephants, and zebras. But there is one animal that often gets overlooked – the giraffe. If you’re looking for an up-close experience with these majestic creatures, then a visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is an absolute must.
About the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. The centre was founded in 1979 by Jock Leslie-Melville, who brought a pair of Rothschild’s giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. Through the centre’s breeding programme, the population of Rothschild’s giraffes in Kenya has tripled from its original population of only about 120 individuals.
The centre is also a popular tourist attraction, where visitors have the chance to feed the giraffes, watch them roam in their natural habitat, and learn about the centre’s conservation efforts.
What to See and Do at the Giraffe Centre
When you visit the Giraffe Centre, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the giraffes. There are two main areas of the centre – the viewing walkway and the feeding area.
The Viewing Walkway
The viewing walkway allows visitors to get a close-up view of the giraffes in their natural environment. The walkway is built around the perimeter of the giraffe enclosure, so you can get up close and watch the giraffes in their natural habitat.
The Feeding Area
The feeding area is a great spot to get an even closer view of the giraffes. Here, you can buy a packet of pellets to feed the giraffes and get the chance to hand-feed them. This is a great opportunity to get some amazing photos up close and even touch the giraffes.
Other Activities
In addition to the viewing and feeding areas, the centre also offers educational talks and guided tours. The guided tours will take you on a walk through the Ecosystem, where you’ll learn more about the ecology of the area and the various species of wildlife that live there.
The centre also offers a variety of programs and activities for both adults and children. These include the Junior Ranger Program, the Eco-Challenge, and the Junior Keeper Program.
How to Get to the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is easily accessible from Nairobi. It is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, so you can either take a taxi, hire a car, or take the bus.
If you’re taking the bus, you can take the number 24A or 24B from the city centre and get off at the Langata Primary School bus stop. The centre is a short walk from the bus stop.
Conclusion
The Giraffe Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to get up close and personal with Kenya’s long-necked residents. From feeding the giraffes to taking guided tours, there is plenty to do and see at the centre. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience with these majestic creatures, then a visit to the Giraffe Centre is an absolute must.