Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour
4.5
Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour
By Gracepatt Ecotours Kenya
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About
By including all transportation and entrance fees, this guided tour of Nairobi wildlife makes it as easy as possible to see Kenya’s famous animals—without leaving the city. A guide takes you directly to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre to learn about elephants and giraffes from trained staff working to conserve and protect these animals in the wild.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Written guide: English
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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Highlights
- Nairobi wildlife tour: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Learn about conservation efforts being made in Nairobi
- See elephants and giraffes in real life
- All entrance fees included so you can walk right in
- All transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Elephant Orphanage Entrance fee
- Giraffe Center Entrance fee
- Small Group Tour
- Entry/Admission - Giraffe Centre
- Entry/Admission - Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Pay extra $45 per person for Nairobi National park which is mandatory to access elephant orphanage
- Begin your tour of Nairobi wildlife with pickup from your hotel. Go directly to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn about how the center rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants. Your guide helps you find the best viewpoint to see them play. Then, continue to the Giraffe Centre, a nonprofit organization that helps educate people about endangered animals and environmental protection. Learn about giraffes from guides and optionally feed them by hand under the supervision of trained staff. Tour concludes with drop-off at your Nairobi hotel.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Pick up available from Airbnb and private Apartments
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport, Nairobi Kenya
- Wilson Airport, Nairobi Kenya
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21143P10- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- $ 45 per person for Nairobi national park since it’s under KWS and it’s located inside the park. Its conservancy fee
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21143P10
From
$95.00
per adult (price varies by group size)
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Flyer227500225920 contributionsAmazing experience ;)This trip we had in sept 2024 with our driver MARTIN was simply amazing. We had a wonderful time. For one week we managed to see Masai mara, Amboseli and Nairobi. Evethough he was driving a lot every day, it was fully safe and perfect timing. Perfect communication and if we had some questions or requirements he helped us. Fully recommended ;)Written October 1, 2024
- U3936BQannas0 contributionsThe best game driveThe trip was amazing! Guide Joe was very friendly and helpful. I saw so many wild animals which was a great experience. Joe stopped anytime I wanted to take a pic, he told me soo many interesting thing about the animals, their habits. I highly recommend this guide😄Written September 30, 2024
- U3936BQannas0 contributionsThe best time in KenyaThe trip was amazing! Safari guide Joe was very friendly, he had a big knowledge about the animals and their habits- his stories were very interesting. Joe stopped anytime I wanted to take a pic which was really nice :) I highly recommend this guide. Also a boat ride was full of details about the birds living around plus hippos ❤️Written September 30, 2024
- Navigate3098930 contributionsDinner and a show Nairobi styleGreat intro to Kenya - experience eating exotic meat and watching great performance. Grear food options and a live band as well.Written September 26, 2024
- WouterKesteloo0 contributionsWalking tour never boringVery well balanced tour. Even my brother loving nature and disliking history enjoyed the tour, My compliments for Dennis he set up this tour. And do not forget to book his authentic Massaai village tour.Written September 25, 2024
- 262chrysanner0 contributionsA transportation logistical nightmareA transportation logistical nightmare! We opted to fly between camps in the Masai mara and Serengeti and back to Nairobi to save time in transport and spend more time on safari. That definitely was not the case. Each time we were to fly, our driver picked us up early in the morning and dropped us off HOURS before our flight was scheduled to leave. We waited 3-4 hours at each airport or airstrip before our flight. When we flew back to Nairobi, we had to leave camp at 6:30 am, drive 4 hours to Kilimanjaro Airport, and wait over 4 hours for our flight. It seems Gracepatt is more concerned about their schedule and their driver's schedule, than they care about the clients' time and convenience.Written September 23, 2024
- alexandracU9109JQ0 contributionsUnique and Amazing ExperienceThis was unique and amazing life experience. Stunning and breathtaking views. Our driver Patrick was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Value of money and Totally worth it.Highly recommended.Written September 23, 2024
- jennifernL1932AL0 contributionsA must see!!We had the pleasure of spending the day with Joe. An absolute star, he made an amazing day extra special. I hope our paths will cross again some day!! This tour is amazing, to be able to get so up and close with these beautiful animals was brilliant. The bead centre was also amazing, so many lovely ladies working there. It was great to see how they make their wares and they even gave us a lovely song and dance at the end. A great day out!!Written September 22, 2024
- X8809ET_0 contributionsPerfect moment ever!We had Albert as a driver and he is the best driver. He gave us clear explanation of all the animals. What’s more, he tried to show us as much animals as possible even though it’s very tight schedule (3 nights 4 days). Clearly it’s a long drive but with a smart driver, you’ll have no regrets after all.Written September 21, 2024
- Karra9840 contributionsBucket List Must with local hero John!!!Incredible experience with the wonderful John as our guide and local safari hero. We Saw so much wildlife, Lions, Rhinos, Hippos, Giraffes, zebras. We headed to Sheldrick which was just incredible as the work they are doing is exceptional. The elephants are something else.Written September 21, 2024
- V8004YCjohnm0 contributionsBest Masai Mara SafariThis was our best safari experience, the accommodation was ok, the guide was well experience and the group we had ended up being friends to keep. would recommend everyone to join this safariWritten September 18, 2024
- 269retas0 contributionsElephants Great/Tour Company Not So MuchThe David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is an amazing place and we very much enjoyed our visit there. However, I wouldn’t give high marks to the tour company. The $75 fee does not include the $45 park entry fee. This is noted in the small print, but not clearly stated. Our driver picked us up at our hotel, but then scrambled to hand us off to another driver. We didn’t know that we needed the park entry so spent a lot of time trying to purchase tickets by phone at a wayside stop. Ended up having to pay cash in USD and office staff purchased tickets. The handoff to the other driver was chaotic and slow, and we ended up getting to the viewing area late enough that we weren’t able to see very well. In the future, I think we would purchase tickets online from KWS and hire a driver to take us.Written September 18, 2024
- priscillahk20190 contributionsExcellent services at Salt lick SafariI had excellent experience at Salt lick. Good food ,clean rooms and ambience, The game drove with Philemon was to notch. He guided us well on where to find animals eg lion, elephants etc . He's quite knowledgeable about animals. The catering department Anish and Nicholas made sure we enjoyed our meals.Written September 16, 2024
- 85gabrielea0 contributionsGreat adventure to AmboseliWe took a day tour from Nairobi to Amboseli national park, it was a really great experience, specifically thanks to our amazing tour guide Joe, who went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience overall. We managed to see a lot of different animals and it was an incredible experience!Written September 14, 2024
- sjansenavon0 contributionsGreat half day spent in Nairobi.This was a great way to spend a half day in Nairobi. Driver picked us up at our hotel. Spent some time at the elephant orphanage with up close experiences. Then on our way back to town we also stopped at a business where disadvantaged women have learned to make ceramic beads, hand paint them, and then have a small store on site where you can buy all of the beautiful products they make.Written September 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
117 reviews
Excellent
100
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
8
Chris M
Wellington, New Zealand40 contributions
Jul 2022
Wonderful to get up early for a great Safari in Nairobi National Park . Visited both Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe centre .
Enjoyed the Elephant Orphanage and ended up adopting an orphan elephant .
Disappointed with my driver/guide - Way too aggressive driving , Way too much time spend on his iPhone - Lacks the personality and could have been a lot more informative - Disappointed with the valve for money factor .Would not recommend
Enjoyed the Elephant Orphanage and ended up adopting an orphan elephant .
Disappointed with my driver/guide - Way too aggressive driving , Way too much time spend on his iPhone - Lacks the personality and could have been a lot more informative - Disappointed with the valve for money factor .Would not recommend
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World Traveler
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Never got the chance to access entrance to the elephant orphanage. We tried many avenues of getting access, but had no luck. The locals all said to take a chance at showing up to the front gate and hope someone had cancelled. People do cancel which allows an opening for others last minute.
When we arrived we were greeted with a very aggressive security/ woman with a rifle. The owner (white woman) then came out and told us they were fully booked through the week and there was no chance for 3 of us to enter. We understood, thanked her and we were about to leave as she started to say something in private to our driver and was very angry at him.
We parked and our driver said he had to go inside to do something. She told him off for bringing us there and making her look bad as to not let us in. He tried to explain that was not the intent, but only for the hopes that someone cancelled. The only thing she cared about was her reputation and how she would be portrayed. Very disappointed in her and if it not for the elephants and my love for them, I would never go back because of her attitude. Such a shame.
When we arrived we were greeted with a very aggressive security/ woman with a rifle. The owner (white woman) then came out and told us they were fully booked through the week and there was no chance for 3 of us to enter. We understood, thanked her and we were about to leave as she started to say something in private to our driver and was very angry at him.
We parked and our driver said he had to go inside to do something. She told him off for bringing us there and making her look bad as to not let us in. He tried to explain that was not the intent, but only for the hopes that someone cancelled. The only thing she cared about was her reputation and how she would be portrayed. Very disappointed in her and if it not for the elephants and my love for them, I would never go back because of her attitude. Such a shame.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren L
6 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We were picked up from our hotel at 8 am and then went to another hotel to pick up two other guests. After this we arrived at the Giraffe Centre at 8:40 am and waited for it to open at 9 am. The giraffe centre experience was incredible - the highlight of our whole trip. We then drove to a shop where you could buy gifts as the Elephant Centre did not open till 10:30 am. We then waited till 11 am and met the elephants.
Waiting for the centres to open is an unfortunate part of the experience however we really enjoyed the giraffe centre and the elephant orphanage and would highly recommend this tour.
Waiting for the centres to open is an unfortunate part of the experience however we really enjoyed the giraffe centre and the elephant orphanage and would highly recommend this tour.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We Gracepatt would like to take this opportunity to thank you Lauren for writing this review which is self explanatory. We look forward to serving you in the near future.
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jmflucus
Atlanta, GA167 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
I just completed an amazing tour with Stephen Mtuku. Grace from Gracepatt Ecotours responded to my inquiry quickly and reassured me that I would be in good hands. Stephen was a phenomenal tour guide. I was alone, so he took all my photos without hesitation. He made sure itinerary was done in an order that led to all the attractions being less crowded when we arrived. As bonuses, he took me to the Kuzuri bead factory and lunch at the Courtyard Garden (paid for separately). I highly recommend this company and ask for Stephen !
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crewfood
London, UK40 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Wow and what an unforgettable experience…
Headed out to the giraffe centre and hand feed the giraffes.. I have never been so close to such beautiful animals. Then headed to the elephant orphanage. They currently have 31 rescued baby elephants. Watch them being fed milk and even stroked a few. Then over to the bead factory, we were greeted by a sing song and shown around the factory seeing the whole process from clay to the finish item… before stopping for lunch and heading back to the hotel.
What made the trip even better was our driver/guide Stephen. Who was full of knowledge and such a nice guy!!!
Definitely would recommend!
Headed out to the giraffe centre and hand feed the giraffes.. I have never been so close to such beautiful animals. Then headed to the elephant orphanage. They currently have 31 rescued baby elephants. Watch them being fed milk and even stroked a few. Then over to the bead factory, we were greeted by a sing song and shown around the factory seeing the whole process from clay to the finish item… before stopping for lunch and heading back to the hotel.
What made the trip even better was our driver/guide Stephen. Who was full of knowledge and such a nice guy!!!
Definitely would recommend!
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a wonderful review Crewfood about the visit to the Giraffe centre, the David Sheldrick orphanage and the Beads centre. Thank you Stephen for giving all your knowledge to the visitors. We look forward to serving you in the future.
Written November 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dylan w
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
I enjoyed this tour very much and would highly recommend. Steven was a great host who ensured we had the best experience and got the most out of it, answering any questions we had and providing us with information along the way. The experience was very enjoyable with both the giraffe centre and the elephant orphanage being a unique experience. I would be cautious if booking this tour for the sell of it being half a day, I didn’t return back to my hotel until about 4 after setting off at half 7 so it’s more of a full day.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda A
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We had such a great time at the giraffe centre and the Elephant orphanage. Our guide Steven picked us up from our hotel and was very friendly and helpful. We got to fed the giraffes and take lots of photos, then headed to the orphanage to hear about the baby elephants. We also stopped at a local bead making workshop which was a nice extra surprise
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James
Zurich, Switzerland129 contributions
Feb 2023
While it was a great experience it was cut short due to being taken to a gift shop. We were late to the giraffe centre (traffic which was unavoidable), I was taken out of the presentation as we were late apparently. I understood it was due to traffic, but then before going to the Elephant sanctuary we spent 30 mins at a gift shop stop which wasn't mentioned in the itinerary. I would have preferred to stay at the giraffe centre longer. I didn't buy any gifts out of spite.
The giraffe centre and Elephant sanctuary were great; I would recommend seeing them to everyone.
The giraffe centre and Elephant sanctuary were great; I would recommend seeing them to everyone.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabtrips4us
Hiawatha, IA36 contributions
Jan 2020
I had a limited amount of time so this was a great way to see both giraffes and elephants. I really appreciated how responsive this company was to a last minute reservation and picking me up at my hotel. Francis was an amazing guide and leader of our tour. He picked me up at my hotel door, on time and timed everything just perfectly the whole tour.
He also gave me some tips for upcoming trip locations. He was interested and interesting. Thanks Francis for an amazing day.
He also gave me some tips for upcoming trip locations. He was interested and interesting. Thanks Francis for an amazing day.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Fabrips for a nice review . We surely get on well even with short notice .
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizziem14
York, UK2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Don’t book with this company, I booked my tour weeks in advance and was all set to go on my trip but received a cancellation email at 8pm the night before they were due to collect me from my hotel. The email offered no explanation or apology but after speaking with many locals and other operators they suspect this tour company doesn’t book out slots for the elephant tour in advance so it was fully booked for the day I was due to visit so they just cancel last minute. Luckily my hotel were able to pull out all the stops to get me on a tour of the giraffe center with someone else, which I highly recommend visiting just not with gracepatt! It was such a shame to miss the elephants as it was part of my birthday present and was really looking forward to it. Only positive thing to say is I did get my refund with no issues
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, it starts around 8am and finishes in the evening. There is a lunch break in very nice restoran.
Written September 14, 2022
When does the tour start from a time perspective? Is it also possible to go in the afternoon? Cheers
Written May 20, 2022
Hello, we’re in Nairobi for a layover from 7am to 2pm this Sunday 12th January. Would it be possible to organise a 1/2 day Elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre tour? Thanks
Written January 9, 2020
Is it possible to get picked up from the airport? And do you have anywhere safe to put bigger bits of luggage onto where it is safe?
Written September 13, 2019
Hello - would like to book this trip for 30th August, but we will need to be back at our hotel by 5pm latest after the trip - would this be possible?
Written August 24, 2019
As I recall, we were back at our hotel in CBD by 5.
Written August 24, 2019
Hi, what else do you do in this tour that makes it a full day? The orohange says it’s onky open for 1 hour.
Written October 16, 2018
How can my husband and I book this trip? How long does it take? We will be staying in Nairobi and want to do this.
What is we go together or join a group. What is the difference in price?
Written July 23, 2018
jaydeepkumbhani786
Mumbai, India
hi,
We are a group of 8 persons - 6 adults and 2 children traveling from India by Kenya Airways. We will land at Nairobi airport on the 7th. July,2018 @10.30am and should be ready for travel to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre by 1pm. Would it be possible to visit the centres I understand that the pick up time for the Tour from our hotel is @8am.
Can you please help/ guide and oblige so that I can make the payment
Written June 26, 2018
jaydeepkumbhani786
Mumbai, India
hi,
We are a group of 8 persons - 6 adults and 2 children traveling from India by Kenya Airways. We will land at Nairobi airport on the 7th. July,2018 @10.30am and should be ready for travel to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre by 1pm. Would it be possible to visit the centres I understand that the pick up time for the Tour from our hotel is @8am.
Can you please help/ guide and oblige so that I can make the payment
thanks,
Jaydeep Kumbhani
Written June 26, 2018
Hi, Can I pay for a private tour of the elephant orphanage and giraffe centre? I prefer private and not group tours. J
Written June 26, 2018
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