Giraffe Centre
Zoo Conservation centre for Rothschild giraffes and public feeding
Near Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre runs conservation and education programs for Rothschild’s giraffes; tourists feed giraffes from raised platforms and learn about wildlife rehabilitation.
The Giraffe Centre is a conservation and education facility located in the Lang’ata area on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. It focuses on protecting and promoting awareness of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe through captive breeding, education and visitor engagement.
Main visitor activities include close-up giraffe feeding from an elevated platform, guided talks about giraffe biology and conservation, and short nature walks on site. The centre operates as both a public education venue and a conservation project with live animals on display for learning purposes.
Founded by conservationists and run by a Kenyan conservation organization, the centre has been a long-running local initiative to conserve Rothschild’s giraffes and involve the public in species protection and habitat awareness. It combines breeding work with visitor-focused education programs.
The centre sits in Lang’ata on Nairobi’s southwestern outskirts, a short drive from the city centre and adjacent to other conservation and wildlife attractions in the area.
- Conservation focus: Established as a conservation and education centre for Rothschild's giraffes, offering close-viewing and feeding sessions from dedicated platforms.
What to See #
- Feeding platform: An elevated feeding platform that allows close-up interactions with giraffes for educational presentations and visitor photo opportunities.
- Nature trail: Short nature trails and a small indigenous plant area used for guided walks and environmental education about local habitats.
How to Get to Giraffe Centre #
From Nairobi’s city centre, take Lang’ata Road toward Karen and follow signs to the Giraffe Centre (approx. 30-45 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis and ride-shares are common; some tour operators include the centre on half-day Nairobi circuits.
Tips for Visiting Giraffe Centre #
- Get there early (9:00-11:00am) to avoid the mid-day crowds and to feed the giraffes when they are most active.
- Bring a long-sleeve shirt or light jacket-the elevated platform can be breezy.
- Buy giraffe food at the centre rather than bringing outside feed; the centre measures rations to protect the animals.
Best Time to Visit Giraffe Centre #
Dry season (June-October, January-February) for the clearest, most comfortable visits and active giraffes.
Weather & Climate near Giraffe Centre #
Giraffe Centre's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (950 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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March
March is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (217 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 19 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.