Review: Nairobi Giraffe Centre, Elephants & Karen Blixen Museum

So, you’re thinking of checking out a few awesome spots in Nairobi, like the Giraffe Centre, the Elephant Orphanage, and the Karen Blixen Museum? Well, that sounds like a fantastic plan! These places are really top attractions and give you a bit of everything – wildlife encounters, and some insights into Kenya’s story. We’re gonna take a peek at what makes each place great, and then share some useful info to get the most out of your visits. That’s right, you’ll get to see some incredible animals up close, plus learn some history at the same time.

Getting Up Close with Giants: The Giraffe Centre

You know, the Giraffe Centre is like that feel-good spot that’s bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear. It’s just located near Nairobi and focuses on protecting the Rothschild giraffe, a species that nearly disappeared completely. Basically, the main deal here? You get to feed giraffes! They stroll right up to a raised platform, which is pretty awesome, so that you’re able to hand them special pellets. I mean, where else will you have the chance to get face-to-face with one of these beautiful giants?

In a way, the coolest thing really, besides the feeding, is actually learning all sorts of neat facts regarding giraffes. Very, the center offers a short lecture regarding their conservation efforts and some of the challenges these giraffes still face in the wild. Often you’ll see lots of youngsters on school trips; it’s very clearly a superb educational spot and so it will connect you to the local community a little. Plus, too it’s nearly supporting a good cause; the profits from tourism contribute to their conservation work.

If, arguably, you’re hoping to grab a memento, the gift shop actually has loads of giraffe-themed goodies. A bit pricey, I think, but hey, so you’re supporting the centre. First you arrive you’re gonna be greeted by some giraffes right by the parking lot – but those guys can only be admired, not fed.

Meeting Baby Elephants: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Now, if your heart needs melting, a visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage should definitely do the trick. It just cares for young elephants who have unfortunately lost their families to poaching, natural disasters, or other sad stuff. This rescue operation gets vulnerable elephants in Kenya so they won’t be lonely orphans.

The public viewing usually is at 11 am, but I’m telling you now: you’ll absolutely want to get there early. And what will occur then? Well, that is when the baby elephants are released from their stables to play and get their milk. As I was saying, this spectacle will usually draw a sizable crowd, so really, finding a good spot is, very very, worthwhile. You can get so close you can see those youngsters up close, learning regarding their stories, and watch them getting bottle-fed.

It is almost awesome how committed the keepers truly are. Typically they’ve been with these elephants basically all the time, day and night, until the babies have grown enough for reintroduction into the wild. As I was saying, you’ll see how much love these elephants get. Actually you are able to adopt an elephant too. Often adoption money actually gets funneled right back into caring for the little guys, which is, really, kind of nice.

Do remember that the orphanage isn’t very accessible for wheelchairs so just be prepared for natural terrain and fairly uneven walkways.

Stepping Back in Time: Karen Blixen Museum

You realize, for a dash of culture, you could go check out the Karen Blixen Museum. That actually used to be the home of Karen Blixen, the Danish author who wrote “Out of Africa.” And, naturally, this place has become kinda famous thanks to both her memoir and the popular movie based on it.

The place actually takes you back to the early 20th century, which really tells a story of colonial life. Apparently the gardens look lush, I’m telling you! Seemingly they provide very stunning views regarding the Ngong Hills. Usually the tour takes around an hour, and you go on an guided tour by one of the museum staff. Just a little note, too: ask questions! Anyway the tour is even better when you’re very involved.

The coffee shop nearby actually has a great vibe and is set outdoors. It’s almost just the spot for a post-museum coffee or light meal. Really there’s also an store there at which you can buy various books and souvenirs, including copies regarding “Out of Africa”.

Planning Your Visits: Tips and Recommendations

Okay, that’s a lot of fun. But how do you plan your trips to see these spots? So here are a few ideas:

Time Management: It is almost really easy to do all three spots in a day. First is you kick it off with the Elephant Orphanage’s 11 am viewing (that being said, try and be there much earlier) and then zip over to the Giraffe Centre soon after. I mean, after that, finish the day checking out the museum. If you’ve got time constraints it actually is very worthwhile doing your very favorite things.
Transportation: As I was saying, traffic is awful, that’s pretty key in Nairobi. As a matter of fact, start early! Often services like Uber and local taxis have proven reliable, and they’ll actually save you loads of stress versus renting a car, depending. Also just note there will be an extra “National Museums of Kenya” fee payable for some transportation services within Karen to any place being an attraction, though.
What to Wear: You know, wear something casual but still something respectable since you’re gonna be touring places having cultural importance. You’ll certainly need sturdy shoes in order to wander around and explore everything. Really it is a great notion to also bring an hat and sunscreen.
Booking: Usually it’s better to get bookings sorted in advance, for those elephant visits most especially. As a matter of fact the website online actually has got all you need. That Giraffe Center needs no booking – that place is usually “show up” only.

What Else Can you Expect from these Attractions?

Souvenir Shops: First all three spots possess shops in which it is actually easy to get a piece of something which may remind you of a wonderful trip later in your years.
Photography Opportunities: Okay, if this can even be explained in one spot – definitely bring an decent photographic camera. This might sound very weird but there exists actually the ability for photos to literally come to life.
Crowds: Do expect people, sometimes! Especially if we consider those orphan elephants. Plan ahead when getting to sites in good periods when, that is, crowds might just be thinnest and have it so this makes a more relaxed and pleasant viewing moment, basically.
Accessibility: As I was saying, access might need a helping hand. Just call prior so, in fact, we may then learn all regarding accessibility.