Half-Day Nairobi Tour: Elephants, Giraffes & Beads

If you’re ever thinking of a quick yet enriching experience in Nairobi, a half-day tour that bundles together the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage), the Giraffe Centre, plus the Kazuri Beads Factory might be just the ticket. I mean, who wouldn’t want to snuggle with baby elephants, feed tall giraffes, then see how some super cool beads are made, right?

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: An Elephant’s Tale

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, often called the elephant orphanage, really is a special spot. To get there early can be an excellent tip. When it’s open to the public, around 11 am, that’s the time when the baby elephants get their milk. They come running, so full of enthusiasm! You, I suppose, get to watch as these gentle giants gobble down their enormous bottles, it’s honestly a sight. It is kind of amusing to watch.

I suppose what is wonderful concerning this place is not just the joy of being near these incredible creatures, but also about the solid rescue and rehabilitation work they carry out. Each elephant over there has their own story. Those stories of rescue and how they are cared for; is actually very heart touching.

Thinking of photography, it is really brilliant, particularly, well you could capture some close-up shots of the elephants. Though, to respect the animals, it is helpful to keep your distance a bit and skip the flash photography, this is pretty standard.

Giraffe Centre: Eye-to-Eye with Giants

Just following the elephant orphanage, the Giraffe Centre comes next, which offers quite a different, yet almost as fulfilling, wildlife encounter. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate coming almost face to face with a giraffe? I did! Located not far from the center of Nairobi, I think the highlight would definitely be hand-feeding the Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform.

The perspective from up there gives you, more or less, a nice appreciation for the animal’s considerable height, these creatures can grow quite tall. As the giraffes lean in, their lengthy, blue tongues reach out for the tasty snacks you’re holding, a little like your fingers will be tickled during feeding time! So that is kinda exciting!

I found that this center also has learning resources available on giraffe preservation. This aspect surely provides a richer experience than simply feeding wild animals.

Kazuri Beads Factory: Where Art Meets Empowerment

After engaging with animals, the Kazuri Beads Factory delivers a striking shift, even though the change of pace provides its very own insights. Founded to provide work opportunities for disadvantaged single mothers in Kenya, the factory now generates quite a variety of handcrafted beads and ceramics. Each one that is hand-painted in lively colors is special and each has a unique story, so that really does offer the consumer with a piece of art as well as a story.

Taking a tour of the factory shows all the different phases of bead production, right from molding the clay all the way to painting and glazing. In addition, getting a trinket straight from Kazuri acts as a tangible reminder of the nation, plus supporting the surrounding area and its people might be a pleasant win-win.

Things to Know Before You Go

You should remember these before heading off on your half-day tour.

Best Time to Visit: So, regarding the orphanage, the public viewing is only from 11:00 am to noon, therefore make sure you get there then. At the Giraffe Centre it’s usually a little bit less crowded at the start of the morning as they open. Aim for a weekday because weekends are frequently far more crowded.
What to Wear: It is more or less important to wear comfortable walking shoes, of course since you will do quite a bit of strolling about. The climate is often moderate, so wear layers. Layers could be wise!
What to Bring: So it is advised to carry sunscreen, particularly, if you are prone to sunburns, and drinking water to be hydrated. As always, a camera is crucial for all those animal experiences! It might be beneficial to consider taking a compact bag as bigger backpacks probably will not be permitted in certain places.
Booking: In many respects it is advised to arrange your visit in advance, that way, for example, your transport can be coordinated or to make sure your area is secure, most especially at the orphanage. You will discover a number of tour firms located in Nairobi which offer these types of tours and that can handle the whole thing together.
Cost: There are typically different charges, naturally: entry costs for all places together with transport charges, but you get what you pay for! A number of tours have charges in place, so have a look. The cost for the orphanage, center and factory trip ought to, most likely, be budgeted in by you.
Respect the Animals: Remember to listen and comply with all directions coming from the tour guides, and please always show the animals value and regard, okay? And for the love of anything stay calm so we don’t upset them or provoke any kind of crazy behaviours

Why This Tour is Totally Worth It

So the Half-Day Nairobi Tour offering a taste of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, and Kazuri Beads Factory, I feel is a solid choice if you are looking for an activity which can both be helpful and unique. To be capable of engaging directly to these amazing animals when at the same time offering help to conservation campaigns is quite exceptional! I would highly suggest this tour!