Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour

We’re excited to explore the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre, where we’ll witness the remarkable efforts to rehabilitate and conserve these iconic African species. As we observe the orphaned elephants and giraffes, we’ll learn about the challenges they face in the wild and have the chance to participate in feeding sessions. The optional visit to the Kazuri Beads Factory adds an opportunity to support local livelihoods. With a focus on sustainability and small group sizes, this tour promises a personal and educational encounter that’ll open our eyes to the importance of wildlife conservation. Let’s dive in and discover how we can make a difference.

Key Points

Visits the renowned David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre to witness efforts in rehabilitating and conserving iconic African species.
Offers a personal and immersive experience with a small group size (maximum 15 people) and includes private transportation and entrance fees.
Provides an opportunity to observe baby elephants during their midday feeding session and participate in giraffe feeding sessions.
Focuses on the challenges these species face in the wild and the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre’s crucial rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
Includes an optional visit to the Kazuri Beads Factory to support local livelihoods and experience Kenyan culture.

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Tour Overview

On this tour, we’ll visit the renowned David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, both focused on the rehabilitation and conservation of these iconic African species.

We’ll enjoy private transportation and entrance fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The small group size, limited to 15 people, allows for a more personal and immersive encounter.

At the Elephant Orphanage, we’ll observe and learn about the rescued baby elephants, while at the Giraffe Centre, we’ll have the opportunity to participate in supervised feeding of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

With the option to visit the Kazuri Beads Factory, we can also support local livelihoods.

Rehabilitation and Conservation

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre are dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of elephants and giraffes, two of Africa’s most iconic species. We’ll witness the remarkable efforts made to care for orphaned or injured animals and learn about the challenges they face in the wild.

Key Facts	Elephant Orphanage	Giraffe Centre
Rescued Animals	Baby elephants	Rothschild’s giraffes
Rehabilitation Focus	Bottle-feeding, medical treatment	Habitat conservation, anti-poaching
Conservation Goals	Reintegrating elephants into the wild	Increasing wild giraffe populations
Visitor Experiences	Observing feedings, learning care methods	Hand-feeding endangered giraffes
Partnerships	Government wildlife agencies	Schools, local communities

We’re excited to play a part in supporting these vital conservation efforts and learn first-hand how we can help protect these magnificent creatures.

Elephant Orphanage Experience

Typically, we arrive at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage just in time to observe the baby elephants’ midday feeding session. We’re ushered into a viewing area where we can watch the keepers bottle-feed the orphaned calves with milk replacement.

These youngsters, rescued from the wild, are cared for around the clock until they’re old enough to be reintegrated into elephant herds. We’re captivated as the playful babies frolic and interact with their human caretakers.

Learning about the orphanage’s crucial rehabilitation efforts deepens our appreciation for Kenya’s incredible elephant population and the importance of wildlife conservation. Afterward, we’ve the option to make a donation to support the orphanage’s life-saving work.

Giraffe Centre Interaction

After exploring the Elephant Orphanage, we head over to the Giraffe Centre, where we get up close and personal with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

We’re greeted by the friendly staff who provide us with instructions on how to safely participate in the giraffe feeding session. We eagerly climb the elevated platform and hold out our palms filled with pellets. The towering giraffes gently take the food from our hands, their long tongues tickling our skin. It’s an exhilarating experience to interact with these magnificent creatures.

We learn about the Giraffe Centre’s important conservation efforts to protect the Rothschild’s giraffe population. Before leaving, we can’t resist a visit to the on-site gift shop to support the cause.

Additional Activity Option

On our way back from the Giraffe Centre, we can opt to make a stop at the Kazuri Beads Factory, a social enterprise that supports the livelihoods of local Kenyan women.

At the factory, we’ll get a chance to witness the intricate process of handcrafting the beautiful and unique ceramic beads. We can browse the vibrant collection of jewelry and other products, and even pick up a few souvenirs to take home.

This optional visit is a great way to support the local community and bring home a piece of Kenyan culture. It’s a perfect addition to our already fulfilling tour of the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour includes a professional guide who’ll accompany us throughout the experience, ensuring a hassle-free and informative visit.

We’ll also enjoy private transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off, so we don’t have to worry about navigating on our own.

The entrance fees to both the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre are covered, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the activities without additional costs.

This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 15 people, promises a more personalized experience as we explore the rehabilitation and conservation efforts for these iconic Kenyan species.

All we need to bring is our sense of wonder and excitement for this unique opportunity.

Tour Schedule

Our tour begins with hotel pickup in the morning, allowing us to start our adventure in a hassle-free manner.

We’ll first visit the Giraffe Centre for around an hour, where we can participate in supervised feeding of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

Following this, we’ll head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for another hour to observe and learn about the rescued baby elephants.

After our visit to the orphanage, we’ll have the option to stop by the Kazuri Beads Factory for an additional hour, where we can support the local livelihoods.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the tour’s exceptional value, with 187 total reviews and a Badge of Excellence from Nairobi, Kenya.

Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides who offer fascinating insights into the work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre. The small group size creates a more personalized experience, allowing visitors to connect with the rescued animals.

Reviewers particularly enjoy:

Observing the rescued baby elephants and feeding the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes
The seamless logistics, including convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
The option to visit the Kazuri Beads Factory to support local livelihoods

This tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness conservation efforts firsthand and contribute to the protection of Kenya’s iconic wildlife.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Touch or Interact With the Elephants and Giraffes?

We can’t touch or interact directly with the elephants and giraffes for their safety and well-being. However, we can observe them closely and participate in supervised feeding activities at the Giraffe Centre to learn about their conservation.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

We recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. Closed-toe shoes are also advised for walking around the nature reserves. Bring a light jacket or hat in case of weather changes during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at the Elephant Orphanage?

Yes, photography is allowed at the elephant orphanage, though we’re encouraged to avoid using flash as it can disturb the animals. We should also be mindful of not getting too close or interfering with the orphans’ routine.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Giraffe Centre?

Yes, we can purchase souvenirs at the Giraffe Centre. The gift shop offers a variety of locally-made crafts, jewelry, and other items that support the conservation efforts and local livelihoods around the centre.

How Accessible Are the Facilities for Individuals With Disabilities?

We’ve found the facilities at the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre are quite accessible for those with disabilities. They offer wheelchair-friendly paths, viewing platforms, and staff assistance to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the experience.

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Recap

We found the Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour to be an immersive and educational experience. Witnessing the rehabilitation efforts for these iconic species was eye-opening, and the chance to interact with the animals made it a truly memorable visit.

With the option to explore the Kazuri Beads Factory as well, this tour offers a well-rounded look at Kenya’s wildlife and communities.