Of Chows and Dhows

Updated on 6th June 2022

Photography by Aska, Camilla and yours truly

I’ve wanted to revisit The Giraffe Centre for quite some time now and when my schedule opened up, I pounced on the opportunity.

Watch my experience here.

First things first

Giraffe Centre, otherwise known as African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Giraffe Centre (AFEW), was founded in 1979 as a breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. They later opened up an environmental education centre for the Kenyan youth in 1983. You can read more about the centre’ s history and projects.

At the centre, you can see and feed the giraffes. You can “kiss” them as well, which is just placing the pellets on your lips and the giraffes get to pick them from you with their tongues (their very long tongues by the way). Apparently, their saliva is antiseptic.

The amazing staff also give short talks about the centre and teach you a tad about giraffes. Did you know there were three types of giraffes? No? Yup. You can thank me later.

There is a nature trail right opposite the centre’s main gate which I obviously went on. I think I emphasised just how much I love nature trails here and here. Photo ops everywhere all ye grammers.

I must say I was rather impressed by Giraffe Centre. It’s very well maintained and I love that they played and still play a major role in conservation. The only bummer was that the giraffes took forever to come to the platforms. They were straight up just ignoring us. Literally.

It was not the centre’s fault. They are animals anyway. There is not much anyone can do. Eventually, they came out and everything was better in the world again.

June 2022 update:

Happy to report that the giraffes behaved better this time around. The Centre underwent a major facelift during the lockdown and now has a raised platform that makes it easier to feed and interact with the giraffes.

Giraffe Centre Rates

Resident Adults Kshs 400

Resident Children (3-12yrs) Kshs 200 *free for children below 3 years

Non-Resident Adults Kshs 1500

Non-Resident Children Kshs 750 *free for children below 3 years

Note:

*You can either buy your ticket at the venue or from this website.

*All payments are by either, MPESA, Credit or Debit card only. Cash Payments are not accepted

*Carry a valid ID card with you.

*The Giraffe Centre is pretty popular so it is best to visit on weekdays and early mornings if possible. They are open from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. I went in the afternoon and it was packed.

If you can, check the Giraffe Centre out. It’s perfect for a day trip and a great start to your Kenyan safari.

Catch up on previous posts here.

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Stay winning!

and Tembea Kenya…