FULL-DAY NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK SAFARI, ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE & GIRAFFE CENTER TOUR

Nairobi National Park Safari Overview

Discover Nairobi’s wildlife and conservation attractions during a full-day Nairobi National Park safari in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser. This experience combines an early game drive with visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery and the Giraffe Center.

Starting early gives you more time inside the park before continuing to the Nursery’s fixed public session. After meeting the orphaned elephants, enjoy an optional lunch and complete the day with giraffe viewing and conservation education.

The tour suits international visitors, Kenya residents, couples, families, photographers, business travelers, and guests with a full-day Nairobi layover. Since transport remains private, the schedule can be adjusted around your pickup location and confirmed reservations.

Tour at a Glance

• Duration: Full Day
• Approximate length: 9–11 hours
• Destination: Nairobi
• Main attractions: Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Nursery and Giraffe Center
• Start and end point: Nairobi hotel, residence or airport
• Standard transport: Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
• Pickup time: Approximately 5:30–6:30 a.m.
• Meal arrangement: Optional lunch stop
• Tour basis: Private
• Starting price: From USD 95 per person
• Entry fees: Excluded unless included in the confirmed quotation
• Customization: Available before confirmation

Nairobi Wildlife Tour Route

Nairobi Pickup → Nairobi National Park → Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery → Lunch Stop → Giraffe Center → Nairobi Drop-off

Why Choose This Nairobi National Park Safari?

This tour combines a genuine game drive with two conservation-focused attractions in a single day. As a result, visitors can experience free-ranging wildlife, learn about elephant rehabilitation, and see endangered giraffes without leaving Nairobi.

A private Land Cruiser provides more comfort and flexibility than a standard shared van. The pop-up roof also improves wildlife viewing and photography during the game drive. Furthermore, Tunza Tours coordinates the route around the Sheldrick Nursery’s fixed one-hour public session. This planning reduces the risk of missing the appointment because of traffic or an overly long game drive.

Nairobi National Park Experience

Nairobi National Park protects open plains, grasslands, wetlands and acacia habitats close to the city. Depending on wildlife movement and seasonal conditions, guests may see black or white rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs and many bird species.

Wildlife sightings remain unpredictable because the animals roam freely. An early departure improves the available game-drive time, but it cannot guarantee a specific species, hunting scene or close encounter. The driver-guide will select roads according to recent sightings, park conditions and the available time before the Nursery visit.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates a public Nursery visit every day except December 25, strictly between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Access requires an official advance confirmation, and visitors without a confirmed reservation cannot enter.

During the session, guests watch the orphaned elephants during their midday milk feed and mud bath. A senior keeper also shares information about the elephants, their individual stories and the Trust’s wider conservation work. Visitors may take personal photographs, but direct feeding and handling are not part of the experience. The Trust limits human interaction because the animals are being prepared for eventual reintegration into the wild.

Giraffe Center Experience

The Giraffe Center supports environmental education and Rothschild’s giraffe conservation. Visitors can observe the giraffes from a raised platform and learn more about their behavior, ecology, and protection.

The Center currently charges KSh 1,500 for a non-resident adult, KSh 750 for a non-resident child, KSh 400 for a resident adult and KSh 200 for a resident child. Children under three enter free. Payment is accepted through M-Pesa or card rather than cash.

Entry fees remain subject to change. Consequently, the final quotation or pre-departure information should confirm the rate applicable on your tour date.

Safari Price

Starting From USD 95 Per Person

The starting price applies to a private group of six or seven paying guests traveling in one 4×4 Land Cruiser. It includes Nairobi transfers, the game drive, driver-guide services, bottled water and transport between the three attractions.

The final tour price depends on:

• Number of travelers
• Adult and child ages
• Pickup and drop-off locations
• Private or shared tour basis
• Airport waiting time
• Vehicle capacity
• Included or excluded entrance fees
• Lunch arrangements
• Additional attractions
• Public-holiday or festive operating costs

Therefore, treat USD 95 as an indicative starting rate rather than a universal price for every group.

Recommended Tour Options

Private Group Tour — From USD 95 Per Person

This rate applies to six or seven paying guests sharing one private Land Cruiser. Attraction fees and lunch remain excluded.

Private Family or Small-Group Tour — From USD 115–165 Per Person

Groups of two to five guests receive a private vehicle and guide. The exact rate depends on group size and pickup arrangements.

Solo Private Safari — From USD 295

Solo travelers receive exclusive use of the safari vehicle and guide. Entrance fees and meals remain separate unless included in the quotation.

All-Inclusive Nairobi Wildlife Tour

An all-inclusive option can cover the Nairobi National Park conservation fee, driver and vehicle entry, Sheldrick donation and Giraffe Center admission. Since rates depend on residency and age, this option receives a personalized quotation.

Current Entrance-Fee Guidance

The standard transport price excludes attraction fees because Nairobi National Park charges different rates for citizens, residents and non-residents.

At the time of writing:

• Nairobi National Park non-resident adult: USD 80
• Nairobi National Park non-resident child: USD 40
• Sheldrick Nursery non-resident adult donation: USD 20
• Sheldrick Nursery non-resident child donation: USD 5
• Giraffe Center non-resident adult: KSh 1,500
• Giraffe Center non-resident child: KSh 750

The Sheldrick donation is separate from the mandatory Nairobi National Park fee. KWS also applies charges for the safari vehicle and driver entering the park.

Confirm all fees before travel because authorities and conservation organizations may revise their rates without notice.

Lunch and Optional Additions

Lunch is not included in the standard package. However, the driver-guide can stop at a suitable restaurant in Karen or Lang’ata after the Sheldrick Nursery visit.

Depending on the available time, the tour may also be customized with:

• Kazuri Beads workshop
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Kobe Tough bead and leather workshop
• Nairobi city sightseeing
• Carnivore Restaurant dinner
• Bomas of Kenya
• Airport transfer after the tour

Adding another attraction may extend the tour and increase transport or waiting charges.

What to Expect

The tour begins early and includes several hours in the safari vehicle. Most of the game drive takes place through the pop-up roof, while the Sheldrick Nursery and Giraffe Center involve standing and short walks.

Nairobi traffic can affect the schedule, especially after midday. Therefore, travelers with an evening flight should provide their departure time and airline reporting requirements before booking. The tour remains suitable for families, although parents should consider the early start, driving time and fixed Nursery schedule. Child seats can be requested in advance, subject to availability.

Best Time to Book

The tour operates throughout the year. Dry periods may provide easier wildlife viewing around open areas and water sources, while greener months offer lush scenery and strong birdlife.

The Sheldrick Nursery has limited capacity and only accepts reservations within its permitted booking window. Booking early is especially important during weekends, school holidays and peak travel periods. Morning departures also reduce the risk of missing the fixed 11:00 a.m. Nursery session.

What to Carry

Bring:

• Passport or valid identification
• Park-entry confirmation where already purchased
• Sheldrick Nursery booking confirmation
• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Closed or comfortable walking shoes
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera or binoculars
• Light jacket for the early morning
• Personal medication
• Card or M-Pesa access for entrance payments
• Rain jacket during wetter months

Keep valuables secure and follow the driver-guide’s instructions inside the park.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Remain inside the vehicle unless the guide confirms that leaving it is permitted. Keep a respectful distance from animals and avoid loud behavior that may disturb wildlife.

Feeding animals inside Nairobi National Park is prohibited. Guests should also avoid littering and follow all KWS regulations during the game drive. At the Sheldrick Nursery and Giraffe Center, follow staff instructions and avoid forcing interaction with the animals.

Booking and Payment

To request a quotation, provide:

• Preferred tour date
• Number of adults
• Number and ages of children
• Citizenship or residency status
• Nairobi pickup location
• Drop-off location
• Flight details where applicable
• Whether entrance fees should be included
• Dietary needs for an optional lunch
• Any additional attractions

Tunza Tours will check vehicle availability and assist with the official Sheldrick Nursery reservation. A Nursery booking is only valid after the Trust issues its official confirmation email.

The tour becomes confirmed after the required payment and written Tunza Tours confirmation have been issued.

Changes and Cancellation

Changes to the date, group size, pickup location or attraction selection may affect the price. The Sheldrick Nursery has limited availability, so moving the tour to another date depends on receiving a new official confirmation. Cancellation terms will appear in the quotation. Attraction fees already purchased through third-party or official platforms may follow separate refund rules.

Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for travelers connecting to international flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Included in the Nairobi National Park Safari?

The standard package includes private Land Cruiser transport, a professional driver-guide, Nairobi pickup and drop-off, a park game drive, transport to the Sheldrick Nursery and Giraffe Center, bottled water and booking coordination.

Are Entrance Fees Included?

Entrance fees remain excluded from the standard starting price. An all-inclusive quotation can be prepared after confirming each guest’s age and residency status.

What Time Does the Tour Start?

Pickup normally takes place between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. The exact time depends on your Nairobi location, park-entry arrangements, and the confirmed itinerary.

Is the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Visit Guaranteed?

The visit depends on receiving an official advance confirmation from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Tunza Tours will assist with the reservation, but availability cannot be guaranteed until the Trust confirms it.

What Time Is the Elephant Nursery Visit?

The public visit runs strictly from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Late arrivals may miss part or all of the session.

Do I Pay the Nairobi National Park Fee Twice?

The Sheldrick entry donation and KWS park fee are separate charges. Guests visiting the Nursery must pay the applicable Nairobi National Park fee as well as the Trust’s entry donation.

Is Lunch Included?

Lunch remains excluded from the standard package. A restaurant stop can be arranged after the Nursery visit.

Is This a Private Tour?

The recommended package uses a private Land Cruiser for your booking group. A shared departure may be offered separately on selected dates.

Which Animals Might We See?

Possible sightings include rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs and many bird species. However, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Can Children Join?

Children can join the tour. Their attraction fees depend on age and residency, while the transport price depends on the total group size.

Can the Tour Start at the Airport?

Pickup can be arranged from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport. Provide your flight details and allow sufficient time for immigration, baggage collection and traffic.

Can I Take the Tour During a Nairobi Layover?

A full-day layover may work when the flight schedule allows enough time for immigration, transfers, the tour and airport reporting. Tunza Tours will assess the available connection time before confirming the package.

Can the Tour Be Customized?

The route can be adjusted to include lunch, Kazuri Beads, Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya, or another Nairobi attraction. Additional services may affect the duration and cost.

Why Book With Tunza Tours?

Tunza Tours coordinates your private safari vehicle, driver-guide, attraction routing and Sheldrick reservation within one organized booking. This helps you avoid managing the park, conservation attractions and Nairobi transfers separately.

Clear quotations identify transport, entrance fees, pickup arrangements and optional services before payment. Professional support remains available before and during the tour.

Request Your Nairobi National Park Safari Quote

Explore Nairobi National Park, visit the orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and complete your day at the Giraffe Center.

Send us your preferred date, group size, children’s ages, residency status and Nairobi pickup location. Tunza Tours will prepare a personalized quotation.