My Day at the Giraffe Centre – Where Long Necks Meet Slimy Kisses

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Experience feeding the giraffes

When you hear “Giraffe Centre,” you already know what’s about to go down: tall, elegant creatures, long eyelashes, and maybe a few Insta-worthy moments. And yes, you’re right… But let me tell you, the experience is more than just feeding a giraffe. It’s also about dodging their slimy tongues, finding the perfect photo angle, and wondering why your hand smells like animal pellets hours later.


First, A Little Giraffe Centre Background (Because I’m Nice Like That)

The Giraffe Centre, in Karen, right at the heart of Nairobi, is home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe species. It was started by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya) with one big mission: to educate Kenyan school kids about wildlife and the environment, and to let visitors (like me and my curious family) meet the world’s tallest mammals up close.


Our Public Holiday Surprise

Now, in my head, I thought we’d arrive at a peaceful scene, gentle giraffes, calm surroundings, maybe even a light breeze through the acacia trees. Reality? We picked a public holiday—big mistake. Okay, not really a mistake, but let’s say… if you don’t like crowds, don’t visit on a public holiday. There were so many people. Kids laughing, parents taking photos, and tourists everywhere. But the excitement in the air made it worth it.

Tip from me: If you can, visit on a weekday morning. The giraffes are calmer, the queues are shorter, and you can hear the guide without being elbowed by someone’s selfie stick.


Paying the Giraffe Centre Entry Fee and Facing My Destiny

We paid the entry fee (residents: KES 400 adults, KES 200 kids; non-residents: $15 adults, $8 kids) and got handed a small brown bowl of pellets. At first, I thought, “Easy job. Feed the giraffe. Take a photo. Done.” But then I met my first giraffe face-to-face…

Listen, these animals are majestic, tall, with patterned coats and dreamy eyes, but no one warned me about the tongue. Long, grey, and slimy like it had just been soaking in aloe vera. The moment it touched my hand to grab a pellet, my brain short-circuited. I was caught between laughing and pulling away… but I didn’t want to offend the giraffe.


The giraffe pellets



The Feeding Platform Drama

The feeding area is raised, so you’re almost at the giraffes’ head level. My younger niece went first and instantly screamed when the giraffe’s tongue brushed her fingers. The crowd laughed, but I was next in line and could feel my confidence slipping.

Pro tip: Keep your palm flat when feeding, and if you’re brave, there’s the famous “giraffe kiss”: put the pellet between your lips and let the giraffe take it. (I didn’t do it. My immune system didn’t sign up for that mission.)


The unforgettable Giraffe Centre - Nairobi, Kenya - MUST DO!!!!




Beyond the Giraffes – The Nature Trail

Once the excitement of feeding wore off (and we ran out of pellets), we took a walk in the Giraffe Centre’s nature trail. It’s a peaceful path through greenery, a nice change from the crowd at the main platform. You won’t see more giraffes in there, but it’s good for stretching your legs and maybe spotting a few birds.


Nairobi Has More Up Its Sleeve

The Giraffe Centre might have been the highlight of my day, but Nairobi has so many other places worth visiting.

Right next door is the world-famous Giraffe Manor, a luxury boutique hotel where giraffes literally poke their heads through the windows while you’re having breakfast. It’s on the pricey side, but if you’ve ever seen those dreamy Instagram photos of people sipping coffee with a giraffe leaning in… that’s the place. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s fun to know you were feeding the same giraffes that might be sharing someone’s toast in the morning.

If you’re already in Karen, you can also stop by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see baby elephants during their feeding time. History lovers can check out the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the famous “Out of Africa” author.

For cultural shows and traditional dances, visit the Bomas of Kenya. And if you still want more wildlife, Nairobi National Park is just minutes from the city center. It’s the only capital city in the world where you can see lions with skyscrapers in the background.


Funny Things I Noticed

  • Everyone starts confident… until the giraffe’s tongue touches them.
  • Giraffes have the patience of saints, unless you’re stingy with pellets, then they just move on to the next person like you never existed.
  • Kids are braver than adults. Or maybe they just recover faster from the tongue shock.


What Stood Out to Me

Feeding giraffes is a humbling experience. You’re standing there, tiny in comparison, realizing these animals could knock you over without even trying, but instead, they gently take food from your hand. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming.


If You’re Planning a Visit to Giraffe Centre, Here’s My Advice:

  • Best Time: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Avoid public holidays unless you enjoy testing your patience.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking, especially if you do the nature trail.
  • Camera Ready: The lighting is better earlier in the day.
  • Bring Hand Sanitizer: Trust me on this one.


Would I Go Back to Giraffe Centre?

Absolutely. Next time, I’ll just aim for a day when the giraffes aren’t competing with a crowd for attention, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll be brave enough to try that giraffe kiss.



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