Safari Guides

What Is Next to Nairobi National Park? Safari Walk, Animal Orphanage, and Giraffe Centre

Navick 6 min read

The 4 attractions next to Nairobi National Park are the Nairobi Safari Walk, the Animal Orphanage, the Sheldrick elephant nursery, and the Giraffe Centre. The Nairobi Safari Walk is a raised boardwalk beside the Main Gate that showcases Kenya’s habitats and wildlife. The Animal Orphanage cares for injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals under KWS. To visit the elephant nursery, you book the 11:00 AM hour in advance, while the Giraffe Centre sits in Lang’ata, outside the park.

Which Attractions Sit Next to the Park?

The 4 attractions next to the park are the Nairobi Safari Walk, the Animal Orphanage, the Sheldrick elephant nursery, and the Giraffe Centre. Two sit at the Main Gate, one sits on the park edge, and one sits in a Lang’ata suburb.

The table below lists each attraction by location, what you see, and opening or booking terms.

Attraction Location What you see Opening or booking
Nairobi Safari Walk Beside the Main Gate Boardwalk through Kenyan habitats KWS sanctuary ticket
Animal Orphanage Beside the Main Gate Rescued and orphaned animals KWS sanctuary ticket
Sheldrick elephant nursery Park edge, Lang’ata side Orphaned baby elephants at feeding time 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily; advance booking
Giraffe Centre Lang’ata, outside the park Rothschild’s giraffe at a feeding platform 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

KWS sells a Nairobi Package covering the park, the Orphanage, and the Safari Walk for KES 1,300 per East African adult (Kenya Wildlife Service, 2025). The park’s own landmarks include the ivory burning site in Nairobi National Park.

What Is the Nairobi Safari Walk?

The Nairobi Safari Walk is a raised boardwalk beside the Main Gate that showcases Kenya’s habitats and wildlife. The walk passes wetland, savanna, and forest sections with animals in large enclosures.

The Safari Walk charges separately from park entry, at KES 300 per East African adult. Details sit on Nairobi Safari Walk.

What Does the Animal Orphanage Do?

The Animal Orphanage cares for injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals under KWS. Animals unable to return to the wild stay in enclosures for care and education.

The Orphanage holds captive animals, unlike the free-roaming park next door. A KES 500 sanctuary package covers the Orphanage and the Safari Walk together.

How Do You Visit the Elephant Nursery?

To visit the elephant nursery, you book the 11:00 AM hour in advance and pay park entry. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust opens the nursery for one hour each day, except Christmas Day (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, 2026).

Adorable baby elephant among tall grasses in Tanzania, showcasing the wildlife beauty
The elephant nursery opens to visitors from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily.

Keepers bring the orphaned elephants out for a mud bath and a milk feed. Visit details sit on David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Is the Giraffe Centre Inside the Park?

No, the Giraffe Centre sits in Lang’ata, outside the park. The centre opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, public holidays included (Giraffe Centre, 2026).

Visitors feed Rothschild’s giraffe from a raised platform at head height. Opening and ticket details sit on Giraffe Centre.

What Do You Wear for a Day Out?

For a day out, you wear neutral layers, closed shoes, and a hat. The full packing list sits in what to wear to Nairobi National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Combine All Four in One Outing?

Yes, you can combine all four in one outing with an early start. Begin with a game drive at 6:00 AM and reach the nursery by 11:00 AM.

Does the Safari Walk Charge Separately?

Yes, the Safari Walk charges a separate entry fee. The Nairobi Package bundles the walk with park entry.

Is the Nursery Open on Christmas Day?

No, the nursery closes on Christmas Day. Every other day keeps the 11:00 AM visiting hour.

Is There a Combined KWS Ticket?

Yes, KWS sells a combined ticket for the park, the Orphanage, and the Safari Walk. The Nairobi Package costs KES 1,300 per East African adult.

Can Children Feed the Giraffes?

Yes, children feed the giraffes from the raised platform. Staff hand out the feed pellets.


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