Giraffe Centre
Nairobi Region
The Giraffe Centre, located in Lang'ata near Nairobi, Kenya, is a renowned wildlife conservation facility focused on protecting the vulnerable Rothschild's giraffe, a subspecies native to East Africa's grasslands. Established in 1979 by Jock Leslie Melville and his wife Betty, the centre began with the rescue and breeding of two baby giraffes on their property. Over the years, the programme has successfully bred and introduced several pairs of Rothschild's giraffes into Kenyan national parks, helping to preserve this endangered species. The centre serves as both a tourist attraction and an environmental education hub, particularly for urban school children. Visitors can feed giraffes from a raised observation platform, offering an intimate and interactive wildlife experience. The grounds also host warthogs that roam freely alongside the giraffes, adding to the natural ambiance. Open year-round, the centre combines conservation efforts with public engagement, fostering awareness and appreciation for Kenya's unique wildlife.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Giraffe Centre is during the morning hours when the giraffes are most active. Visitors are encouraged to book school group visits at least one week in advance to enjoy free admission. The centre offers discounted rates for residents of East African Community countries and children under 3 years enter free. No prior booking is necessary for individual tourists, allowing flexible visit durations. Combining a visit with nearby attractions such as Mamba Village enhances the experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Giraffe Centre was initiated by a Kenyan descendant of Scottish nobility, Jock Leslie Melville.
- •The centre houses Rothschild's giraffes, one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies found only in East Africa.
- •Visitors feed giraffes from a raised platform, allowing close interaction with these gentle giants.
- •Warthogs roam freely on the grounds alongside the giraffes, creating a unique wildlife environment.
- •Since its founding, the centre has successfully bred and introduced several giraffes back into Kenyan national parks.
History
The Giraffe Centre was founded in 1979 by Jock Leslie Melville and his wife Betty to protect the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
Starting with just two baby giraffes on their Lang'ata property, the programme expanded successfully, leading to the establishment of the Giraffe Visitor Centre as a tourist destination by 1983.
Since then, the centre has played a key role in the conservation and breeding of Rothschild's giraffes, contributing to their reintroduction into Kenyan national parks and raising public awareness about wildlife preservation.
Place Guide
Raised Observation Platform
A specially constructed platform that allows visitors to feed the Rothschild's giraffes safely and closely, providing an interactive wildlife experience.
Contact
Phone: 020 8070804
