The Giraffe Center is one of the leading Wildlife Conservation Centers in East Africa. It was founded in 1979 as the Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. Its main focus of establishment was to safeguard the Rothchild Giraffe which was critically endangered on the verge of extinction.
At the time only 130 Rothchild Giraffes were left with their habitat drastically reducing as well. Jock and Betty got two young giraffes that they brought to their home and eventually started a program of breeding giraffes that would be reintroduced back to their habitats.
Through the Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife Jock and Betty fundraised to help with the breeding and translocation of some giraffe herds. The fund had also been registered in the United States and in 1983 it raised funds to build an Educational Center. This was to foster conservation of giraffes and other wildlife species through educational programs. The Giraffe Center has been open since then and it is among the wildlife conservation successes in the region.
What to do at the Giraffe Center
The Giraffe Center is the only place in Kenya where you get up close to the land’s tallest animal species. The center is well-mapped and you can therefore easily find your way around. There are also a number of educators who can help in case you want more information about the giraffes.
It is always better to start at the information center. Here you will learn about the history and conservation journey of the Giraffe Center. The feeding and personal encounter with the giraffes is what everyone is always looking out for. Giraffes being tall, have quite a presence about them. With the help of the Educator, you are given some food pellets comprising corn and grass and stand at the feeding platform where the giraffes majestically reach and feed from your hands.
Getting this close to these beautiful supermodels and humbling and memorable. Even better, they can give you a lovely kiss bringing you into direct contact with the wild side of nature.
You can also enjoy a nature walk at the Giraffe Center. Being a wildlife sanctuary, the Giraffe Center has some wildlife species including birds that can be spotted on this nature walk. The walk is very refreshing and you can spot over 60 bird species but smaller animal species including squirrels.
Rates
The Rates at the Giraffe Center are very affordable. International guests pay about $10 whereas East African Citizens and Residents have discounted rates of about $3. Children also have a very fair discounted rate and school groups are granted free access if they book at least a week in advance.
The Giraffe Manor is one of the most iconic boutique hotels in Kenya. It is a historical property that resonates with the Giraffe Center in terms of Rothchild Giraffes’ conservation. The manor sits on a 12-acre private land on the 140 Wildlife Sanctuary and provides one with more chances to interact with the giraffes.
There is a resident herd of Rothschild Giraffes that visit in the morning and evening. These giraffes poke their long necks through the large Windows of the Manor expecting a treat. Here you get up close and personal with the Giraffes also getting to know more about their social lives. In case you want to stay at the Giraffe Manor it is recommended to book in advance as the property is highly demanded.
Overall Kenya safari adventures are doable throughout the year. The Giraffe Center is also open year-round and can be visited at any time. Kenya has a number of leading safari destinations including Masai Mara and Amboseli. Such destinations and unique cultural and historical experiences are some of the reasons why you must Visit Kenya. Kenya and the center can also explored on solo travel adventures.
