Nairobi Orphanage, also known as the Nairobi Safari Walk, gets an average of 200,000 visitors each year. The Orphanage is an educational part of the trip to Nairobi National Park. It primarily serves as a least-cost attraction for common Kenyans including many school children who may not be able to visit the park. The orphanage is one of the most famous attractions in Nairobi and one of the best things to visit in Kenya.
Located just inside Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Animal Orphanage is just 20 minutes from the center of Nairobi.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Nairobi Tented Camp is the only accommodation inside the park. Located in the west of the park, it includes nine luxurious permanent tents. Meals are served in the dining tent or in the bush, under the skies and stars. It is an unforgettable experience.
Located in Nairobi National Park, the orphanage has the same climate conditions. The climate in the orphanage is dry except during the rainy season. Nairobi tends to be mild all year round, due to being at an elevation of 5450 feet.
From December to March, the average temperatures are 77-82 F (25-28 C) during the day. At nights, the temperatures decrease to 55 F (13 C). This is the best time to enjoy a warm spring.
July to September are the cooler dry months, the average day temperatures range between 70-77 F (21-25 C), and decreases at night to 52 (11 C).
The area experiences two rainy seasons. The long season is from mid-March to May while the short one is from late October to November and December.
The best time to visit Nairobi Animal Orphanage is all year-long, as the park has mild temperatures. However, it is better during the dry months, from July to October, and also January and February.
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The orphanage serves as both a conservation facility for animals in need for care, and also an educational resource for the public, especially kids who do not have the chance to observe these animals in the wild.
Established in 1964, the Orphanage is the oldest one of its kind in Kenya. Nairobi Animal Orphanage offers educational and training services where more than 20 species of animals and bird species are rehabilitated back to health after being abandoned and injured.
Each of the animals in the orphanage has been taken by park rangers and been provided with medical treatment. After that, they get placed in an individual rehabilitation program, giving them a second chance of life. Just like Elephant and Rhino Nursery, the purpose of treating the animals well and helping them get back their health is releasing them to the African wild again.
The Orphanage helps herbivores such as monkeys, baboon, buffalo, warthog as well as carnivores such as lion, cheetah, rare Sokoke cat, jackal, serval, hyena, and many others.
Like mammals, Ostrich, parrot, guinea fowl and crown crane are just some of the avifauna that are rescued and treated by the orphanage. All of the animals receive medical examinations and necessary treatment before being placed in a feeding and rehabilitation program based on the individual needs.
Observing animals at the orphanage is different and not as majestic as spotting them roaming in the wild in healthy conditions. However, the experience of visiting Nairobi Animal Orphanage is one of a kind. It is exciting to interact close-up with the wildlife and also knowing that these animals are survivors.
While being there, you don’t need a guide. All animals’ cages are labelled with information for you, from the smallest bird to lions. The label mentions their stories, how they were rescued, where they came from, who took care of them in the orphanage, and lastly whether they were injured and abandoned.
Visiting the Nairobi Animal Orphanage offers a close and educational wildlife experience, making it a meaningful stop for nature lovers and families.
Visitors can walk along clearly marked pathways to observe a variety of rescued animals, including lions, cheetahs, monkeys, hyenas, and many bird species. The setup allows safe and close-up viewing of wildlife in a semi-natural environment.
Each enclosure includes informative boards explaining the animal’s species, rescue background, and rehabilitation process. These labels make the visit highly educational, especially for children and first-time visitors.
The orphanage provides great chances for wildlife photography. Visitors can capture animals at close range, from resting lions to playful monkeys, making it ideal for memorable travel shots.
One of the most impactful parts of the visit is discovering the rescue stories behind each animal. These stories highlight Kenya’s conservation efforts and the orphanage’s role in rehabilitation and potential release back into the wild.
The facility operates under the guidance of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which oversees wildlife conservation and national parks in the country. KWS rangers are often involved in rescuing injured animals and transferring them to the orphanage for care and rehabilitation.
This partnership ensures that rescued wildlife is properly managed and supported through structured conservation programs, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.
To make the most of your visit, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
The best time to visit is in the morning or early afternoon when animals are more active and the weather is cooler. Avoid peak midday heat for a more comfortable experience.
Plan to spend around 1–2 hours at the orphanage. This is enough time to walk through the enclosures, read the information boards, and enjoy the experience without rushing.
Bring essentials like:
For a full wildlife experience, the orphanage can easily be combined with a visit to nearby attractions like Nairobi National Park or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, making it a perfect half-day or full-day safari itinerary in Nairobi.
Yes, visiting the Nairobi Animal Orphanage is absolutely worth. You get a close-up experience with rescued wildlife while also learning about Kenya’s conservation efforts in an educational and meaningful way.
The entry fee is generally affordable compared to other safari experiences. Prices may vary for residents, citizens, and international visitors, so always check the latest rates before going.
The visit to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. That gives you enough time to walk around, read the animal information boards, and enjoy the experience without rushing.
Yes, you can explore volunteer opportunities at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, but they are usually limited and managed through official wildlife conservation programs or partnerships. It’s best to check with the management or the Kenya Wildlife Service for availability.
Yes, it`s very suitable for kids. It’s educational, safe, and interactive, helping children learn about wildlife conservation in a fun and engaging way.
You can see a variety of rescued animals such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, monkeys, baboons, and several bird species including ostriches and parrots.
Yes, you can easily combine it with a trip to Nairobi National Park. They are located close to each other, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day wildlife experience in Nairobi.
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