Wildlife

On the outskirts of the city lies the world-famous Nairobi National Park, which is home to a variety of animals including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and leopards. It's also one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino. What really makes this park unusual is that you have the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop.

For elephant lovers, there’s no better place to visit than the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an institution that has been caring for and rehabilitating baby elephants since the late 1970s. Most of the elephants living at the sanctuary were rescued after being orphaned at an age when they were too young to survive alone. Once they are old enough, the elephants are released back into the wild. Between 11 a.m. and noon each day, visitors are allowed to observe the elephants at feeding time and hear about the trust's work.

Get the chance to pet Rothschild giraffes at this nature education Giraffe Center. This center is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Standing atop a tall wooden platform, visitors can stroke, kiss and feed giraffes a tasty grub of pellet-shaped biscuits. Be prepared for a welcome dose of giraffe breath and the gentle lick of long, sand-papery tongues.