Unforgettable Experiences in Nairobi: Four Attractions

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Kazuri Beads, and Karen Blixen House

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is a city of color and energy, blending wildlife encounters, culture, and history. Four gems—Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Kazuri Beads, and Karen Blixen House—stand out, each weaving conservation, creativity, and heritage into the city's experiences.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Set beside Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for baby elephants and wildlife in need. Founded in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick, it rescues animals from poaching and conflict, rehabilitating them for a return to the wild. Visitors witness daily feedings, where elephant calves gulp milk and play under keeper supervision. Each orphan has a story, and guides share tales of survival, hope, and the journey back to nature. Supporting an elephant through adoption connects visitors directly to conservation.

The Giraffe Center

Nearby, the Giraffe Center offers face-to-face moments with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Established in 1979, the center began as a breeding project and now serves as a conservation and education hub. Visitors hand-feed giraffes from a raised platform and learn about their unique features and the challenges they face. The grounds include warthogs and a nature trail—a serene escape from the city.

Kazuri Beads

Kazuri Beads is a celebration of creativity and social impact. Founded in 1975, it started as a workshop for single mothers and now employs over 300 artisans. Guests explore the factory, watching beads shaped, painted, and fired. Each piece is unique, and Kazuri’s mission empowers women through steady work and community. The bustling showroom offers handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—a meaningful souvenir of Kenyan artistry.

Karen Blixen House

The Karen Blixen House, set in lush gardens, preserves the legacy of the Danish author behind “Out of Africa.” Once her home and coffee farm, it’s now a museum filled with original furnishings and artifacts. Guides share stories of Blixen’s life, her friendships, and her love of Kenya’s landscapes. The house and its gardens evoke nostalgia, adventure, and the literary spirit that shaped generations.

Nairobi is a mosaic of wildlife, creativity, and heritage. The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tells tales of hope; the Giraffe Center enchants with gentle giants; Kazuri Beads dazzles with color and empowers artisans; and the Karen Blixen House invites reflection and imagination. Together, these attractions offer a gateway into Nairobi’s heart, blending adventure, meaning, and unforgettable discovery.

An Evening Dinner at Carnivore, Nairobi

Arriving at Carnivore, the smoky aroma of grilling meats welcomes guests to this iconic Nairobi dining spot. The centerpiece is the open-air barbecue pit, where meats—beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and occasionally game like ostrich and crocodile—are roasted on Maasai swords over glowing coals. Servers carve each cut directly onto your plate, and as long as your table flag stays up, the parade of meats continues.

The endless selection is paired with classic Kenyan sides: ugali, spicy kachumbari salad, sautéed greens, and a variety of sauces to suit every taste. Dessert might be a refreshing sorbet or rich cake, but the meal ends with bold Kenyan coffee.

A night at Carnivore is much more than a meal—it’s a lively celebration of Kenyan hospitality and cuisine, where each bite tells a story and every guest leaves with a taste of adventure.