Giraffes are probably one of the most mysterious and beautiful animals. Watching them is pure delight. Nairobi has a unique place where instead of watching a giraffe from a long distance, you can pat it, go for a walk together with this magnificent giant, and even have breakfast in the company of the tallest animals on the planet.
It is all possible in Langata, the Centre of giraffes. The inspired creators of such an unusual place were the Melvilles, husband, and wife, together with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.
In 1979, the married couple caught a baby giraffe right next to their house. He needed medical help and was so weak that he wasn’t even reacting when the people approached him. They took the animal to one of the national parks for a veterinary check and left him there to recover. That incident gave the Melvilles an idea to create a specialized centre, which will treat exclusively giraffes and help to preserve the endangered species. A lot of veterinarians, scientists, and patrons supported them. This is how this unique and one of a kind center appeared.
Today, Langata Giraffe Centre occupies more than 90 acres of territory. There are special walking routes and places where you can feed and pat the giraffes, take memorable pictures. You can wander around in the centre on your own or hire a tour guide who will tell you everything about Rothschild's and the Masai giraffes, rare kinds in nature, and successfully bred in the Langata Centre.
Besides the beautiful giant giraffes, there are leopards, hyenas, monkeys, and hogs living in the park. All of them wander around freely on the territory and are not afraid of people at all.
A chance to walk with a giraffe and enjoy the tropical sceneries, see a waterfall - isn’t it a reason to go to Nairobi and visit the Langata center?