One perfect Day in Nairobi: Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Talisman, and Nairobi National Park. Safari Day 1

 I wanted to start this African safari with a bang, and that we did, with one perfect day in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sable Antelope art at the Hilton

     After a hearty breakfast at the hotel we met our driver James, who I've been working with for years here in Kenya. We loaded up in our private Land Cruiser safari vehicle, and headed out to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for our first stop.

     The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located just inside Nairobi National Park, is one of the most renowned wildlife conservation organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the orphanage operates as part of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The organization focuses on rescuing young elephants that have lost their mothers due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or natural causes. Once at the orphanage, these elephants are given round-the-clock care by dedicated keepers, who act as surrogate mothers. The elephants are gradually reintroduced into the wild, often joining herds in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park.

Patty giving us a sense of place.

What could be cuter than baby elephants being hand fed from giant milk bottles?

     What makes the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage unique is the level of personal care each elephant receives. Today we had the opportunity to observe the elephants during their daily mud bath and feeding time, while learning about their individual stories of survival. The orphanage’s successful rehabilitation efforts have gained international recognition, and it continues to play a vital role in Kenya’s broader wildlife conservation efforts. Additionally, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust extends its work to anti-poaching campaigns, habitat preservation, and veterinary assistance to ensure that elephants and other wildlife thrive in the wild for generations to come.

Diane enjoying the close encounter at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

Kevin, Janet, and Patty at the elephant orphanage.

Next on our itinerary was the Giraffe Centre. This wildlife conservation and education center focuses on the protection of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Established in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), the center was created by Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty after they discovered the alarming decline in the Rothschild giraffe population. Initially a breeding program, the Giraffe Centre has grown into a popular educational hub, offering visitors the chance to interact closely with giraffes and learn about conservation efforts. Our group was able to feed giraffes from raised platforms, giving a unique perspective on these gentle giants while learning about the importance of wildlife protection.

Diane making friends at the Giraffe center.

Terry couldn't resist getting in on the action. It isn't everyday that you get this up close and personal with the tallest animal on Earth.

Me hand feeding a Rothschilds Giraffe.

      After seeing the wildlife eat so much, we were ready to eat as well. So we headed to my favorite Nairobi restaurant, called Talisman. Located in the trendy ex-pat district of Karen, this beautifully laid out restaurant is a can't miss. Set within a charming converted house with a serene garden atmosphere, the restaurant blends a mix of African, Asian, and European influences, offering a fusion menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for its inviting ambiance with warm, rustic decor and art-filled interiors, Talisman provides both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Excellent drinks, and food that just keeps providing mouthwatering hits, brings me back each time I am here.

Talisman is a can't-miss restaurant when you are in Nairobi.

The peace and seclusion is felt the moment you enter.

Sharing a road with a big female lion. She walked by us like we were nothing. So much power.

I had to use my iphone to snap this shot as this lioness walked right by out stopped vehicle.

     Now, with full bellies, it was time to head into the wild. Nairobi National Park is the only national park abutting a major city. It is fenced on three sides, thus allowing the animals to migrate across the plains. It is a year-round destination, with predators like lion, cheetah, and leopard, and big mammals like rhino, buffalo, eland, and giraffe.

     We were extremely lucky today to have great views with both species of rhino. This is a very rare thing to happen as both species can be quite scarce on Kenyan safaris. We also had a memorable encounter with a big female lion, who walked right down the road next to us. I thought that was going to be the tops, but then the icing on the cake happened. We had a serval, which is a beautiful medium/small size cat. It was doing its best to camouflage into the nearby tall grass. For a while only its head and tall ears were showing. Then it quickly darted off and killed some small animal. Day 1 on safari and this team has already seen their first kill.

Incredible encounter with a very rarely seen species of wild cat, called a Serval. This one was on the hunt!

A white rhino feeding on grass.

A black rhino and her calf.

Our driver extraordinaire, James, and his pal giraffe.

     Cutting across to the north side of the park, we exited the gate after sunset for the short ride back to our hotel. A comfortable night at the Hilton Garden Inn with dinner, drinks, and a rooftop pool capped off a great first day of our safari.

Our rooftop relaxation area at the hotel. We could even see a giraffe out in the distance from here.

Bird List: Sacred Ibis, Yellow billed Stork, Pygmy Kingfisher, Ostrich, Scarlet Chested Sunbird, African spoonbill, Goliath heron, red billed oxpecker, little bee eater, Egyptian goose, shrike, white browed cuckoo

Mammal List: Black rhino, White rhino, serval cat, impala, hippo, buffalo, giraffe (rothschilds and masai), baboon, warthog