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25.5 km • ~35 mins

How to Get from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Giraffe Centre

Giraffe Centre is about 25.5 km south-west of Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), in the Karen/Lang'ata area. The trip takes roughly 40-60 minutes by car, while the budget bus-plus-taxi combination takes at least 90 minutes.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 25.5 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Door-to-Door
40 mins •On Request (24/7)
€30 - €45 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Bags + Hand Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals at Terminal 1 or 2 and meet your pre-booked driver outside the arrivals gate (KAA rules; drivers cannot enter the hall).
  2. Confirm the vehicle and driver name on your booking voucher before boarding.
  3. Travel via the Southern Bypass towards Karen/Lang'ata, about 25.5 km.
  4. Ask the driver to drop you at the Giraffe Centre main gate off Duma Road.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Licensed Airport Taxi

Direct & Flexible
45 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€28 - €35 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Bags + Hand Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and go to the official taxi rank outside the terminal; use KAA-licensed taxis or book at the taxi desk in the arrivals hall.
  2. Agree the fare before boarding; it is per vehicle and not metered. Ask for a receipt.
  3. Request the Southern Bypass route to Karen to avoid city traffic.
  4. Pay in KES or confirm foreign currency/M-Pesa acceptance with the driver before departure.
  5. Get off at the Giraffe Centre entrance on Duma Road.

Uber / Bolt Ride-Hailing

App-Based Car
45 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€14 - €24 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Bags + Hand Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and walk to the designated e-hailing pickup area a short way from the terminal (follow the pin in the Uber or Bolt app).
  2. Order your ride and confirm the car and plate before getting in.
  3. Ask for the Southern Bypass route to Giraffe Centre; ask about tolls if the driver uses the Nairobi Expressway.
  4. Expect surge pricing during peak periods and confirm the final fare in the app.
  5. You will be dropped at the Giraffe Centre main gate.

Budget Bus 34 + CBD Taxi

Cheapest (Solo Traveller)
90 mins •Daytime Only (No Fixed Timetable)
€14 - €18 Per Person (Bus + Taxi)
Luggage: Limited Space on Bus
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and locate the Route 34 bus/matatu stop at the airport (ask airport staff if unsure; the exact stop is not signed).
  2. Pay in cash or M-Pesa and ask the conductor to drop you at Ambassadeur stage / Moi Avenue in the city centre.
  3. At the CBD, hire a licensed taxi or use Uber/Bolt for the remaining ~18 km to Giraffe Centre via Lang'ata Road or Southern Bypass.
  4. Do not attempt this option after dark or with large suitcases; the bus is crowded and slow in traffic.
  5. Ask the taxi to drop you at the Giraffe Centre main gate.

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Tours & activities: Giraffe Centre

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts and anyone offering rides or baggage help inside the arrivals hall; only use the official taxi rank or pre-booked driver.
  • Taxis at NBO do not have a public meter tariff; always agree a fixed price before the trip and write it down.
  • Expressway tolls are extra on taxi/ride-hail if the driver uses the Nairobi Expressway; ask about tolls before leaving.
  • Do not pay cash for ride-hailing outside the app; use the app payment to avoid overcharging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from NBO to Giraffe Centre?

The cheapest realistic option is bus 34 to Nairobi CBD then a taxi for the last leg, costing about €14-18 per person if travelling solo. It is slow and not recommended with luggage or after dark.

How long does it take to get from NBO to Giraffe Centre?

A private transfer or taxi takes about 40-60 minutes outside rush hour via the Southern Bypass. Public transport combined with a taxi takes at least 90 minutes.

Are taxis safe from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?

Yes, if you use licensed airport taxis from the official rank or pre-booked transfers. Ignore touts and always agree the fare before starting.

Can I pay by card or M-Pesa for airport taxis?

Some drivers accept major foreign currencies and M-Pesa, but it is not guaranteed. Carry Kenyan shillings or confirm the method before departure.

Is there public transport directly from NBO to Giraffe Centre?

No direct bus, train, or metro serves Giraffe Centre from the airport. You must use a taxi/ride-hail for the final leg from the city centre.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A private transfer or licensed taxi is best because it is door-to-door, has luggage space, and avoids crowded buses. Prices are per vehicle, not per person.

Nearby places

More transfers from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust · 25.5 km Karen · 27.9 km Wilson Airport · 15.8 km Kilimani · 19.9 km Lavington · 24.3 km Nairobi National Park Main Gate · 12.8 km Upper Hill · 16.7 km Nairobi Central Railway Station · 17.3 km Nairobi CBD (Kenyatta Avenue) · 16.8 km Westlands · 18.8 km