visit sheldrick elephant orphanage nairobi

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi: The Complete Guide

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Elephant Nursery

If you're planning a trip to Kenya , there are many reasons to extend your layover in Nairobi . At the top of the list is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Orphans' Project , which rescues, rehabilitates, and ultimately releases baby elephants, rhinos, and giraffes back into the wild. The sanctuary is part of Nairobi National Park and was founded by world-famous conservationist and author of Love, Life and Elephants , Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Discover why the project is worth supporting and why it'll be a memorable addition to your Kenyan vacation.

About the Orphans' Project

Originally, the Orphans' Project was set up exclusively for baby elephants who had lost their mothers due to poaching, drought, habitat destruction, or human-wildlife conflict. Because infant elephants rely exclusively on their mother's milk for the first two years of their life, it is unlikely that orphaned babies will survive without human intervention.

As the founder of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the wife of legendary conservationist David Sheldrick, Dame Daphne has worked with elephants for more than 50 years. Through trial and error, she was able to create a formula that worked as a substitute for elephant milk, giving orphaned babies a chance for survival. Daphne and David successfully hand-reared many baby elephants during his time as warden of Tsavo East National Park .

After David passed away in 1977, Daphne set up the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in his memory and opened a formal orphanage (rather than caring for the babies in their private home). Today the trust welcomes rescued rhinos and giraffes as well, and has successfully raised over 240 orphans through a remarkable program of hand-feeding and round-the-clock care. Once the babies are old enough, they are transitioned back into the wild at Tsavo East National Park.

Visiting the Orphanage

The orphanage is open to the public for one hour a day, between 11 a.m. and midday. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to watch the babies being hand-fed by their carers, and enjoying a mud bath or soil dusting. The visit is both entertaining and educational, with one of the keepers giving a fascinating lecture about the project's history and goals, the issues that face elephants in the wild and the practicalities of raising very young wild animals by hand. You'll also be introduced to each of the babies, learning a little bit about their story and personality.

You can take plenty of photos, and afterwards there's a small gift shop that sells souvenirs of your trip.

Directions & Entry Fees

The orphanage is located inside Nairobi National Park, which is approximately 15 kilometers from Nairobi city center. You'll need to enter through the KWS Central Workshop Gate, situated on Magadi Road in Langata. Catch a taxi from your hotel, or ask your tour operator to include the orphanage as part of your Kenya itinerary. It's actually worth staying in the area as there are plenty of other tourist attractions nearby, including the Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Center (where you can learn more about the endangered Rothschild's giraffe). To stay overnight in the park itself, book accommodation at Nairobi Tented Camp .

Entry requires a minimum donation of $7 or 500 Kenyan shillings per person. The orphanage only accepts cash.

Adopting an Orphan

It's hard not to be touched when you see the dedication and hard work it takes for the keepers to keep the young elephants happy and healthy. Feedings occur every three hours around the clock, and keeping them warm and emotionally secure requires a huge amount of effort and money. For just $50 a year, you can adopt an orphan and make a meaningful contribution to the orphanage.

You will receive an adoption certificate, monthly email updates, a monthly water color painting by Angela Sheldrick and exclusive access to the latest Keeper's Diaries, photos and videos. Active adopters are also able to make arrangements for a private visit to the sanctuary, at 5 p.m. when the babies return to their stables for their evening milk and bedtime. All of the orphans that are up for adoption have a profile on the DSWT website , listing their name, age and reason for being at the sanctuary.

This article was updated and partly re-written by Jessica Macdonald on September 5 2019.

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Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

Overview: Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

Rearing orphaned rhinos and elephants, sheldrick wildlife trust visit details, photo gallery.

What to look forward to.

The DSWT Elephant Orphanage is a highlight for many people visiting the city.

Proceedings usually start with a bit of elephant football…

…before the keepers bring their charges over to meet the day's guests.

Each keeper talks about his orphan…

…and explains the importance of the close relationship between the baby elephant and the surrogate mother.

Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit reviews

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What to Expect When Visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Kenya?

If you are visiting Kenya for a safari, you will likely be flying in or out of one of the Nairobi airports ; JKIA for international travel or Wilson for domestic travel. Therefore, while in the city, you should allow time in your Kenya safari itinerary to visit the nearby orphaned baby elephants at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi .

As someone who has had the incredible opportunity to visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, I can assure you that it is a must-do activity in Nairobi , particularly for animal lovers.

The Elephant Orphanage Nairobi booking website is informative. Nonetheless, before visiting I hoped to find more details from people who had personally visited the elephant orphanage in Kenya .

As a result, this article will take you through all the information you need to know about a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit. As you will soon learn, you cannot just show up and see the elephants.

You should ensure you allocate a free morning because you can only arrange a Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit during their set visiting hours . I booked my Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit for the end of my Kenyan safari on the day we were flying back to England because our flight was not until 11:00 PM.

If you would like to learn more about visiting Kenya, you can read these other resources, such as what to expect while on safari and what to pack for a Kenya safari .

Read on to find out more about how to make a Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit happen.

What is the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

There are several common names for this elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. Officially, it is known as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, but it is also referred to as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or even Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary.

Daphne Sheldrick is the founder of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, but it was named after Daphne’s late husband, David, who was a founding warden of Tsavo National Park and managed wildlife protection operations in Tsavo East.

Nowadays, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is run by the daughter of Daphne and David Sheldrick: Angela.

However, the wildlife trust does not only care for elephants. It also raises endangered rhinos. Nonetheless, when you book a public visit to the wildlife trust, you will only see the elephants. But know that your donation is going towards the rehabilitation of elephants and rhinos.

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage aims to locate and rescue rhinos, baby elephants without parents for various reasons, and other wild animals that require assistance.

The animals are transported to the nursery using planes, helicopters, or vehicles.

The elephant orphans are cared for 24 hours a day to gain their strength before they are reintegrated into protected conversation areas from around the age of three.

How to Visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

It is not possible to visit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust without making a booking online .

There are two types of visits available at this elephant orphanage in Nairobi National Park .

Firstly, it is possible to attend during the public visiting hour , which takes place every day (except Christmas) at 11:00 AM.

To arrange a public visit, you must book a spot for each group member on the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website . The dates are released approximately three months in advance .

Therefore, you should keep an eye on when your preferred date is approaching and be ready to book it on the day it is released, particularly if you are visiting on a weekend since these slots usually get taken first.

Read on to learn about booking Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage as part of a tour. 

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Entrance Fee (Public Visits)

• 1,500 Kenyan Shillings or USD 15 – per person over 12 years old
• 500 Kenyan Shillings or USD 5 – per person under 12 years old

It is generally cheaper to pay in shillings because the exchange rate is not always comparable – particularly for visitors from non-USD countries.

You will pay the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage entrance fee when you arrive in cash . You do not pay anything when you book online.

You can cancel your Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage booking free of charge if you can no longer make it to clear up the spots for other visitors. Similarly, if your desired date is full, you should keep checking online to see if any spaces release from cancellations.

Do not attempt to walk into Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage because you will not be accepted. If you want a last-minute visit, keep an eye on the website and book your slot online. You will be required to show your reservation upon arrival.

The second option for visiting the orphaned elephants is to arrange a private visit .

Only one group is allowed a private visit per day; therefore, availability is low, and demand is high.

The private visit takes place at 3:00 PM during a scheduled feed time for the orphan elephants.

In the past, this second viewing of the day opened to those who had adopted an orphan. However, this process has changed in the last few years.  

The private viewing costs USD 1,000 for a group of 1 to 10 people, and it can be arranged by emailing [email protected].

This booking, however, does carry a cancellation fee of 50% for 11 to 20 days out and 100% for less than 10 days out.

What Time to Arrive at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi?

As stated on the booking confirmation, you should arrive at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage at 10:30 AM .

You may feel that arriving 30 minutes early is too much, but by arriving at this time, you will avoid the rush of cars all arriving later.

When I visited, there was a long line of cars arriving at the same time waiting to show their booking confirmation and pay their fees in cash, so it took a while to get to the front entrance. 

There is no service in the park, so ensure you have a screenshot or a printout of your Sheldrick booking confirmation.

My group arrived at the entranceway to Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage at around 10:40 AM, but we did not get through the front gates and parked until 10:57 AM; therefore, we had to run to get to the feeding.

Another perk of arriving a 10:30 AM is that you will get to the front of the viewing area. There are around 200 people at each visit; therefore, you want a good view in front of the crowd.

My favourite view was of the elephants running over to the keepers to get their bottles, so you should stand in a relatively central part to get a glimpse of this.

Plus, it is fun to be near the elephants playing in the mud pool. I also liked the angle from behind of the elephants walking back after their feeding.

Therefore, you may want to be on the front-on side, to the right. But you will have a great time no matter where you stand if you get in the inner circle and have no one in front of you blocking your view.

What Happens During a Visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?

During the public visit, you will watch the elephants’ midday feed and mud bath. One of the elephant keepers will introduce you to each of the elephants.

The elephants come out in two groups. Firstly, the youngest elephants will come out for their bottle and playtime. Then, the older elephant orphans will come out.

If an elephant walks past you, you are allowed to gently touch it. Although, you will soon realise your hand will turn brown from the dust they like to play in.

If you plan to adopt an elephant at the end, pay attention to the names of each elephant. You may notice a particularly playful elephant, so listen out for its name.

Note that some of the youngest or newest orphans in the sanctuary are unable to be adopted yet, so you may want to have a couple of names in your mind.

At the end of the visit, there will be a board with all the orphans that can be adopted.

The board shows information about each elephant, including the location of the rescue, the reason they were orphaned, and a couple of fun facts.

If you adopt an elephant while at the orphanage, you will get your information booklet, adoption certificate, and printed oil painting by Angela Sheldrick. You can decide later to adopt an elephant online , but you will not receive the printed documents.

During the private visit, you and the rest of your family will get an intimate experience whereby you get up close and personal with the elephants. You can touch and play with the elephants, while getting incredible photos with the baby elephants.

You will also get an explanation of the Elephant and Rhino Projects, plus you will hear the individual elephant’s rescue stories.

What to Bring and Wear to Elephant Orphanage Nairobi?

Given that you should arrive early at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, bring some provisions, such as a water bottle and sunscreen. You cannot take other drinks or snacks to the sanctuary.

It can get hot while watching the elephants, so wear a hat to cover your head.

There are toilets on site that you can use before or after the feeding. There is also a hand-washing/sanitisation station, which may come in handy after touching the elephants.

Bring your best camera . I only brought my phone and left my DSLR with a good zoom lens at our Nairobi airport hotel and regretted not being able to take high-quality photos of the elephants.

Do not wear your favourite white clothing because you could get splashed by the elephants in the mud bath or touched by a dusty elephant’s trunk.

Wear comfortable shoes that you can stand in for an hour, but also ones that can get dusty or muddy. When it rains, it can get mucky around the visiting area.

Bring cash or a credit card to purchase souvenirs or adopt an elephant at the end.

Read this article to learn what to wear in Nairobi and while on safari .

Booking a Tour for Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Be careful when booking tours online that include a visit to the orphanage because they may inflate the donation price. As I mentioned above, you pay the donation fees upon entry using cash, so the price is transparent.

You may prefer to book a tour where you pay for the transportation and guide only, and the admission fees are paid yourself upon entry.

Additionally, when booking the tour, ensure the company can confirm your visit to Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary. Remember – if you are booking outside three months, the guides should confirm your timing at the three months mark.

Furthermore, if you are within three months, there may be limited availability to see the elephants, even if the tour company’s website says the tour is available.

If you want a full-day excursion in Nairobi, start your day early at Nairobi National Park , followed by the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and end at the Giraffe Centre.

You could also include a stop for lunch at Carnivore Buffet or another local restaurant.

Check out tours in Nairobi that include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Shop

You can purchase souvenirs after the public visit. They take card payments or cash in USD and Kenyan Shillings.

I bought a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust t-shirt. Plus, there are many elephant sculptures and figurines.

A good idea for a gift for people who love elephants is the book of Daphne Sheldrick . You can also purchase it online before your trip to learn about her story. 

Furthermore, if you would like to make additional donations or donate on someone else’s behalf, there are options to donate milk formula or hay bales .

FAQ – Elephant Sanctuary Nairobi

How to adopt an elephant at the elephant sanctuary nairobi.

You can adopt an orphaned elephant during your David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit. You will be given an information booklet, adoption certificate, and a printed oil painting by Angela Sheldrick.

Alternatively, you can adopt an elephant online for $35 a year, but you won’t receive the printed documents.

What to wear to Elephant Sanctuary in Nairobi?

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes that can get dusty or muddy, as the sanctuary can be quite warm and may have muddy areas. Bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun, but avoid wearing white clothing as the elephants may splash mud during their bath time.

How much is the entry fee for Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

For public visits to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the entrance fee is 1,500 Kenyan Shillings (or USD 15) for people over 12 years old, and 500 Kenyan Shillings (or USD 5) for those under 12 years old. You pay the fee in cash upon arrival, not during the online booking process.

What time is feeding at the Elephant Orphanage Nairobi?

Feeding time for the elephants during the public visit takes place at 11:00 AM daily. Arrive at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage at 10:30 AM to avoid the rush and secure a good spot to view the feeding and mud bath.

What is the best time to visit the animal orphanage in Nairobi?

The best time to visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi is during their set visiting hours, which start at 11:00 AM. Plan your visit ahead, making sure you have a free morning in Nairobi to fully enjoy the experience and see the elephants feed and play in the mud bath.

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Charging towards the clearing, a herd of baby elephants run towards their keepers, not so patiently waiting for their milk bottles. Tummies full, they play in the muddy red soil until it's time to say goodbye. The Sheldrick Orphanage is a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants, and a visit here provides crucial finance to their continued conservation. 

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, at a Glance

Nestled on the edge of Nairobi National Park lies a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants, victims of the ivory poaching trade. The Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage rescues and rehabilitates elephants from all over Kenya.

Every day at 11 am, baby elephants hurtle out of the acacia forest into a muddy watering hole area to meet their keepers for feeding time. 

Tummies full, the calves resort to rolling in the mud, spraying murky water in the air and playing amongst themselves. For one precious hour, you can watch them from the sidelines before they wander back into the woodlands. The keepers on-site will teach you all about the work of the orphanage, and the importance of their conservation efforts.

If you adopt an elephant, you are invited to come back in the evening between 5 and 6 pm when the calves return to their stalls, where you will then have the chance to learn more about conservation and see the cosy stable they share with their keeper.

Rough and Tumble, Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

Where does the Orphanage fit into your Kenyan Adventure?

The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage combines well with an early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park , the closest national park to any capital city and home to four out of the Big Five. 

Once you have visited the elephants, a popular next stop is the Nairobi Giraffe Centre , where you can interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffe, hand feeding them from a raised viewing deck. 

The three excursions together make up a full day, and it is worthwhile planning an extra day in Nairobi to do them before or after your core trip across Kenya. 

Established 44 years ago in 1977, the Sheldrick Trust is a non-profitthat runs one of the most successful elephant conservation and rehabilitation programmes globally, with 263 elephants raised .

Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick founded the orphanage in memory of her husband, David Sheldrick, who devoted his life to the conservation of nature and wildlife . He was one of the Tsavo National park founders and pioneered a milk formula for baby elephant and rhino calves. 

The sanctuary raises the elephants until they are no longer milk dependent and gradually introduces them back into the wild in Tsavo National Park. The scope of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s work can be seen at a great range of Kenya’s National Parks: Covering the Greater Tsavo Conservation Area,  Meru National Park and Mau Forest. 

The organisation’s crucial mission is tostop poaching ,  one of the biggest threats these animals face in the wild.

By guarding the habitats with aerial technology and raising awareness of the harm within society, SWT successfully limits the threat these creatures face.

The foundation also provides immediate life-saving veterinary assistance to those wounded by poachers. 

Visiting the Orphanage

The wildlife centre has become a major attraction for visitors in Nairobi. Tourists can come and observe baby elephants (and the occasional rhino) play and be fed by the handlers between 11 am and 12 pm. 

To enter the orphanage there is a $7 USD minimum donation payable in cash only , at the time of writing.

There is also a gift shop on site, where you can also set upfostering for the animal of choice. If you adopt an Elephant, you will also be invited to an exclusive visit between  5 and 6 pm , when the elephants get ready for bed.

We highly recommend pre-booking tickets and getting there early.  The simplest way to arrive at the sanctuary is by taxi from Nairobi centre or with a guided tour.

You can also take the bus 125 or 126 from Moi Avenue to the KWS central workshop. This will leave you with a short walk to the sanctuary itself. 

If you book your adventure with us, all transfers and entrance fees will be taken care of for you. 

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Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is where you come close to elephant calves,  It's worth visiting and witness the humanitarian care to the wildlife and the heart it takes to care.

The Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage is located near Nairobi National Park.

This orphanage for Elephant Calves and Rhinos from all over Kenya was founded and still managed by Daphne Sheldrick, the widow of one of Kenya's best known Game Wardens David Sheldrick.

More information about Sheldrick Orphanage

The elephant orpanage located on the outskirts of Nairobi provides an invaluable service for orphaned Kenyan elephant calves. 

The orphanage was established in 1977 to honour the memory of David Sheldrick, the founder warden of Tsavo East National Park.

 Now run by his loving wife, the orphanage offers visitors a unique and very special opportunity to see baby elephants being cared for by their keepers. 

Hugely respected in Kenya, all funds raised by the entrance fees go to help rescued orphans from remote locations, care for them and eventually release them back into the wild.

David died 6 months later but his legacy of excellence and the systems he installed for the management of Tsavo and wildlife generally in Kenya, particularly in the sphere of wildlife husbandry and ethics, lives on. 

David Sheldrick Conservation Foundation rehabilitates baby elephants and other wildlife here at her home just outside of Nairobi National Park. 

These babies have lost their mothers to poaching, death, injuries, on getting lost in the wild or other tragedies.

 Daphne and her dedicated staff raise them to be released back into the wild when they are ready. 

It's worth visiting and see humanitarian care to the wildlife and the heart it takes to care. 

They charge a small entrance fees instead you can buy a souvenir or donate for the conservation. 

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is where you come close to elephant calves. Daphne Sheldrick, As part of the David Sheldrick Conservation Foundation, rehabilitates baby elephants and other wildlife here at her home just outside of Nairobi National Park. 

These babies have lost their mothers to poaching, death, injuries, on getting lost in the wild or other tragedies. Daphne and her dedicated staff raise them to be released back into the wild when they are ready.

 It's worth visiting and witness the humanitarian care to the wildlife and the heart it takes to care. They charge a small entrance fee, instead you can buy a souvenir or donate for the conservation.

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Nairobi, Kenya - 5 Places to See if an African Safari is on your Travel Bucket List

W ith a mix of ethnicities and nationalities worldwide, Nairobi , the capital city of Kenya, warmly embraces all her visitors and works to make you at home quickly. Yet despite having a space for everyone who visits, Nairobi still sets itself apart and offers a unique vacation to all its visitors.

If an authentic safari experience is on your bucket list, Nairobi is definitely worth considering. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip to Kenya.

The Nairobi Culture

Nairobi is a busy city just like any other city in the world. The streets are bustling as ever and there are tons of places to visit and see. As a Nairobian tourist, it would help to learn a few Swahili words. “ Hujambo ” for greeting or “ Habari yako ”, “ Karibu ” for “welcome”, “ asante ” means “thank you”, “ pole ” means “sorry”, and “ tafadhali ” means “please”. See the incredible thing about Nairobi, nobody expects a foreigner to be fluent in Swahili. Throw in one of the above words and continue your speech in English and that’s more than enough.

Beyond language, politeness is paramount in Nairobi. Tip your servers in the restaurants when you can. Always start all your conversations with greetings and don’t leave too many leftovers . Wasting food is looked down upon in Kenyan culture.

There is no strict dress code in Nairobi, much less for a visitor. Fridays in Nairobi are spent socializing in malls, bars, clubs, and or at restaurants for tea or coffee. If you want a never-ending nightlife, find your way to the Westlands . Indulge in some club-hopping before you retire for the night.

Things To Do In Nairobi

1. visit nairobi national park.

About an hour from the city center, you will find Nairobi National Park. Enjoy an authentic safari experience in the savannah grassland in a park teeming with lions, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, and buffalo. The only animals you won’t find here are elephants. It’s an incredible sight to watch the wildlife in their natural habitat with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.

In addition to Nairobi National Park, the city has many animal sanctuaries in the region that are open to the public. Many endangered species of animals like Sokoke cats, buffalos, ostriches, flamingos , hyenas, blue wildebeest, rhinos, hartebeest, waterbuck, common warthog, and black-backed jackal can be seen – both at the sanctuaries and on safari excursions. In addition to endangered animals, some sanctuaries house endangered plants.

2. Explore Maasai Market

Immerse yourself in Maasai culture at this incredible market that changes its location every day of the week. This is in keeping with the Maasai nomadic culture. This market is a must-visit as part of the Nairobi experience. Stroll through the market and experience vibrant colors in beadwork, woven shukas, and house ornaments all handcrafted by the Maasai people.

3. Visit Nairobi National Museum

Enjoyed even by non-museum fans, the Nairobi National Museum is an excellent showcase of Kenya’s history. Located within the city, the museum is a popular destination and easily accessible. Besides Kenya’s history, the museum also takes you through a journey of human ancestors. Explore the snake park within the museum and the beautiful botanical garden.

4. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Located right next to the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the animal sanctuaries that will be the highlight of your trip to Nairobi. Here you will find the most adorable baby elephants. Watch as their caretakers bring them out, feed them, and play with them. Your heart will melt at the bonds between these baby elephants and their caretakers.

5. Have breakfast at the Giraffe Manor

Can you imagine having breakfast while petting and feeding giraffes? The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is home to the critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Founded in 1979, this sanctuary is one of Nairobi’s greatest gems. Meet and learn the names of the welcoming giraffes and take as many pictures as possible with these lovely creatures.

Kenyan Food You Gotta Try

Kenyan cuisine is inspired by over 44 tribes in the country of Kenya. Over time, these meals have made their way through the country and have become staples in households everywhere.

Foodies will find a haven in Nairobi as it offers dishes from just about every part of the world. From delectable and spicy Mexican dishes to creamy pasta, Kenyan dishes have made a name for themselves and serve as part and parcel of a Nairobi experience.

Sample Ugali , a meal made by adding maize flour to boiling water until it hardens. It pairs well with stews and vegetables, especially collard greens Kenyans love to call Sukuma Wiki (push the week). Ask for Pilau , a delicious traditional cinnamon, ginger, and garlic. Try chapati , a Kenyan flatbread inspired by the Indian naan. Vegans will love Kenyan cuisine for dishes such as githeri (a mix of maize and bean), mokimo (pounded potatoes, maize, and greens), matoke (cooked green bananas), and Maandazi , a sweet treat made with leavened flour.

Safety Tips

As with any big city, Nairobi has its fair share of security issues. Here are some tips to keep you safe as you visit:

• Always keep your valuables close to you. Whether it’s your handbag, backpack, or wallet, make sure it is well-kept. There are pickpockets and tourists can make for an easy target.
• Don’t walk alone at night – for the most part, Nairobi taxis are pretty safe. When you are out at night, it is safer in a taxi or any vehicle than walking alone. For more safety, you can use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to navigate your way through the city.
• Do a bit of research about Nairobi before arrival. This will familiarize you with the city, which should make your exploration much safer.
• Stay connected and reachable at all times. Stay online and inform your loved ones of your itinerary and whereabouts every day. Buy a local SIM card for your phone to ensure you have a reliable connection throughout your stay.

A Bucket List City

Boasting as the only city in the world with a national park within its confines, Nairobi is a mix of raw untamed wilderness and vast urban sprawl. Whether you decide to spend your days in Nairobi exploring wildlife in the national park and sanctuaries or embark on a museum blitz around the city, your stay in Nairobi is bound to be unforgettable.

Hujambo na karibu katika jiji la Nairobi!

Written by Sharon O. – a proud resident of Kenya.

Photo credit: Nairobi National Park

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Let’s Talk About The Elephants in the Room

If you look up a list of the best things to do in Nairobi , the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage comes out tops on most lists. Visiting this elephant sanctuary is one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist activities. Here, visitors have the opportunity to follow the lives of elephants that have been rescued from dicey situations in the wild.

Many of the elephants, mostly orphans, are raised from infanthood until they are fit to return to an independent life in one of Kenya’s National Parks.

When we first moved to Nairobi in the last quarter of 2020, the orphanage was closed to visitors. However, it has since reopened and regular guests are allowed to visit during the feeding hours between 11 am and 12 pm.

I arrived at the orphanage shortly after 11 am and was pleasantly surprised to see that the nursery was not as crowded as I had seen in some images. I believe this is because walk-ins are now discouraged and visitors are expected to book a visit beforehand.

PS: Some updates have been made to the booking procedure. The booking calendar has been reverted to the previous email method – better in my opinion!

The viewing lasted exactly one hour, during which two groups of elephant herds were brought out to be fed and to play before going back into their enclosures. While the elephant and their human caretakers interacted, a guide gave us a detailed lecture about each of them and the centre.

We learnt about the conservation efforts of the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and how individuals and groups can contribute to these efforts. We also learnt about the state in which each elephant was found, how they were rescued and their current rehabilitation progress.

Overall, it was quite an insightful visit that I enjoyed very much. This was my first time being close to elephants, even being able to touch them. It did feel quite surreal.

It was also wonderful to see these magnificent creatures getting another shot at life and I feel very grateful to everyone involved in making this happen.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Ticket Price (or Donation)

The price to visit the elephant orphanage is $20 or the equivalent in Kenyan shillings for adults and kids above 12 years old. While children below 12 pay $5 or the equivalent in KSH. This is a donation fee and visitors are welcome to either donate more to the conservation efforts or even ‘adopt’ an elephant at a small fee.

In addition to the fee, a recent update has made it compulsory for visitors to pay Nairobi National Park entry fees to access the Elephant Nursery.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Nairobi Opening Hours

The elephant orphanage is open to visitors from 11 am to 12 pm exclusively. In the past, there used to be another exclusive timeframe for visitors who have adopted an elephant, however, with COVID restrictions, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage no longer offers this timing.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Travel Tips

The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is situated in the Nairobi National Park , so you can take the opportunity to combine your trip with a safari in the city. The Giraffe Centre and a few other attractions are also close by and they make a good day out in Nairobi.

I have a 24-hour Nairobi guide which you can read here . But if you would rather go with an organized tour, then there are some available via Get Your Guide .

If you would like to learn more about the work the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is doing, you can check out this publication on their website . Also, if you would love to adopt (or sponsor) an elephant for as little as $50/year, you may also do so via this link .

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I love to hear from you, leave a comment here cancel reply.

Great information! I see that a lot of the dates are fully booked on their website, but tour companies still offer spots. Do tour companies reserve tickets/what is the best way to get a ticket?

I just checked it out too and see the same. When I visited, bookings were done via email, so it was easier to confirm a slot. You’re probably right, tour companies may be booking these tickets in advance, I’m sure centre will find a way to curb this in the future. What you can do for now is to call the centre at least a few days before your planned visit to confirm any openings and ask for a closer date.

Maybe also try checking the site late at night. My guess is that the companies may cancel their reservation if they don’t get enough bookings to fill them.

You could also attempt risking a walk-in. The worst case scenario is that you get turned away but you can plan to visit other attractions in the area, so that the trip is not wasted. Lastly, you could book one of the tours – at least you’re guaranteed an entry that way.

This piece is very good in guiding especially if you want to explore Nairobi county , I actually put it on my reading blog lists

thanks a lot.

I enjoyed this piece, with the usual great photography. I think getting up close and personal with elephants is one of the great privileges of life. I treasured the experiences I’ve had with elephants in India, Thailand and Cambodia, while I’d love to do a similar sanctuary somewhere in Africa. Thanks for bringing this place to my attention.

Thanks, Leighton! I also look forward to a similar experience as you have mentioned, especially in Thailand and Cambodia.

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Home > Kenya Safaris > Elephant Orphanage

Visiting the Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi: Prices 2023 ~ 2024

Photo Credit - Chris Nener

This is an amazing and fun tour in Nairobi that also gives one truly Heart- touching memories. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery bordering Nairobi National Park offers safe haven to orphaned baby elephants rescued from parks and reserves in Kenya. The nursery cares for the young elephants, including hand rearing them until they are old enough to be gradually introduced back to the wild in Tsavo East National Park among other places. The Entry Fee is Kshs 1500/- (US$15) per person 12 years and above, and Kshs 500/- (US$5) for those under 12 years of age. Visiting timings are 11 am to 12pm daily ( 1 hour). As the orphanage lies on the outskirts of Nairobi city, off Langata road, it is advisable to allow for enough time to get here. Contact Us using the orange Enquiry button below to arrange a private visit here. You may also opt to for Nairobi City Tour - Visit Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center or combine with Nairobi National Park Safari Tour / Karen Blixen Museum Visit and a stop for lunch at a charming restaurant in the same area. Click here to see our Masai Mara Safari tour and here for Hiring a Car in Nairobi with a Driver. For information on Masai Mara this is a great resource.

• Price & Dates

- Delight in watching baby elephants rescued from the wild, being bottle-fed milk by their human rearers, as they play and frolick in front of visitors at the David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage. - Contribute towards a noble wildlife cause – your entry fee goes towards meeting the costs of running the nursery. You also have the opportunity to adopt one of the orphaned elephants.

Our Driver-Guide collects you from your hotel at 9.30am for transfer to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery at Nairobi National Park, in time for their opening at 11am.

Spend an hour at the nursery viewing the baby Elephants as they are fed and play with each other, in an open exhibition ground where visitors are free to watch closely and take photos.

At 12pm we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Please Note:

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery is open daily for visitors only from 11am to 12pm [ 1 hour].

Members of the Public may choose to Foster specific baby Elephants in the Nursery and may be granted access to visit the nursery during late afternoon hours. For information on becoming a Sponsor, please visit http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

price & dates

Group of 2 persons: usd 45 per person: group of 3 persons: usd 30 per person : group of 4 persons: usd 25 per person : group of over 6 persons: usd 20 per person :  .

Price Includes :

Return Transfers from any Nairobi Hotel to the David Sheldrick Elephant Nursery in a Safari Tour Van or Sedan vehicle in case of 2 persons, Services of an English speaking Driver-guide, and Entry Fees for yourselves.

Prices Exclude:

Visit to Giraffe Center { optional at extra cost }, Meals, Personal and Personal Effects Insurances and all items not listed as included .

To Enquire about this Safari, tell us How many you are [ Adults / Children], required Room Plan, and your Dates of Travel - we shall reply promptly, usually before 12 hours: In case of Children please state the age at the time of Travel:  

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As one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organisation, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife.

Our mission & history.

Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established 45 years ago and is best known for its Orphans' Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a pioneering conservation organisation, dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the preservation of habitats in East Africa.

Our Global Offices

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a field headquarters bordering Tsavo East National Park. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a separately registered charity in the UK and is directly supported by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA, a registered 501(c)(3) in the United States.

• Our Partners

Our conservation partners play a vital role in protecting Africa’s threatened wildlife and conserving habitats, while our corporate friends support us in a plethora of ways, from percentage of sales contributions to skills sharing, all with the intention of giving back to wildlife.

Where we work

We work across Kenya to secure safe havens for wildlife. We not only work to protect elephants and rhinos, but entire ecosystems and the diverse flora and fauna sustained in these places of stunning natural beauty.

Visiting the Nairobi Orphanage

• Wildlife Challenges

Flora and fauna in Kenya face a myriad of challenges that threaten their long term future. Few ecosystems still exist where the impact of human activity has not been felt, threatening biodiversity and the long term survival of many species.

Species we Protect

We protect a number of threatened and endangered species across Kenya including black and white rhinos, as well as iconic animals like African elephants. By protecting keystone species, we ensure a plethora of other animals and ecosystems continue to survive and, more importantly, thrive.

Featuring Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Over the years the work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been featured in numerous publications, television productions and films. This has helped more people around the world better understand the nature of elephants, rhinos and other wild species and importantly the efforts being taken by the Trust to protect them.

Support our wildlife projects

Your support will be directed towards programmes to improve livelihoods and engage communities living alongside wildlife.

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