David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Elephant & Rhino Orphanage Visit

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi is one of the world's most moving wildlife experiences — and one of Kenya's genuine conservation success stories. Watch baby elephants rescued from drought, poaching and human-wildlife conflict being raised by dedicated keepers before eventual re-wilding.

How the Visit Works

Public visiting hours are 11am–12pm daily — a one-hour window where orphaned elephants are brought to the mud bath for feeding. The keepers narrate each animal's rescue story. Adult entry: KSH 2,000 (≈$15 USD). Children under 16: free. No advance booking required for public hours.

Keeper-for-a-Day Programme

Book the premium Keeper for a Day experience (from $250 USD) — join keepers for the full morning routine, feed baby elephants, and participate in the mud bath session. Limited to a small group. Book weeks ahead via sheldrickwildlifetrust.org.

Getting There

Located within Nairobi National Park at Mbagathi Gate. Uber/Bolt from Nairobi CBD: approximately KSH 600-800. Combine with a morning game drive — orphanage opens as game drive light fades.