David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage is a world-renowned conservation sanctuary located within Nairobi National Park, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned baby elephants. Established in 1977 by Dr. Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband David Sheldrick, this pioneering center serves as a vital haven for calves orphaned by poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or habitat loss. As a centerpiece of Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts, the orphanage provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness firsthand the intensive “hand-rearing” process required to return these majestic creatures to the wild.

Foster and Sponsorship Opportunities

For those inspired to make a meaningful difference, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers a unique fostering program. Visitors—and supporters around the globe—can choose to sponsor an individual orphaned elephant, directly supporting their care and eventual reintegration into the wild. Fostering not only provides essential funding for milk, medical care, and dedicated keepers, but also grants sponsors exclusive updates and special visiting privileges, including the chance to see your adopted calf during quieter afternoon hours by prior arrangement.

Whether you’re visiting in person between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm for the public hour or following their journey from afar, sponsoring an elephant is a deeply rewarding way to become part of their incredible story.

The most popular visitor attraction is the daily public viewing hour, where guests can watch the exuberant young elephants arrive for their midday milk feeding and mud bath. Public visits are held every day from 11 am to 12 pm, offering a rare window into the playful antics and close bonds of the orphan herd as they interact with their keepers and each other. During this interactive session, keepers share the individual rescue stories of each calf, highlighting the center’s success in fostering these highly social animals before they eventually transition to specialized reintegration units in Tsavo.

Visiting Hours and Special Access

The Elephant Orphanage welcomes visitors each day during its renowned one-hour session from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.—a highlight for many, thanks to the lively feeding and mud bath parade. However, there’s a unique opportunity for those wishing for a more intimate experience: individuals who become foster parents to one of the orphaned elephants may receive permission for a special afternoon visit. This exclusive access offers foster supporters a quieter, behind-the-scenes look at the nursery’s life and daily routines.

Getting There: Transportation Details

For an effortless visit, transportation to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is thoughtfully arranged for you. Guests are picked up directly from their Nairobi hotel in a comfortable safari vehicle or sedan, depending on the size of the group.

The experience begins with a morning pickup around 9:30am, ensuring you arrive at the sanctuary in good time for the 11:00am public feeding and interaction session. After your memorable hour spent observing and photographing the playful elephant calves, you’ll be transferred smoothly back to your hotel by early afternoon.

A knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide accompanies all transfers, making your journey both convenient and enriching—so you can focus on soaking up the magic of this world-class conservation site. Beyond the famous elephant herd, the sanctuary often hosts orphaned black rhinos and contributes to large-scale habitat preservation through its mobile veterinary units and anti-poaching teams. The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage remains a premier educational destination for eco-conscious travelers and families seeking a meaningful encounter with Kenya’s iconic giants.

Image: Nairobi Day Tour — National Park, Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre

What’s Included in Your Tour Package

Your Elephant Orphanage tour package comes with:

• Convenient pickups and drop-offs from your Nairobi hotel in a comfortable safari van or private sedan (for smaller groups).
• The expertise of a friendly, English-speaking driver-guide who will be your companion throughout the excursion.
• All entry fees to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery, ensuring seamless access and hassle-free admission.

With these essentials taken care of, you’re free to immerse yourself in the moving stories of Nairobi’s orphaned giants and experience the sanctuary up close, all with peace of mind.

Pricing: How Group Size Influences Your Tour Cost

One of the best aspects of booking this Nairobi day tour is that the price per person becomes more affordable as your group grows. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 2 participants: $37 per person
• 3 participants: $30 per person
• 4 participants: $25 per person
• 6 or more participants: $20 per person

So, if you’re planning to experience elephants, giraffes, and Nairobi’s wild wonders with friends or family, you’ll enjoy built-in savings by traveling together. Larger groups benefit from the lowest per-person rates, making it both budget-friendly and an excellent excuse to invite a few more wildlife enthusiasts along for the adventure.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the Nairobi Day Tour covers entry into the National Park and Elephant Orphanage, there are a few extra expenses visitors should keep in mind:

• Giraffe Centre Visit: This popular stop is not included in the standard fee and is available for an additional charge.
• Meals and Snacks: Food and beverages during the tour are at your own expense, so be sure to plan accordingly.
• Personal Insurance: Coverage for medical needs or lost belongings isn’t provided, so consider arranging your own travel insurance.
• Other Incidentals: Any personal purchases, souvenirs, or items not specified in the tour inclusions are the responsibility of each guest.

It’s always a good idea to budget a little extra for optional experiences and your own peace of mind during your adventure in Nairobi.

What’s Not Included

While your experience at the Elephant Orphanage is comprehensive, please note that the following are not part of the standard package:

• Admission to the Giraffe Centre (available as an optional add-on for an additional fee)
• Meals and refreshments during the tour
• Personal insurance coverage or coverage for personal belongings
• Any other items or services not specifically mentioned as included above

We recommend planning accordingly to ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit.