David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage Tour

If you’re heading to Nairobi and want a close-up encounter with some of Kenya’s most adorable and critically important wildlife, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage Tour offers an enriching experience. While not a safari in the traditional sense, this visit provides a meaningful glimpse into elephant conservation and care, all wrapped in a setting that’s as heartwarming as it is educational.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the chance to see baby elephants being nourished and playing is a rare treat. Second, the story behind each rescue highlights Kenya’s ongoing efforts to protect these majestic creatures. Third, the price point (just $35) includes a lot of value—admission fees, transport, and the opportunity to learn from passionate keepers.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing: the tour begins with a pickup at 9:30 a.m., but the center itself opens at 11 a.m., so a little patience with the schedule is needed. This experience is best suited for those who love wildlife, conservation, and meaningful encounters with animals—perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking an authentic, educational outing.

Key Points

• Affordable price with all admission fees included offers great value for a close-up wildlife experience.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi makes logistics easy and stress-free.
• Educational focus on elephant rescue, care, and conservation adds depth beyond just watching animals.
• Interactive moments with baby elephants, including feeding and playful activities, create memorable experiences.
• Additional costs such as park fees and optional visits are not included in the base price but are worth considering.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, with easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a reliable pickup from your Nairobi hotel or residence, making logistics straightforward. The drive to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust takes just under two hours, depending on your location, providing a comfortable start to your day. Once you’re there, you’ll spend approximately an hour walking around the nursery, which is set in an open environment bordered by a rope fence—meaning you get an up-close view without feeling intrusive.

The highlight? At around 11 a.m., the baby elephants emerge from the woods, greeted by their keepers with large bottles of milk. Watching these tiny giants gulp down milk, splash water, and interact with their keepers is a delightful spectacle. Expect about 10-15 minutes of feeding, which is the main photo-op and a genuine highlight for visitors. You can also observe them playing in water and cuddling, which offers plenty of chances for great photos and heartfelt moments.

Throughout the visit, guides share details about each calf—where they were rescued from, how old they are, and their individual stories. This behind-the-scenes insight enriches the experience, turning a simple visit into a valuable educational opportunity. Keepers are clearly passionate, and their stories shine a light on Kenya’s ongoing efforts to save these animals.

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Practical Details and Additional Considerations

Included in the $35 fee are pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, as well as a bottle of water—a small but thoughtful touch to stay hydrated during the morning. You’ll need to purchase your own lunch, but there are options available nearby.

While the admission fee for the orphanage is USD 20, additional costs for park entry and optional visits (such as the Giraffe Center for USD 20) are separate. If you’re interested in extending your wildlife experience, these add-ons are worth considering.

The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most visitors. If you’re someone who appreciates flexibility, you’ll be pleased to know you can reserve and pay later, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What sets this tour apart is its authenticity. Unlike crowded tourist spots, the David Sheldrick Trust emphasizes conservation and education, with passionate keepers sharing stories about each elephant’s journey from rescue to recovery. The environment is open and relaxed, allowing visitors to observe the calves as they interact naturally, which creates genuine moments of connection.

Many reviews note that the feeding session is the most touching part. One visitor remarked, “Watching the elephants gulp their milk was priceless, and the keepers’ stories gave us a real sense of hope.” Others appreciated the small-group atmosphere, which makes it easier to ask questions and get close to the animals without feeling overwhelmed.

The value for money is notable—$35 covers the essentials, and the experience’s educational component makes it more than just a cute animal encounter. The tour’s timing, ease of logistics, and the chance to learn about elephant conservation efforts make it an excellent choice for those wanting a meaningful, family-friendly activity in Nairobi.

Morning Pickup and Drive: Your day begins at 9:30 a.m., with a comfortable private transfer from your hotel or residence. This part of the trip is smooth, with a professional driver ensuring you reach the nursery on time and relaxed.

Arrival and Walkthrough: By 11 a.m., you arrive at the nursery. The walkaround is quite intimate, with the open environment giving you a feeling of closeness to the calves. The scene is lively—elephants emerging from the woods, inquisitive and playful, eagerly awaiting their next feed.

Feeding and Play Time: The star of the show! For about 15 minutes, you’ll watch the calves gulp down milk, splash in water, and cuddle with their keepers. You might also get to photograph the calves as they play in the water, capturing moments of innocence and joy.

Educational Insights: Guides share stories of rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation. Knowing where each elephant was rescued from and their journey adds depth to what would otherwise be just adorable animal footage. These stories highlight the importance of Kenya’s efforts to protect its wildlife.

Departure and Drop-off: After about an hour on-site, you’ll be driven back to Nairobi, with plenty of time to continue your day exploring or relaxing.

While the core experience is the nursery visit, many visitors also opt to visit the nearby Giraffe Center for USD 20. This extension offers a chance to feed and interact with giraffes, further enriching your wildlife experience in Kenya.

If you wish to explore more of Nairobi’s natural beauty, other tours like the Nairobi National Park or guided city highlights are available, but this tour itself provides a focused, meaningful encounter with elephants and their conservation stories.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage Tour offers an authentic, heartfelt look at Kenya’s ongoing efforts to save orphaned elephants. It combines education, conservation, and genuine animal encounters, all wrapped up in an accessible and well-organized package.

This experience is perfect for animal lovers, families, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation in Kenya. While it might not satisfy those looking for a traditional safari or extensive wildlife viewing, it delivers emotional connection and insight into one of Kenya’s most cherished conservation programs.

If you value meaningful travel experiences that contribute to wildlife preservation and love seeing animals in natural-like settings, this tour is a solid choice that pairs education with unforgettable moments.

What is the starting time of the tour?
The tour begins with pickup at 9:30 a.m., giving you time to travel to the nursery. The actual visit starts around 11 a.m.

Are admission fees included in the price?
Yes, the $35 price includes the admission fee to the elephant orphanage.

What should I bring or prepare for the visit?
Comfortable clothes and camera are essential. Remember that you’ll be outdoors, so hats and sunscreen are advisable.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off within Nairobi are included, making it convenient to reach the nursery without worries about transport.

Can I visit other attractions nearby?
Yes, visiting the Giraffe Center is an optional add-on, costing USD 20 per person.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Additional fees include the Nairobi National Park conservation fee (USD 43 for adults, USD 23 for children) and entry to the Elephant Orphanage is USD 20.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids typically love the interaction with baby elephants, and the educational aspect makes it engaging for families.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the guides and drivers operate in English, ensuring clear communication throughout your visit.