From Nairobi: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour

Are you planning a trip to Nairobi and want a close-up encounter with some of Kenya’s most adorable wildlife? A visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is often recommended, and for good reason. This experience offers more than just cute baby elephants—it’s an educational journey into wildlife conservation, touching stories of rescue, and heartfelt animal care.

While it’s typically praised for its inspiring work and the opportunity to observe elephants up close, some travelers note that the tour can feel slightly rushed, especially if you’re hoping to combine it with other activities. Still, if you’re passionate about wildlife and appreciate authentic, meaningful experiences, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for families, animal lovers, or anyone wanting a memorable, photo-worthy morning in Nairobi.

What we love about this tour: the intimate animal interactions, the knowledgeable guides sharing conservation stories, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. One aspect to consider is the extra conservation fee, which isn’t included in the ticket price, so travelers should come prepared. This experience offers a meaningful look at Kenya’s efforts to save elephants and a chance to connect with wildlife on a personal level—perfect for those wanting a mix of education and adorable moments.

Key Points

• Authentic interactions with young elephants during feeding times
• Educational focus on elephant conservation and care
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
• Extra conservation fee applies for entry, not included in the ticket
• Good value for money considering the close-up animal encounters and informative guides
• Limited time at the orphanage might feel rushed for some visitors
• Optional add-ons like visiting Giraffe Center available for extra cost
• Family-friendly and suitable for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Easy and Punctual Start

The experience kicks off at 9:30 AM, with the driver from GRACEPATT SAFARIS picking you up from your Nairobi hotel or home. This convenient arrangement saves you the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and ensures you arrive on time for the main event. Expect a comfortable drive through central Kenya, with some reviews mentioning that the journey can take over an hour, especially if there are extra shopping stops along the way. The driver, often praised for handling traffic like a pro, will set the tone for a smooth morning.

The Elephant Orphanage Visit

Once at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you’ll walk into a modest open space surrounded by a rope fence. The highlight? Watching the youngest elephants come trotting out of the bush at 11:00 AM—a truly precious sight. The keepers, armed with giant bottles of milk, gently feed the tiny babies who eagerly come forward for their morning meal.

This feeding session lasts about 10-15 minutes and is a prime photo opportunity. You’ll see the elephants gulp down milk, splash water, and interact with their keepers, who often get hugs or playful nudges in return. Several reviews comment on how adorable it is to watch the elephants hold their bottles with their trunks, eyes closed with contentment. One traveler noted, “It’s very cute to watch them hold their giant milk bottles in their trunks and make quick work of gallons of milk.”

Learning About Conservation

After the youngest are fed and re-enter the bush, the focus shifts to the 2-3 year olds. Some are already feeding themselves, while others still rely on human help, which is fascinating to observe. During this period, guides provide insights into why these elephants ended up at the orphanage—mainly due to poaching, wells, or human-wildlife conflict. Several reviews mention the staff’s engaging presentations, which make the conservation stories both touching and educational.

One guest commented, “The presentation at the orphanage was great, very informative and interactive,” highlighting the value of the guides’ knowledge. The staff introduces each orphan, sharing their background and rescue story, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

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Observing Play and Growth

Once fed, the elephants are led back into the bush, giving visitors a chance to watch them as they play, splash water, and interact with their environment. It’s a lively, joyful scene that truly captures the spirit of these resilient animals. The guides often emphasize the importance of these interactions for the elephants’ development and rehabilitation.

Optional Add-Ons and Extra Costs

While the main tour covers the orphanage visit, additional fees apply if you wish to visit other attractions such as the Nairobi National Park conservation fee ($45 per adult, $25 per child), or the Giraffe Center ($25 per person). These are not included in the base price and should be budgeted for if you plan to extend your wildlife encounter.

Practical Details and Pricing

At $69 per person, the tour offers good value considering the experience’s depth and the convenience of hotel pickup. The entry ticket itself costs around $43, and the rest covers transportation and guided commentary. Keep in mind that the conservation fee isn’t included in the ticket price, so carrying some cash is advisable.

Lunch options are available for purchase nearby but are not part of this tour, so plan accordingly if you want a full day of exploring. The tour is conducted in English, with guides and staff who are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.

Real Traveler Insights

Many reviewers mention the professionalism and knowledge of the guides. “Stephen, our guide, was prompt, polite & very informative,” said a traveler who appreciated how smoothly the entry and payment process was handled. Others noted that the tour felt a little rushed, especially when combined with other shopping stops, which weren’t part of the original description. Still, most agree that the up-close viewing of the elephants and the storytelling are the main highlights.

One guest suggested that for those who are budget-conscious, booking only the entry ticket and arranging transport independently could save some money, as the tour package includes some middleman costs. Another added that the experience is particularly meaningful for animal lovers, providing a heartfelt connection to Kenya’s conservation efforts.

The Value of the Experience

This tour isn’t just about cute baby elephants—it’s about supporting conservation and understanding the challenges faced by Kenya’s wildlife. The feeding times provide an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of these orphans, fostering a sense of empathy and awareness. The guides’ stories and the well-organized presentation add layers of education that make the experience worthwhile.

The hotel pickup and drop-off elevate the convenience factor, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Nairobi’s traffic and logistics. Despite some minor critiques about the time spent stopping at shops or the extra fees not included in the initial price, most travelers find the overall value compelling, especially given the emotional and educational impact.

The opportunity to give elephants a gentle pet during feeding adds a memorable, personal dimension you won’t find in many wildlife visits. Plus, the ongoing conservation work conducted by the David Sheldrick Trust makes your visit part of something larger—helping to ensure future generations can enjoy these gentle giants.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re passionate about wildlife and conservation, this tour offers a meaningful way to connect with Kenya’s efforts to save elephants. It’s perfect for families with children, animal lovers, or travelers seeking a heartfelt experience away from crowded tourist spots. Those on a strict budget might want to skip the optional visits or arrange their own transport—but even then, the core experience remains impactful.

People wanting a quick but authentic wildlife encounter in Nairobi will find this tour satisfying, especially with the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see elephants during their daily routine. It also suits travelers who appreciate educational experiences that blend fun, conservation, and photo opportunities.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, making it very convenient regardless of where you are staying.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 9:30 AM with pickup, and the main visit to the orphanage occurs around 11:00 AM.

How long does the visit last?
The core part of the experience, including the feeding, lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Is there an additional fee I should be aware of?
Yes, the Nairobi National Park conservation fee of $45 per adult or $25 per child is not included. This fee grants access to the orphanage and is paid directly at the gate.

Can I visit the Giraffe Center as part of this tour?
That’s an optional add-on for $25 per person but is not included in the standard package.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs approximately $69 per person, which covers transportation, entry fees, and guided commentary.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly activity, especially for those interested in animals and conservation.

How are the guides?
Travelers frequently praise the guides for being polite, patient, and very informative—adding a lot of value to the experience.

Is this tour worth the price?
Considering the close-up interactions, educational value, and convenience, many see it as a good investment, especially if you are passionate about elephants and wildlife preservation.

The Sum Up

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour offers a heartfelt, educational experience that combines adorable animal interactions with Kenya’s vital conservation message. The tour’s strength lies in its authentic encounters with baby elephants, guided by knowledgeable staff who share touching rescue stories. The convenience of hotel pickup and the opportunity to connect with these gentle giants make it a memorable highlight of any Nairobi trip.

While some may find the experience slightly rushed or feel the additional fees are an extra consideration, the overall value and emotional impact make this tour worth considering. It’s especially ideal for animal lovers, families, and those eager to learn about wildlife conservation efforts in a personal, meaningful way.

If you want a heartfelt, authentic, and visually stunning experience in Nairobi, this tour should definitely be on your list. It’s a chance to witness Kenya’s efforts to save elephants firsthand, creating memories you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: