From Nairobi: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour

Introduction

If you’re visiting Nairobi and looking for an authentic, heartwarming experience centered around wildlife conservation, then a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage should be on your list. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how young elephants, rescued from danger, are lovingly cared for and gradually prepared to re-enter the wild.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get to witness feeding sessions with the adorable baby elephants, which is as charming as it sounds. Second, it’s a chance to learn about conservation efforts and the challenges faced by Kenya’s elephants. Finally, the door-to-door transfer service from Nairobi hotels adds a layer of convenience that makes this experience even more appealing.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cost excludes the Nairobi National Park Conservation Fee, which is charged separately. This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone eager to see Kenya’s conservation work up close while enjoying an intimate and educational encounter with these gentle giants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Close-up elephant feeding sessions provide a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience.
• Educational insights shed light on elephant conservation challenges in Kenya.
• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off make planning hassle-free.
• The cost covers entry and the orphanage ticket but excludes additional fees like the conservation charge.
• Best suited for those who want a balance of cute animal encounters and conservation education.
• The tour is flexible with the option to reserve and pay later, providing peace of mind for spontaneous planners.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour, organized by SHAGAMI KENYA TOURS AND SAFARIS, sets out at 9:30 am with pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or residence — a real plus for travelers who dislike complicated transportation arrangements. The journey to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust isn’t lengthy, and you’ll arrive around 11 am, just in time for the highlight: the elephant feeding session.

The Elephant Orphanage Visit

Once onsite, you’ll walk through a modest but thoughtfully designed space, enclosed by simple rope fencing but open enough for a relaxed, up-close experience. From 11 am to 12 pm, you can stand close enough to see the tiny, fuzzy elephants eagerly suck on their milk bottles. One recent visitor noted, “The smallest elephant trotted out of the bushes and came straight to the keeper, who was ready with a giant milk bottle — the cuteness was overwhelming.”

These baby elephants are often orphaned due to mother poaching, accidents like falling into wells, or human-wildlife conflicts. Learning about their backstory adds depth to the experience, reminding us why conservation efforts matter so much.

Feeding & Play Time

Watching the babies drink their milk is adorable, but the fun doesn’t stop there. After feeding, they splash in water, nudge handlers, and play with each other — all of which is a fantastic photo opportunity. Reviewers mention how “watching them play and cuddle” makes the visit special, especially when observing their personalities emerge.

The 2-3-year-olds are usually more independent but still enjoy being fed or cuddled, providing a lovely variety of interactions. Some elephants are capable of feeding themselves, demonstrating their growing independence, while others still rely on handlers, which offers insight into their individual recovery journeys.

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Conservation & Education

Beyond the cuteness, this experience is educational. You’ll learn how the orphanage rehabilitates elephants, the threats they face, and what steps are being taken to ensure their survival. Several reviews appreciated the informative commentary from guides, emphasizing the importance of conservation work.

Additional Activities & Fees

While the core experience is the feeding session, there’s an optional visit to the Giraffe Center for an extra USD 25, or you can choose to extend the visit to the Nairobi National Park for a safari experience. Keep in mind, the Nairobi National Park Conservation Fee is an additional USD 45 per adult and USD 25 per child, payable at the site.

Practical Details

The entire visit lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with the main activity being the 11 am feeding session. The tour is priced at $70 per person, which includes the transfer, entry, and the orphanage ticket. It’s worth noting that you can reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

The group size tends to be manageable, ensuring a more intimate experience, and the tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At $70, the package offers a combination of convenience, education, and heartwarming encounters. The hotel transfer service eliminates logistical stress, especially in a bustling city like Nairobi. The experience itself—getting up close with baby elephants and learning about their rescue stories—is both delightful and meaningful.

While the fee does not include the conservation entry fee or optional activities, these are typical additional costs, and many reviewers feel the core experience is worth the price, especially considering the personalized, behind-the-scenes access.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many visitors shared how “the guides were knowledgeable and friendly,” making the experience more engaging. One reviewer mentioned how they loved seeing the “care and patience” of the handlers, which truly highlighted the dedication behind the orphanage’s work. Others appreciated the timing, noting that arriving just before the feeding ensured they didn’t miss the most exciting part.

Some reviews also pointed out the importance of bringing sunscreen, hats, and water, as the outdoor viewing area can get warm, and there’s minimal shade during the feeding hour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This visit is ideal for family travelers, especially with children who will be captivated by the elephants. It’s also well-suited for animal lovers eager to see conservation in action. If you prefer a short, meaningful experience with a focus on education rather than a full-day safari, this tour strikes a good balance.

It’s not a traditional safari, so if you’re after big game sightings, you might want to combine this with other tours. But for those wanting an up-close and personal look at Kenya’s elephants and a chance to support wildlife conservation, this is a compelling choice.

The Sum Up

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour offers a rare opportunity to see baby elephants in their most adorable moments while learning about critical conservation efforts. The combination of convenient transportation, educational content, and heartfelt animal interactions makes it one of the most rewarding experiences in Nairobi for wildlife enthusiasts.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers seeking a meaningful, family-friendly activity that doesn’t require a full-day commitment. The tour balances cuteness, education, and support of conservation, making it an excellent value for those wanting to connect with Kenya’s wildlife on a deeper level.

If you’re visiting Nairobi and want an experience that’s both fun and impactful, this tour deserves a place on your itinerary.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off from Nairobi hotels or residences, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

How much does the conservation fee cost?
The Nairobi National Park Conservation Fee is USD 45 per adult and USD 25 per child, payable separately at the site.

What does the tour price include?
The $70 fee covers the transfer service, entry to the orphanage, and the ticket for the elephant orphanage.

What’s the best time to visit for the feeding session?
The main feeding is at 11 am, so arriving before this time ensures you see the young elephants being fed and interacting with their caregivers.

Can I visit the Giraffe Center as part of this tour?
Yes, for an additional USD 25 per person, you can include a visit to the Giraffe Center.

How long does the entire experience last?
It typically lasts around 2.5 hours, from hotel pickup to drop-off, including the time at the orphanage.

Is this suitable for children?
Absolutely, the close-up animal encounters and gentle nature make it ideal for families with children.

What language is used during the tour?
The tour is conducted in English, ensuring clear communication and educational commentary.

Is it possible to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Apart from the conservation fee and optional activities, other expenses like lunch are at your own cost if needed.

This tour is a delightful way to support conservation efforts while satisfying your curiosity about Kenya’s elephants. We think it offers a perfect mix of adorable animal moments and meaningful education—an experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: