Visiting the Nairobi Elephant Orphanage Tours and Tickets

Traveling to Nairobi offers an incredible chance to connect with Africa’s wildlife, especially through a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This tour promises to be a heartfelt experience, focusing on rescuing and caring for orphaned elephants — a must-see for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike. The reviews are glowing, with visitors praising the knowledgeable guides, the chance to see elephants drink milk up close, and the overall value of the experience.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is how it combines authentic animal encounters with a touch of local craftsmanship at the bead factory. Plus, the flexible booking options and small group setting make it more personal and manageable. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour’s price does not include lunch or the optional park extension, so budget accordingly if you’re planning to spend a full day exploring.

This experience suits travelers looking for meaningful wildlife interactions, families with children, or anyone eager to learn more about elephant conservation efforts in Kenya. If you’re after a well-organized, educational, and memorable outing, this tour ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Elephant Encounters: Get up close as baby elephants are fed and play, with opportunities to learn their rescue stories.
• Expert Guides: The guides are knowledgeable, providing engaging insights into the elephants’ backgrounds and conservation issues.
• Additional Cultural Experience: Visit the Kobe Tough Beads Factory to see hand-made jewelry crafting, adding a local artisan touch.
• Flexible Booking & Small Groups: The tour is available with mobile tickets, offers group discounts, and keeps the group size intimate.
• Cost & Value: At $69 per person, it offers great value considering the transport, guided experience, and entry fees included.
• Optional Park Visit: Access to Nairobi National Park is extra ($45), which can be a worthwhile extension if you’re keen on a safari.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The Pickup and Early Morning Start

The experience begins with a convenient pickup from your Nairobi hotel around 9:30 AM. This early start allows you to beat some of the crowds and enjoy the day at a relaxed pace. The transportation is included, making it easy to focus on the sights rather than logistics—something many reviewers appreciated as it added to the ease and comfort of the day.

Visiting David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Arriving at the Elephant Orphanage, the tour runs from approximately 11 am to 12 pm. The setting is open but securely fenced, giving you a clear view of the young elephants emerging from the bush. The first sight that catches everyone’s eye is the adorable spectacle of baby elephants arriving to be fed by their keepers, who stand prepared with giant bottles filled with formula milk.

Several reviewers shared how touching it was to see these tiny creatures slurping their milk — “You can touch the elephants, which is awesome,” mentioned a visitor, highlighting how intimate the experience feels. Watching the youngest elephants trot out, some with their ears flapping and trunks reaching eagerly for the bottles, creates unforgettable moments.

Learning the Rescue Stories

One of the most poignant parts of the visit is hearing the background of each elephant. Guides explain their rescue stories: some fell into wells, others lost their mothers to poaching, or were victims of human-wildlife conflicts. These narratives add depth to the visit, allowing you to appreciate the importance of conservation work.

A reviewer noted, “We learned a lot about the abandoned elephants,” emphasizing that the guides are well-informed and eager to share their knowledge. The stories aren’t just sad tales; they highlight the resilience of these animals and the vital efforts being made to protect them.

Watching Elephants Play and Socialize

After feeding, the elephants are free to play and interact in the open space. Visitors can observe them munching on branches of acacia and engaging with each other, which underscores their social nature. The playful antics of the young elephants, often trumpeting or chasing each other, are a highlight.

In addition, older ones, around 2-3 years old, are introduced into the scene. Some may be feeding themselves, while others still depend on their keepers. Their interactions with humans showcase both their independence and the trust they’ve built with their handlers.

Visiting Kobe Tough Beads Factory

Following the elephant visit, the tour continues to the Kobe Tough Beads Factory. Here, guests witness the art of handmade jewelry, specifically ceramic beads crafted from local clay. This part of the tour is both fun and educational, giving insight into local craftsmanship and providing an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs.

Visitors describe the experience as engaging, with the chance to see the entire process from clay preparation to the finished product. A reviewer noted, “You experience bead making by hand, which adds a cultural layer to the day.”

Optional Nairobi National Park Extension

The tour package offers an optional extension to Nairobi National Park for an additional $45 per person. This is a popular add-on for those wanting to combine the adorable elephant experience with a safari drive—giving the chance to spot lions, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

While this extension is not included in the base price, it’s worth considering if your schedule allows. Many visitors feel that combining the orphanage and park provides excellent value and a well-rounded wildlife experience.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration & Timing: The core tour lasts around 2 hours, starting with pickup at 9:30 AM and the main visit at the orphanage from 11 am to 12 pm. This leaves plenty of time afterward to explore other attractions or enjoy lunch.

Cost & Value: At $69 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included transportation, entry ticket, and the small-group experience. Comparatively, the reviews indicate that visitors find the experience both educational and emotionally rewarding.

Group Size & Booking: The tour keeps groups small, which enhances the personal feel. Booking at least a week in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Accessibility & Convenience: Pickup and drop-off are within Nairobi, and the tour is near public transportation options. Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with pets.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is advised, and bringing a camera or smartphone will help capture those special moments.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many visitors have highlighted the guides’ knowledge and passion, making the experience more meaningful. One reviewer mentioned how their driver was “very good” and enhanced the overall visit, emphasizing the importance of a professional and friendly guide.

The chance to see the elephants up close, learn about their rescue stories, and witness their playful behavior are the core highlights that resonate with travelers. The ability to touch the elephants and the personal stories shared by guides are often cited as memorable moments.

The Sum Up

This Nairobi Elephant Orphanage tour provides a well-rounded, heartfelt introduction to elephant conservation efforts in Kenya. It combines the joy of seeing adorable, playful elephants with educational insights that deepen your understanding of wildlife protection. The inclusion of a cultural stop at the bead factory adds a local flavor to the experience, making it more than just a wildlife visit.

The tour’s affordability, small-group setting, and knowledgeable guides make it an excellent choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or curious travelers eager to make a positive impact through their visit. While the optional park extension involves extra cost, many find it worthwhile for a full day of wildlife adventures.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, well-organized, and authentic experience with elephants that won’t break the bank, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially suited for those who value education and personal connection with the animals over a hurried, touristy feel.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off within Nairobi are included, making it easy and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The core experience lasts about 2 hours, with the main visit to the orphanage from 11 am to 12 pm.

Can I see elephants being fed?
Absolutely. You’ll witness baby elephants being fed milk by their keepers, which is a highlight for many visitors.

What stories are shared during the tour?
Guides explain each elephant’s rescue background, like being orphaned due to poaching, wells, or human-wildlife conflict.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, with many reviews mentioning children loved seeing the elephants.

Can I purchase souvenirs at the bead factory?
Yes, the bead-making tour is interactive, and you can buy handmade jewelry crafted from local clay.

Is the optional Nairobi National Park visit worth it?
Many travelers say yes, as it provides a broader wildlife experience for an extra $45, making the day more complete.

In summary, this tour offers a meaningful look at Kenya’s conservation efforts, combined with fun cultural activities and excellent value. It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting an authentic, educational, and emotionally rewarding experience in Nairobi.