Nairobi National Park Elephant Orphanage: See Baby Elephants & Conservation
Want to make a meaningful impact on your Nairobi tour? I highly recommend visiting the Nairobi National Park Elephant Orphanage! Officially known as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, this incredible sanctuary gives orphaned elephants in Kenya a second chance at life.
You get to hear about their incredible rescue journeys, see their unique personalities up close, and watch them interact playfully with each other and their keepers.
To book an Nairobi Elephant Orphanage tour with us:
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Call/ WhatsApp: +254-719-222-430 or +254-704-532-105
About the Author
Hi there? My name is Ian Waruingi, a KPSGA-certified guide and tour consultant for AJ Kenya Safaris. I’ve been to Nairobi National Park more times than I can count, planned countless tours here, and witnessed unforgettable moments (like did you know wildebeests can walk within minutes of birth? That one caught me by surprise!).
I’ve also watched baby elephants at the orphanage slurp down bottles of milk, chase each other around in the dust, and melt the hearts of everyone watching.
These moments, big and small, are why I absolutely adore this park, and I can’t wait to help you experience it for yourself.
Watching the Gentle Giants: Baby Elephants at Nairobi
Baby elephants are absolutely adorable, even more so when they’re slurping milk from giant baby bottles held by their keepers.
This is an important part of their early development and a chance for visitors to get up close (from a safe distance) to these amazing animals. You’ll learn about their individual stories – how they were rescued and why elephant rescue in Kenya is so important.
The Road to Independence: Elephant Rehabilitation at Nairobi
The work at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust goes beyond just feeding. I’ve had the privilege of watching their dedicated team nature these calves with one goal in mind- to prepare them for life back in the wild.
They receive expert care, medical attention and the company of other orphaned elephants, mimicking natural herd dynamics.
More Than Just Elephants: Nairobi National Park Animals
While the orphanage is the main attraction, Nairobi National Park animals are many and varied. A visit here gives you a glimpse into Kenya’s wildlife, with chances to see rhinos, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species. Combine a visit to the orphanage with a Nairobi National Park safari and it’s a day to remember.
Pro tip: I normally advise our guests to start early at 6 am with a game drive at Nairobi National Park and then head to the orphanage at 11 am. After all, the orphanage is inside Nairobi National Park and you need to pay USD 43 for Nairobi National Park to access the orphanage which charges USD 20.
Supporting a Good Cause: Adopt an Elephant Nairobi
As well as visiting, you can contribute to the future of these beautiful creatures through the elephant adoption program Nairobi. By adopting an elephant you will be providing funds for their care, milk and eventual release back into the wild.
Find out more about how you can contribute to these elephant conservation efforts in Nairobi by visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust donation page.
Planning Your Visit: Visiting Hours Elephant Orphanage Nairobi
If you are planning to visit this amazing conservation centre, please note its visiting hours. The public viewing of the midday milk feeding elephants in Nairobi is usually the most popular time to go. Check the official David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website for the latest schedules and any booking requirements. Knowing how to get to Nairobi Elephant Orphanage beforehand will also make your trip smoother. We recommend visitors to book the entry tickets to the Sheldrick at least 48 hours in advance as they are limited to a few hundred visitors.
Responsible Encounters: Responsible Wildlife Tourism Nairobi
Visiting the Nairobi National Park Elephant Orphanage promotes responsible wildlife tourism. It’s an opportunity to see conservation in action and learn about the challenges facing African elephants. Supporting such initiatives helps combat poaching in Kenya and animal welfare in Kenya. If you are interested in a wider Kenya wildlife experience this is a great starting point. You can often combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.
Must See in Nairobi: Nairobi Tourist Attractions
The Nairobi National Park Elephant Orphanage is a must see in Nairobi. It’s emotional and educational for all ages so it’s a great family activity in Nairobi. Whether you’re on a day trip to Nairobi or a longer trip to Nairobi make sure to add this to your itinerary. You get to see the work being done in wildlife rescue organizations and contribute to the future of these amazing animals in East Africa wildlife. The dedication here shows how important it is to protect endangered species in Kenya for the future.
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