Watch rescued baby elephants being bottle-fed at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust near Nairobi National Park. This guided visit pairs close-up animal viewing with insight into rescue, rehabilitation, and local conservation work.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A soft heat hangs over the scrubby grass as minibuses thread past acacia and the skyline of Nairobi shrinks behind you. By 11:00 the orphanage opens: keepers appear at a low rope line, bottles in hand, and the youngest elephants trot out of the bush with a practiced, reckless curiosity. The scene is intimate—milk slurps, trunks probing the tented fence, and the animal-busy business of play.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; mostly standing and short walking on flat ground
Wildlife
History
The Sheldrick program began from the Sheldrick family's Kenya fieldwork in the late 20th century; it evolved into a formal trust focused on orphan rescue and rehabilitation.
Conservation
The trust combines rescue care with anti-poaching support and community education—visitors are encouraged to support through donations and by following site rules to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Visiting the Nairobi Elephant Orphanage Tours and Tickets today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Park fee is separate and mandatory
Budget for the Nairobi National Park entry—operators often collect an additional fee (approximately USD85) required to access the orphanage area.
Arrive early for best vantage
Feeding starts at 11:00—arriving early gives you a front-row position behind the rope line and better photos without flash.
Follow keeper rules—no touching
Interactions are controlled for calf welfare; keep voices low, do not cross barriers, and comply with staff directions.
Bring small local currency
Cash is useful for donations, craft purchases at the bead factory stop, and any park fees not handled by the operator.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Flat, supportive shoes suit dusty or muddy paths around the enclosure.
Lightweight rain jacket
Useful during the long rains (Mar–May) when sudden showers can start.
spring
Sun hat and sunscreen
Midday sun can be strong; a hat reduces glare and protects during open viewing.
winter
Compact binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps study calf behavior and older elephants that remain at a distance.