Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for close-up elephant bottle feedings and an optional visit to the Giraffe Centre. This focused half-day tour offers intimate wildlife viewing, hotel pickup, and insight into Kenya's conservation efforts.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Walk into the compound as the city hum fades and the young elephants come trotting out—trunks up, ears working like sails—toward their keepers and giant milk bottles. The orphanage sits on the edge of Nairobi National Park, where short grass meets acacia and the air holds dust and the scent of animal hide. You’ll watch 10–15 minutes of bottle feeding up close, then see toddlers splash in water and practice the awkward, lumbering steps of recovery.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires standing and short, flat walks.
Wildlife
History
Founded in the late 1970s by conservationists including Daphne Sheldrick, the trust rehabilitates orphaned elephants for eventual release and educates the public on human-wildlife coexistence.
Conservation
The orphanage focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, and release; visitor fees and donations support veterinary care, anti-poaching efforts, and community outreach programs.
Reserve your spot on the Elephants Orphanage Tour From Nairobi with Optional Giraffe Centre today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book the morning session
Feedings and activity are liveliest in the cooler morning hours; aim for the first slot to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Bring small cash
Carry small notes for mandatory park fees, donations, or onsite purchases; not all vendors accept cards.
Respect keeper boundaries
Stay behind ropes and follow keeper instructions—close approaches stress young animals and jeopardize releases.
Protect from the sun and altitude
Nairobi sits at ~1,795 m; use sunscreen, a hat, and water to avoid sunburn and mild altitude effects.
Comfortable walking shoes
Flat, sturdy shoes are ideal for compact dirt and short paths around the viewing area.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration is important at Nairobi's elevation and during sunny dry periods.
Wide-brim hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong highland sun during daytime visits.
Camera with zoom or binoculars
A zoom lens or bins help capture close animal behavior without approaching the animals.