Spend a focused half-day watching rescued baby elephants bottle-feed and play at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust near Nairobi National Park. This guided visit pairs close-up encounters with clear explanation of rescue, rehabilitation, and release practices.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive before the fence at the orphanage as the morning sun warms the scrub beyond Nairobi National Park. Keepers stand ready with giant milk bottles; the youngest elephants trot from the thickets as if answering a call. For an hour you watch trunks learn to shepherd a bottle and calves splash in shallow pools, their energy pushing the scene into motion.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing on flat, unpaved ground for ~1 hour
Wildlife
History
Founded in the 1970s, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust pioneered orphan rescue and reintegration programs that helped shape Kenyan conservation policy.
Conservation
The trust is funded by donations and emphasizes rehabilitation and eventual release; visitor behavior is tightly controlled to minimize stress and disease risk to animals.
Reserve your spot on the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Half-Day Tour from Nairobi today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive on time
Feeding is scheduled and brief—plan to be at the gate at the listed start time to see the full session.
Keep noise low
Stay quiet and follow keeper instructions so calves remain calm during feeding and handling.
Sun protection
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the viewing area is exposed with little shade.
Respect photo rules
Use non-flash photography and avoid entering fenced areas; staff will indicate safe spots for pictures.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the short walk and while standing in the viewing area.
summer
Wide-brim hat and sunscreen
Protects from equatorial sun during the outdoor viewing session.
summer
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Stable footing on packed dirt and occasional uneven ground near the fence.
Camera with mid-range zoom
Capture close-up behavior and details without crowding the animals.