David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
A sanctuary for orphaned elephants, offering a chance to witness rescue, rehabilitation, and a heartwarming connection with these gentle giants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Public visiting hour
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Best Time
Public visiting hour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for orphaned elephants, offering a chance to witness rescue, rehabilitation, and a heartwarming connection with these gentle giants.
"The elephant orphanage was one of the most amazing places that we have ever visited! A must-see if staying in Nairobi!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Views
Get there before 11 AM to secure a good spot for the feeding and keeper talk.
🐘 Adopt an Elephant
Sponsor an orphan for monthly updates and to support their care.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Morning Milk Feed
Nairobi Nursery
Witness orphaned elephants rush for their milk bottles, a heartwarming display of their recovery and trust.
Keeper's Talk
Nairobi Nursery
Learn about individual elephant stories and the trust's incredible rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Elephant Encounters
Nairobi Nursery
Get up close and personal with these gentle giants, and even have the chance to touch them.
Baby Rhino Sightings
Nairobi Nursery
Occasionally, you might spot a rescued baby rhino, adding another layer of wonder to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Support the Cause
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Views
Get there before 11 AM to secure a good spot for the feeding and keeper talk.
🐘 Adopt an Elephant
Sponsor an orphan for monthly updates and to support their care.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Nairobi can be warm; bring water, especially if visiting during hotter months.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to record the elephants' playful antics.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Views
Get there before 11 AM to secure a good spot for the feeding and keeper talk.
🐘 Adopt an Elephant
Sponsor an orphan for monthly updates and to support their care.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Nairobi can be warm; bring water, especially if visiting during hotter months.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to record the elephants' playful antics.
🤝 Support Their Mission
Donations are vital for rescues, rehabilitation, and anti-poaching efforts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as an exceptional and deeply moving experience. The dedication of the keepers and the success of the elephant rescue and rehabilitation program are frequently highlighted. While the public visiting hour can be crowded, the opportunity to get close to the elephants and learn about their stories makes it a highly recommended visit for anyone in Nairobi.
"This is one of the best wildlife organizations anywhere in the world. The work they do is important and difficult and their focus is squirreling on the animals. They are not interested in turning it into a tourist attraction, except as a way of supporting their work. I highly recommend visiting here, and also donating."
Steve Takata
"Wonderful experience here. The guide on the speaker provided additional information that was thorough yet meaningful of each elephant rescue.
You're able to touch the elephants.
I was able to purchase tickets on the spot and was brought in by my tour guide from TripAdvisor.
I highly recommend this experience!!"
Fawaz K
"Wow, the elephant orphanage was one of the most amazing places that we have ever visited! A must-see if staying in Nairobi! The elephants were well looked after and their keepers were just amazing. We arrived early and so did many others – we had a great view, and I would say that wherever you stand you will get to see and touch the elephants. However, if you stand directly opposite the end of the footpath you get a fantastic view of the elephants running over to get their milk and them exiting all together along the path! One of the keepers gave an interesting talk about the work the orphanage does, and we learnt so much about these amazing animals. We were also excited to see one of the resident baby rhinos. Sadly, there was no gift shop available on the day we visited. However, I would 100% recommend the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust!"
Philip Kemp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trust is located in Nairobi National Park. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and are a convenient way to reach the orphanage. Many tour operators in Nairobi also include a visit to the trust as part of their city tours.
Yes, it's a well-known destination. If using a taxi or app, simply search for 'David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust' or 'Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage'.
While it's best to stay in Nairobi for easy access, day trips from nearby areas are possible. However, the public visiting hour is specific, so plan your travel accordingly.
From JKIA, you can take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle to Nairobi. The trust is then a short drive from the city center.
Yes, as the trust is located within the park, you will need to pay park entry fees in addition to any trust admission fees. These are typically paid at the park gate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a public visiting hour from 11 AM to 12 PM daily. While there isn't a specific entry fee for this hour, donations are highly encouraged and essential for the trust's operations.
No, tickets are not required for the public visiting hour. You can purchase them on the spot, or often your tour guide will handle it. Arriving early is recommended for the best viewing experience.
The main public visiting hour is from 11 AM to 12 PM daily. The trust also has visiting hours for those who have adopted an elephant, typically in the evenings.
The public visiting hour is the primary time for general visitors. However, if you adopt an elephant, you may have access to evening visiting hours to see your adopted elephant.
No, there are no age restrictions. The experience is suitable for all ages, and children often find it particularly engaging.
🎫 🐘 Elephant Experience
You'll witness orphaned elephants being fed their milk, see them play, and hear from their dedicated keepers about their rescue stories and rehabilitation. You might also see a baby rhino. 
Yes, during the public visiting hour, you often have the opportunity to get close and touch the elephants as they come to the feeding area.
The public visiting hour is strictly one hour, from 11 AM to 12 PM. It's best to arrive a bit before 11 AM to get a good spot.
The adoption program allows you to sponsor a specific orphaned elephant. You receive monthly updates on their progress and know you're directly contributing to their care and future release into the wild.
The elephants are generally very gentle and accustomed to human presence during visiting hours. However, they are still wild animals, and keepers are always present to ensure safety.
📸 📸 Photography & Social Media
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed. Many visitors share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The morning feeding session (11 AM - 12 PM) offers the most dynamic and heartwarming photo opportunities as the elephants rush for their milk.
Drones are typically not permitted within national parks or wildlife sanctuaries without special permits, and it's best to assume they are not allowed here.
Popular hashtags include #DavidSheldrickWildlifeTrust, #SheldrickWildlifeTrust, #ElephantOrphanage, #BabyElephants, #Nairobi, and #Kenya.
While live streaming might be possible, it's best to check with the trust staff on-site for any specific guidelines to ensure it doesn't disturb the animals or other visitors.
🎫 ❤️ Supporting Conservation
Your visit and any donations directly fund the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of orphaned elephants and other wildlife, as well as anti-poaching patrols and community outreach.
The trust actively supports anti-poaching units, providing them with equipment, training, and logistical support to protect wildlife from illegal hunting.
The trust primarily relies on a dedicated team of professional keepers and staff. While direct volunteering opportunities might be limited, supporting through adoption and donations is highly impactful.
While most famous for elephants, the trust also rescues and rehabilitates other vulnerable animals, including rhinos.
Funds from adoptions are crucial for providing specialized milk formula, veterinary care, food, and the dedicated care of keepers for the orphaned animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider adopting an elephant as a family activity. It provides a tangible way for kids to connect with conservation and follow their adopted elephant's progress through monthly updates. The experience is both heartwarming and educational, fostering a love for wildlife and a sense of responsibility towards conservation efforts.
❤️ Wildlife Enthusiasts & Conservationists
Beyond the elephants, learn about the trust's extensive anti-poaching efforts and community outreach programs. Understanding the broader impact of their work provides a comprehensive view of modern conservation challenges and solutions. Supporting the trust through donations or adoption directly contributes to these vital initiatives.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Capture the emotional connection between the elephants and their keepers, and the sheer joy of these rescued animals. The trust is also a popular subject for social media content, with many visitors sharing their experiences on TikTok and Instagram using hashtags like #BabyElephants and #SheldrickWildlifeTrust.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Trust: Orphaned Elephant Rescue
+1The rescue process is often harrowing, involving swift intervention to save calves from dire situations. Once at the Nairobi Nursery, these elephants receive round-the-clock care from dedicated keepers who become their surrogate mothers. This intensive care includes specialized milk formulas, veterinary attention, and a nurturing environment that mimics natural herd life. The goal is to raise them until they are old enough and strong enough to be reintegrated into wild elephant herds.
+1Visitors during the public hour (11 AM - 12 PM) witness this dedication firsthand. They see the elephants' playful nature, their bond with the keepers, and the incredible progress made by each individual. The trust emphasizes that while tourism is a vital source of funding, their primary focus remains the welfare and conservation of these magnificent animals.
Beyond Elephants: Broader Conservation Impact
Furthermore, DSWT engages in community outreach and education, recognizing that conservation success hinges on local support and understanding. They work to foster positive human-wildlife coexistence, educating communities about the importance of wildlife and providing sustainable solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This holistic approach ensures long-term protection of Kenya's natural heritage.
The trust also plays a role in habitat protection by supporting initiatives that safeguard critical wildlife corridors and ecosystems. By addressing the root causes of wildlife loss and working collaboratively with local communities and government agencies, the DSWT strives for a future where wildlife can thrive.
The Adoption Program: A Personal Connection to Conservation
Adopters receive regular updates, often monthly, detailing the progress and daily life of their chosen elephant. These updates provide a personal connection to the conservation journey, allowing supporters to follow the individual stories of resilience and recovery. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates the tangible impact of their contributions.
This program not only provides crucial financial support but also raises global awareness about the plight of orphaned wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. It transforms a visitor's experience into an ongoing commitment to protecting these incredible animals.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit