David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage - Nairobi Day Tour
Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour Nairobi Day Trip is definitely one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist activities. The Nairobi Elephant Orphanage – often referred to as the Nairobi Nursery rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants from the wild in Kenya. It hand-raises them around the clock until they are old enough to be released back into the wild. The elephant orphanage is located in Nairobi National Park just 17 km south of the city of Nairobi. Access to the orphanage is via the KWS Workshop Entrance, off Magadi Road.
The tour to the orpahange is available every day, except the 25th of December, from 11 am to 12 pm, for those with a booking for an unforgettable hour with the Nursery herd. Your visit begins as the orphaned elephants converge for their midday milk feed. Afterward, watch them enjoy a playful frolic in the dust or, if the mood suits them, a full mud bath. The Keepers are on-hand to introduce you to each of the orphans, sharing their unique rescue stories and explaining the threats facing elephants. Funds from your visit help support the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants in their care. This tour is by advance booking only and is not possible to make same-day bookings.
Elephant Orphanage Tour is a Nairobi Day excursion to a sanctuary for Orphaned Elephants, Rhinos, and other animals located off Magadi Road Nairobi, Kenya. Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage is located in a secluded area of the Nairobi National Park, where orphaned baby elephants amongst other animals are taken care of by a dedicated team of conservationists.
The orphanage is run by Daphne Sheldrick, the wife of the late famous Naturalist, David William Sheldrick who was the founder and Warden of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya from its inception in 1948 to 1976. At 1100 Hours, the baby animals are brought from the National Park for a mud bath at the orphanage, where for an hour you can get close to them and sometimes touch them.
You can visit between 1100 Hours and 1200 Hours every day and see the elephants being fed and playing. In addition, there is a keeper who will give a talk about the elephants, where they came from, how they are getting on, and how some of the previous orphans are progressing.
The private session is strictly between 1500 Hours to 1600 Hours each day allowing you to see the animals in private and you will be able to interact with them. This requires advance booking through African Spice Safaris. An adoption viewing session visit is available for foster parents between 5 pm – 6 pm.
This is for those people directly supporting the care of the orphans, active adapters, to witness the elephants returning from the forest for their evening milk feed and bedtime.
Sheldrick Baby Elephant Orphanage is located inside the Nairobi National Park and the drive from the city center takes approximately 45 minutes. The orphanage is open for only an hour daily to the public. You can get really close to the elephants. The orphanage also takes in rhinos and so if you are lucky you will get the chance to see a young rhino.
Note: It is not possible to make same-day bookings. We encourage guests to reserve their slots early, as we have limited daily capacity. Bookings may be made up to three months in advance of a proposed visit. The public visit takes place every day, except the 25th of December, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
To ensure minimum delays, we encourage guests to arrive at 10:30 a.m. on their booked date.
Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour Prices
Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour Rates Include:
Professional English-speaking guides + All entry fees, service charges, and taxes + Pickup from your hotel in Nairobi and drop-off to your hotel & Visit Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage at Nairobi National Park
Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 3 to 12 Years |
---|---|---|---|
1st January 2024 | 31st December 2024 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
Notes
* Access to the Nursery is by booking only
* The visiting hour takes place from a.m. to 12 noon
* Smoking and vaping are prohibited at the Nursery
* We ask visitors to set their phones to silent, and not to make or receive calls at the mud bath area
* It is not possible to make same-day bookings and we ask that you please do not come to the Nursery unless you have a confirmed booking
* We encourage guests to reserve their slots early, as we have limited daily capacity. Bookings may be made up to three months in advance of a proposed visit
* Important Update: As of 19th September 2023, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) requires that all visitors to the Daphne Sheldrick Nairobi Nursery must pay the Nairobi National Park entry fees, regardless of whether they will venture further into Nairobi National Park or not. It is important to note this is separate from the Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage entry donation, which still needs to be paid on the day of your visit
* Private viewing sessions are also available from 1500 Hours to 1600 Hours. (Private return transport from the city center included). Kindly email us for a visit at info@africanspicesafaris.com
Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour Rates Do Not Include:
* Drinks
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Minimum of 1 person required
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens during the Nairobi Nursery’s public visit?
The public visit is timed around our Nursery herd’s midday milk feed and mud bath. From a variety of viewing areas, you will see the orphaned elephants run out of the forest in groups for their much-loved bottles of specialist milk formula. Afterward, all the orphans gather for playtime.
Some wallow in the mud, while others challenge their friends to a wrestling match or indulge in a dust bath. Each day is unique among our Nursery herd. One of our senior Keepers leads the public visit, introducing you to each orphan, sharing a bit about their stories and personalities, and teaching you about our wider conservation work across Kenya.
We always set aside time for questions at the end.
2. Will I see my adopted orphan?
During your visit, you will see the orphaned elephants who are currently in our care at the Nairobi Nursery and attending the midday mud bath. On our website, we state the location where each orphan currently resides. You can find an up-to-date list of our Nursery herd on this page. It is not possible to visit Maxwell the rhino, as he is blind and prefers a very quiet life.
3. Can I adopt an orphan in-person on the day of my visit?
Yes! Adoptions directly support our Orphans’ Project, funding the specialist care needed to successfully raise orphaned elephants and other creatures. You are most welcome to adopt in person at the end of your visit, for a minimum contribution of US$50 per year.
As a memento of your in-person adoption, you will receive a special adoption packet that is exclusive to the public visit. This includes an adoption certificate, an elephant watercolor print, a printed book copy our of the latest annual newsletter, and a profile of your chosen orphan.
4. Is there a gift shop at the Nairobi Nursery?
After the mud bath, we offer for sale a small selection of souvenirs and gifts made by Kenyan artisans.
5. What should I bring with me to the visit?
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the outdoor setting. It can be hot and sunny in the mud bath, so we strongly advise guests to wear sunscreen and a hat. During the rainy season (April through May, and November), it can be muddy, so bear that in mind when visiting. We do not offer refreshments on-site.
Bring plenty of water for yourself, but leave other drinks and snacks at home.
6. Is Wi-Fi available at the Nursery?
There is no public Wi-Fi available at the Nairobi Nursery.
7. How can I continue to support and stay involved with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
As a non-profit, our conservation projects are entirely funded by donations. Every contribution makes an enormous difference. We can facilitate donations through our US 501(c)(3), UK charity, and on-site at our Kenya charity.
If you are in a position to give, adopting an orphan in our care is an engaging and deeply impactful way to support our work. You will receive monthly updates on your adopted orphan and our wider orphan herd throughout the year, along with exclusive access to the latest Keepers’ Diaries and other special content.
Booking & Reservations The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage Contact
Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: info@africanspicesafaris.com
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com