The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located within the Nairobi National Park, is one of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife rehabilitation centers. Established in memory of renowned conservationist David Sheldrick, the orphanage is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos, primarily rescued due to poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict. Visiting this orphanage provides a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the care and dedication involved in raising and reintegrating these vulnerable animals back into the wild.
Why Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?
The orphanage is internationally acclaimed for its efforts in conserving Kenya’s elephant population. Since its founding by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in 1977, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has rescued, rehabilitated, and reintegrated over 200 orphaned elephants into the wild. This sanctuary is not only vital for conservation but also offers visitors an emotional, educational, and impactful experience.
What to Expect During Your Visit
1. Feeding Time
- Timing: The public viewing time at the orphanage is from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily. Visitors gather around as baby elephants charge into the clearing for their feeding session.
- What to Expect: Watching dozens of baby elephants run toward their keepers for oversized milk bottles is both heartwarming and exhilarating. They guzzle down their milk eagerly, showcasing their playful and affectionate personalities.
- Expert Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot, as the area fills up quickly. Standing near the front gives you the best view of the elephants interacting with their keepers.
2. Mud Baths
- Fun Time: After their feeding, the elephants head to the mud pools where they roll and splash around. This playful spectacle helps protect their sensitive skin from sunburn and is a necessary part of their daily routine.
- Photography Tip: Capture the fun moments when the elephants dive into the mud. A camera with a good zoom lens (200mm or higher) is recommended to get the best shots of these lively interactions.
3. Adopt an Elephant Program
- Why Adopt?: For $50 per year, visitors can adopt an orphaned elephant and receive a certificate with a photo and updates on its progress. Adopting also grants you access to a private afternoon viewing session, providing more intimate and exclusive experiences with the baby elephants.
- Expert Insight: Many forum visitors recommend adopting as it offers a unique connection with the orphanage and its mission. The second viewing session in the afternoon is less crowded, giving adopters a chance to interact with the elephants on a deeper level.
4. Meet Maxwell the Rhino
- Beyond Elephants: The orphanage also houses orphaned rhinos. Maxwell, a blind rhino, is one of the sanctuary’s long-term residents. You can visit him in his secure enclosure during your time at the orphanage.
- Expert Tip: Don’t miss visiting Maxwell, as rhinos are rarer to see in the wild, and this up-close encounter offers a unique insight into their care.
Location and Accessibility
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located within Nairobi National Park, about a 45-minute drive from the center of Nairobi. The close proximity to Nairobi makes it easily accessible for those staying in the capital. Many visitors opt to combine their trip to the orphanage with a morning or afternoon game drive in Nairobi National Park, which is known for its population of rhinos, lions, and giraffes. The combination of the two experiences offers a comprehensive wildlife experience without leaving the city.
Distance and Directions:
- From Nairobi City Center: Approximately 45-minute drive (16 km / 10 miles) depending on traffic.
- From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA): It’s a 30-40 minute drive (around 18 km / 11 miles).
- Expert Tip: Plan your visit around traffic conditions in Nairobi, as the drive can be significantly longer during peak hours. Early morning visits to the national park followed by a trip to the orphanage offer a smoother experience.
Booking Your Visit
- Pre-Booking is Mandatory: All visitors must pre-book their visit, as walk-ins are not allowed.
- Booking Window: Reservations can be made up to three months in advance.
- How to Book: Send an email to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with the date of your visit, names of attendees, and the number of tickets required. You will receive an email confirmation, which you must present on the day of your visit.Important Note: Only bookings confirmed directly by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are valid. Third-party bookings from platforms like Viator or Tripadvisor are not accepted.
Entry Fees
- Sheldrick Entry Donations:
- Adult (12+): $20 (or Ksh 2,000 for residents)
- Child (under 12): $5 (or Ksh 500 for residents)
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Fees: Starting September 2023, visitors must also pay Nairobi National Park entry fees. This fee is separate from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust donation and must be paid via the eCitizen platform in advance.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Public Viewing Time: Daily from 11 AM to 12 PM (excluding December 25th).
- Feeding Time: Watch as baby elephants run from the forest to receive their midday milk feeding. Following their feeding, the elephants engage in playful mud baths and wrestling matches.
- Expert Tip: Arrive early (10:30 AM or earlier) to allow time for passing through the KWS Mbagathi Gate and to secure a good viewing spot.
Key Highlights
- Adopt an Elephant: You can adopt an elephant for $50 per year. Adoption includes updates about the elephant and an option to visit during a private session in the afternoon.
- Maxwell the Rhino: While Maxwell, a blind rhino, cannot be visited during public hours, his story adds to the special experience at the orphanage.
When to Visit and What to Pack
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (June to October): This is generally the best time to visit Nairobi, with warm temperatures and little rain. The dry season makes for better game viewing in the nearby Nairobi National Park as animals gather around water sources.
- Rainy Season (November to May): Nairobi receives significant rainfall, but visiting the orphanage is still possible. During this time, the park is lush, and wildlife is more spread out, making game viewing slightly more challenging.
What to Pack
- Camera with Zoom Lens: To capture the elephants in action, a zoom lens of at least 200mm is recommended.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Nairobi’s sun can be intense, especially during midday. Ensure you’re protected from the sun during the viewing session.
- Comfortable Shoes: Expect to stand for the duration of the viewing time, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Water: Although the session lasts just an hour, it can get hot. Bring water to stay hydrated.
Combining Your Visit with Nairobi National Park
Many visitors choose to combine their visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. This park is a rare gem, offering a full wildlife safari experience just minutes from the bustling capital. With a wide array of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more, a combined visit offers an enriching day of wildlife viewing.
Tips for Combining the Visit:
- Morning Game Drive: Start your day early with a game drive in Nairobi National Park. Most animals are active in the morning, and you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife.
- Orphanage Visit: After your morning game drive, head to the orphanage for the 11:00 AM feeding session. The orphanage is located near the park, making it a convenient stop.
- Lunch: After your orphanage visit, consider having lunch at one of the nearby restaurants before continuing with your afternoon activities.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is more than just a tourist activity; it’s a heartwarming, educational experience that showcases Kenya’s dedication to wildlife conservation. Whether you’re captivated by the playful antics of the baby elephants or moved by their heartwarming stories of survival, a visit to the orphanage offers unforgettable memories. Coupled with a visit to Nairobi National Park, it’s a perfect day out for any nature enthusiast or conservation supporter.