Discover everything you need to know about the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi. Learn about feeding times, entry fees, booking tips, conservation efforts, and how to combine your visit with Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)-Mara Triangle Safaris 

If you’re looking for a truly heart‑warming experience in Nairobi, nothing comes close to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

It’s one of the city’s most popular Nairobi wildlife attractions, and for good reason: you get to watch adorable baby elephants being bottle‑fed, splashing in mud baths, and playing with their keepers – all while learning about real‑world wildlife conservation Kenya.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (often called the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi) has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orphaned elephants.

Their Elephant Orphanage Nairobi is open to the public for just one hour each day – a magical window when you can see the youngest residents up close.

Whether you’re on a Nairobi layover, a family holiday, or a pre‑safari warm‑up, a David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour should be on your itinerary.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything: how to visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tickets, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage booking, feeding times, costs, nearby attractions, and tips to make the most of your visit.

We’ve taken hundreds of guests to meet these baby elephants and we’ve never seen anyone leave without a smile. Let’s plan your Nairobi Elephant Orphanage Tour.

Quick Answer:

Is David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s a world‑class conservation experience where you see rescued baby elephants up close, learn about their rehabilitation, and support a vital cause. The daily feeding session (11–12 AM) is unforgettable.

What Is the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

History of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was founded by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in honour of her late husband, naturalist David Sheldrick. The trust began as a small elephant and rhino rescue operation inside Nairobi National Park. Today, it’s one of the most successful elephant rescue and rehabilitation programs in the world.

Why the Orphanage Was Established

Poaching, human‑wildlife conflict, and drought leave many baby elephants orphaned. Without their mother’s milk and protection, they would die. The Elephant Orphanage Nairobi provides round‑the‑care, specialised milk formula, and a gradual reintroduction into the wild.

Conservation Success Stories

Over 250 orphaned elephants have been successfully raised and reintegrated into wild herds. Some have even returned to the orphanage with their own wild‑born calves – a full circle of conservation success.

Where Is the Elephant Orphanage Located?

Location Inside Nairobi National Park

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is situated within Nairobi National Park, on the edge of the city. The exact address is: Magadi Road, Nairobi, Kenya.

Distance from Nairobi CBD

From the city centre, it’s about 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Most tours combine it with other nearby attractions.

Distance from JKIA Airport

For travellers on a Nairobi layover, the orphanage is approximately 25–30 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). That makes it a perfect stop for a Nairobi Elephant Orphanage tour from airport.

How to Get There

You can take a taxi or book a private tour with a company like Mara Triangle Safaris. Public transport is not recommended. We offer airport pickups and drop‑offs – just WhatsApp us.

Why Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

Meet Rescued Baby Elephants

You’ll be within a few metres of orphaned baby elephants – some as young as a few weeks old. Watch them drink milk from giant bottles, play with each other, and even roll in the mud.

Learn About Conservation

Keepers share each elephant’s rescue story: how they were found, the injuries they had, and the rehabilitation plan. It’s emotional and educational.

Watch the Daily Feeding Session

The public viewing is timed exactly with the elephant feeding Nairobi session. You’ll see keepers bottle‑feed the babies, and if you’re lucky, a mud bath afterwards.

Hear Individual Elephant Stories

Every elephant has a name and a story – from little Kibo (found trapped in a well) to Maktao (rescued from a poaching incident). You’ll leave feeling personally connected to them.

📅 What Happens During the Feeding Session?

The public visit lasts exactly one hour, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily. Here’s what to expect.

Arrival and Check‑In

Arrive between 10:30 and 10:45 AM. You’ll be directed to a roped‑off viewing area with a thatched shelter. It can get crowded, so come early for a good spot.

Milk Feeding Experience

At 11 AM sharp, the keepers bring out the baby elephants. They line up – sometimes impatiеntly – and drink warm milk formula from large bottles. The slurping sounds are adorable.

Mud Bath and Playtime

After feeding, the babies often play in a mud bath. They throw mud over their backs, chase each other, and trumpet with joy. It’s pure entertainment.

Keeper Presentations

A keeper gives a short talk about the trust’s work, answers questions, and may introduce individual elephants. You’re allowed to ask questions afterwards.

Photography Opportunities

You can take photos and videos freely. The light is best on the side facing the sun. No flash, please – it disturbs the elephants.

Pro tip: 

Stand near the front rope for a clear view. If you adopt an elephant, you get access to a private evening feeding experience (4–5 PM).

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Opening Hours

Public Visiting Times

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage opening hours for the public are strictly 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM every day, including public holidays. The gates close promptly after the hour.

Why Visits Are Limited

The orphanage prioritises the elephants’ wellbeing. They need rest, feeding schedules, and calm. Limiting visits to one hour keeps stress low.

Best Arrival Time

We recommend arriving by 10:30 AM. That gives you time to find parking, walk to the viewing area, and secure a good spot. By 10:50 AM, the area is often full.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Entry Fees (2026)

Adult Entry Fees

• Non‑resident adult: $25 (approximately KES 3,000)
• Resident adult (with Kenyan ID): KES 800

Child Entry Fees

• Non‑resident child (3–12 years): $15 (KES 1,800)
• Resident child (3–12 years): KES 400
• Under 3 years: Free

Payment Methods

Cash (Kenyan shillings, US dollars, euros, pounds) is accepted. Credit/debit cards are also possible, but cash is faster. Most tours include entry fees.

Booking Requirements

You can book online through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website, but tickets are also sold at the gate. However, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage booking in advance is strongly recommended during peak season (July–October, December–January). We can arrange your tickets as part of a tour.

How to Book Your Visit

Online Reservations

Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust official website, select “Visit the Nursery”, and choose your date. You’ll receive a confirmation email. Show it at the gate.

Advance Booking Tips

• Book 2–4 weeks ahead during high season.
• For last‑minute visits, arrive early (10 AM) and buy at the gate – but no guarantee.
• Pro tip: Adopt an elephant online (from $50) – you get a certificate, photos, and access to the private 4 PM feeding.

Peak Season Availability

The orphanage can reach capacity. If you’re on a Nairobi layover or have a fixed schedule, book a David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour with us – we guarantee entry.

📆 Best Time to Visit the Elephant Orphanage

Dry Season Visits

June–October and January–February: weather is sunny, the park roads are dry, and you can easily combine with Nairobi National Park. The babies are also more active in cooler morning hours.

Wet Season Visits

March–May and November: it can rain, but the orphanage is open. The elephants love mud – you might see extra playful behaviour. Bring an umbrella.

Morning Wildlife Activity

The 11 AM session is timed for when the elephants are most alert. If you arrive earlier, you can do a game drive in Nairobi National Park (6–9 AM) then head to the orphanage.

Photography Conditions

Morning light is soft and golden. The viewing area is partially shaded. A zoom lens (200–300mm) helps capture close‑ups.

What to Wear and Bring

• Comfortable clothing – light layers, neutral colours.
• Camera equipment – fully charged, extra memory card.
• Sunscreen and hat – Nairobi sun is strong even in the morning.
• Drinking water – there’s a small shop, but bring your own.
• Rain jacket (if visiting in rainy season).
• Cash for entry, souvenirs, or optional elephant adoption.

Animals You May See Besides Elephants

The orphanage is inside Nairobi National Park, so you might spot:

• Warthogs – they often wander near the parking area.
• Birds – African fish eagles, egrets, ibises.
• Antelopes – impalas, gazelles, waterbucks.
• Nearby wildlife – if you add a game drive, you can see lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.

Combining the Elephant Orphanage With Other Nairobi Attractions

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi is ideally located near other top sights. Here are the best combos.

Elephant Orphanage + Giraffe Centre

Only 5–10 minutes apart. Do the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage tour by visiting the elephants at 11 AM, then the giraffes afterwards (or vice versa). Most visitors combine both.

Elephant Orphanage + Nairobi National Park

Since the orphanage is inside the park, add a morning game drive (6–9 AM) then go to the 11 AM feeding. You’ll see wild animals and rescued babies.

Elephant Orphanage + Karen Blixen Museum

About 15 minutes from the orphanage. After the feeding, drive to the museum for a guided tour of the Out of Africa author’s home.

Elephant Orphanage + Kazuri Beads Factory

Also in the Karen area – 10 minutes away. A short tour of the bead‑making workshop and time to shop for souvenirs.

Suggested Half‑Day Elephant Orphanage Tour (Morning)

This is our most popular Nairobi day tour for visitors who want a mix of wildlife and conservation.

• 7:00 AM – Pickup from your hotel or JKIA Airport. Drive to Nairobi National Park for a 2‑hour game drive (lions, rhinos, giraffes).
• 10:30 AM – Arrive at David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Secure a good viewing spot.
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Elephant feeding session. Watch the babies drink milk and play.
• 12:15 PM – Drive 10 minutes to Giraffe Centre (optional; we recommend it). Feed the giraffes.
• 1:30 PM – Lunch at a nearby restaurant (Karen area).
• 2:30 PM – Return transfer to your hotel or airport.

Total cost (private tour, including all entry fees and lunch): $150–200 per person. Perfect for Nairobi layover tours.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage vs Giraffe Centre

Both are fantastic. Which should you choose?

Factor	David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage	Giraffe Centre
Main attraction	Baby elephants feeding	Hand‑feeding adult giraffes
Public hours	11 AM – 12 PM only	9 AM – 5 PM daily
Entry fee (non‑resident adult)	$25	$15
Conservation focus	Elephant rescue & reintroduction	Rothschild giraffe breeding
Interaction	View only (no touching)	Feed pellets from platform
Best for	Animal lovers, conservation supporters	Families, photographers

Why most visitors combine both: They are only 5–10 minutes apart. Do the elephants at 11 AM, then the giraffes from 12:30–2 PM. That’s a perfect David Sheldrick and Giraffe Centre tour.

Conservation Efforts by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Elephant Rescue Programs

The trust operates mobile veterinary units, anti‑poaching teams, and community outreach. Orphaned elephants are brought from all over Kenya.

Rehabilitation Process

• 0–3 years: Hand‑raised at the Nairobi Elephant Orphanage.
• 3–10 years: Moved to a reintegration unit in Tsavo East National Park, where they learn to live wild.
• 10+ years: Many return to the wild, some even start their own wild families.

Reintroduction Into The Wild

Over 150 orphaned elephants have successfully been reintegrated. The trust monitors them using GPS collars.

Adoption Programs

You can symbolically adopt an elephant for $50 per year. Benefits: adoption certificate, monthly updates, photos, and access to the private evening feeding (4–5 PM). Highly recommended.

✅ Travel Tips for First‑Time Visitors

• Book in advance – Especially during peak migration season. We can handle your David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage booking as part of a private tour.
• Arrive early – By 10:30 AM to get a spot near the ropes.
• Carry your passport – You may need it for entry (non‑residents).
• Bring a camera – Leave the flash off. Video is allowed.
• Combine nearby attractions – At least add the Giraffe Centre.
• Follow conservation guidelines – No loud noises, no touching, no feeding the elephants (keepers do that).

Why Book an Elephant Orphanage Tour With Mara Triangle Safaris?

• Professional safari guides – We know the best viewing spots and wildlife inside Nairobi National Park.
• Airport pickups available – Perfect for a Nairobi Elephant Orphanage tour from airport during a layover.
• Flexible itineraries – Add game drives, giraffe feeding, museums, or bead shopping.
• Private tours – It’s just your group, not a crowded bus.
• Wildlife‑focused experiences – We’ve been leading safaris for over a decade.
• Easy combination tours – We offer the Nairobi National Park and Elephant Orphanage combo, plus the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage tour.

Let us take the stress out of your Nairobi day tours. We’ll handle the tickets, the timing, and the transport – you just enjoy the baby elephants.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage)

Q1: Is the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most moving and educational wildlife experiences in Africa. Seeing rescued baby elephants thrive is unforgettable.

Q2: How long does the visit take?

The public session is exactly one hour (11 AM – 12 PM). Most people stay for the full hour. With travel and parking, budget 1.5–2 hours total.

Q3: Can you touch the elephants?

No – keepers do not allow touching to prevent disease transmission and stress. You can be within a few metres, though.

Q4: How much are tickets?

$25 for non‑resident adults, $15 for non‑resident children (3–12). Residents pay less.

Q5: What time is feeding?

11 AM sharp. Gates open around 10:30 AM. Don’t be late – they close exactly at 12 PM.

Q6: Do I need to book in advance?

It’s strongly recommended, especially in high season. We include David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage booking in all our tours.

Q7: Can I combine it with the Giraffe Centre?

Yes – they are 5–10 minutes apart. The perfect Nairobi wildlife tour is elephants at 11 AM, lunch, then giraffes in the early afternoon.

Q8: Is it suitable for children?

Very. Kids of all ages love the baby elephants. The session is short enough to keep their attention.

Q9: How far is the elephant orphanage from JKIA Airport?

About 25–30 minutes. Ideal for a Nairobi layover of 6+ hours.

Q10: What’s the best way to visit the elephant orphanage?

Take a private tour with us – we’ll pick you up, handle tickets, and can combine other attractions. Just WhatsApp.

Ready to Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?

All prices and times are for 2026. Contact us for the latest information and to book your private David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Tour.