My Visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi

When I was in Kenya, there was no question that I had to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage in Nairobi. It was founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick and is now operated by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT). The orphanage is known for its impressive work rescuing and caring for orphaned elephants - and now also rhinos.

If you're coming to Kenya for a safari, you're likely to land in Nairobi. So, make sure to set aside time to visit the little elephants at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. It's a heartwarming experience that stays with you.

I was so impressed and moved afterward that I immediately adopted a young elephant. In this post, I'll share my impressions, give you practical tips for your visit, and show you how you can help.

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the most well-known conservation organizations in Africa - and for good reason. It was founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband David Sheldrick, one of Kenya's leading wildlife wardens. As early as the 1940s, the couple began raising orphaned elephants in Tsavo National Park - a completely new endeavor at the time. Especially revolutionary was Daphne's development of a milk formula that is still used today in their care.

What began as a small rescue center is now a well-established organization that:

The special thing about the Trust is its holistic approach: The animals not only receive medical care and food, but also emotional closeness and long-term support - until they are ready for a free life in the wild.

At the Nairobi Nursery, the visitor center on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, a new chapter begins for many of these baby elephants. Most arrive severely traumatized. They have lost their mothers due to poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, or natural disasters. Many initially refuse to eat, and some lose the will to live. This is where the keepers' work begins - and it is anything but easy. They care for the calves around the clock, sleep with them in the stable, and take on the role of a substitute family for many months.

As a visitor, you only get to see a small glimpse of this. The nursery is not a zoo and not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. But that's what makes the visit so special.

The Nairobi Nursery of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is not a publicly accessible park, but can only be visited with prior reservation - and only at a very specific time of day. If you want to experience the little elephants live, you need to book your visit well in advance online. Getting spontaneous tickets is not an option.

Slots are limited and tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times or on weekends. I strongly recommend taking care of your reservation early.

Important: Admission is non-refundable if you arrive late or miss your appointment. So plan enough buffer time for your journey. Also, please note: Children under 4 years old are unfortunately not permitted due to the sensitive environment of the animals.

We planned the visit rather spontaneously and thought we could simply book two tickets through one of the many providers on GetYourGuide. Generally, that would be a good option - but in our case, it went terribly wrong.

The provider (Gracepatt Safaris) took bookings for slots that they did not have, speculating on last-minute cancellations. At the entrance, we were suddenly told: 'We're sorry, we only have one ticket for you.' We were speechless. How could we decide who gets in and who stays out?

I tried to speak directly with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at the entrance. They confirmed that this provider frequently engages in such bookings - unfortunately without having secured enough slots. They are stuck because GetYourGuide continues to list this provider. I subsequently complained to GetYourGuide, but the provider remains active to this day.

I fundamentally appreciate that the staff prioritize the well-being of the little wards and that the allowed number of visitors per day is not exceeded. Despite the mismanagement of some subcontractors.

In the end, I was allowed in, and my companion joined shortly after because a family left early and passed on their ticket to us. However, we missed the start of the visit.

My advice: Book your ticket exclusively through the official Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website. Only then can you be sure that your spot is confirmed.

The nursery of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, just about 10 kilometers from the city center. However, you should allow enough time for the drive - especially due to the often unpredictable traffic in Nairobi.

I recommend arriving at least 30 to 45 minutes before your admission time. Access is strict - and those who arrive late will miss the entire visit. There is no second entry and no extension of the visit time.

At exactly 11 AM, admission to the nursery begins. After a brief welcome, all visitors gather in a designated area overlooking an open clearing. There, the moment everyone has been waiting for occurs: The baby elephants come running out of the bush in small groups - often trotting happily, excited for their milk.

First, a group of the smallest elephants, followed by the older ones.

Each calf receives a large bottle of the specially formulated milk from the keepers. The feeding is quick but orderly. Afterward, there is time to play: Some elephants roll in the mud, while others curiously nudge one another or explore sticks and balls. As visitors, we are quite close - at a safe distance, but without fences disrupting the experience.

During this time, an experienced keeper stands ready with a microphone to introduce each calf. He tells the story of their rescue, explaining where and how the animal was found and what injuries or traumas it brought with it. Many of these stories are heart-wrenching: from calves who stood beside their dead mothers for days, to animals that fell into wells, to victims of poaching or human carelessness.

What particularly touched me: Despite all the tragedies, hope is always at the forefront. The keepers proudly share how many of the babies have recovered, formed friendships, and gradually regained trust.

This hour is not a typical tourist program - it's sincere, emotional, and respectfully designed. It also serves the purpose of raising funds for the facility. The costs for rescues by helicopter, truck, and other means are substantial. It requires veterinarians, sometimes permits, and of course, food for the little ones.

The visit to the nursery lasts only one hour, but it's worth being prepared:

The place is quiet, respectful, and purposefully simple. You aren't in the front row for a tourist spectacle - you are a guest at an important conservation project. That's what makes the experience so special.

If you're flexible with your travel planning, it's worth choosing the right time for your visit. Because while the experience is special every day, some factors can make a difference.

The nursery is open daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, but on weekends and especially during school holidays, it can get quite crowded. Many Kenyan families take this opportunity, and international groups often visit the Trust on Saturdays or Sundays.

I recommend planning your visit on a weekday if possible - preferably Tuesday through Thursday. It will be quieter, you'll have better views of the animals, and you can soak in the atmosphere more relaxed.

Kenya has two main dry seasons:

These months are ideal for a visit, as the weather is stable and the roads to the nursery are manageable. During the rainy season - especially in April/May and November - the grounds can become slippery and muddy, which is particularly problematic for self-drivers.

But don't worry: The elephants are not deterred by the rain. Visits are possible year-round - only the conditions on-site can vary by season.

After visiting the nursery, it was clear to me: I wanted to do more than just pay an entrance fee. The encounter with the little elephants - their curious looks, playful behavior, and the stories of their rescue - deeply moved me. Therefore, I immediately decided to symbolically adopt an elephant - my elephant baby is named Taabu.

For $50 a year, you can adopt an elephant through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. That may not seem like much at first - but it is, in fact, a direct contribution to the care and raising of an animal. You receive:

I followed the development of my adopted elephant Taabu for months - from the shy newcomer to the confident calf who was allowed to roam in the bush with others for the first time. A very special connection is formed, even from afar. I have continued the support after a year because I believe the work is valuable and very important. What is $50 a year?

You can choose a calf - with a photo and background story - and complete your adoption on the spot. So, if after your visit you feel you don't want to just move on, this is the perfect next step.

I found a report about the rescue of Taabu here. He was the youngest and smallest elephant at the orphanage at the time of my visit.

Visiting the Nairobi Nursery was one of the most emotional moments of my trip to Kenya. It's impressive to see how much dedication, patience, and expertise goes into raising the orphaned baby elephants - in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.

Even though as a visitor you can only be part of it for an hour, this insight leaves a lasting impression. It reminds me once again how cruel humans can be (since we are often to blame for an elephant becoming orphaned).

If you love animals and are interested in sustainable tourism, then a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust definitely belongs on every Kenya travel list. And for those wishing to do more, adopting an elephant symbolically makes a statement - just as I did. Because every contribution helps give these elephant children a second chance.

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