Kenya’s Islands
Discover Kenya’s Cultural Sites
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is one of Nairobi’s best-known wildlife conservation attractions, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about elephant rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation. Located within Nairobi National Park, the centre offers a closer look at the challenges orphaned elephants face and the efforts to give them a second chance in the wild.
Visitors can observe rescued baby elephants during their daily care routines and learn about their individual stories, rehabilitation, and eventual reintegration into wild herds. The experience offers an educational perspective on Kenya’s elephant conservation efforts and the importance of protecting its wildlife.
Total Area
117 km²
Elevation
0 -1680 m
Signature Experiences
Explore Kenya’s Cultural Sites
Meet Rescued Elephant Orphans
Visit the elephant nursery to see young elephants being cared for by their dedicated keepers. Learn about their individual rescue stories, daily routines, and the rehabilitation process that prepares them for eventual return to the wild.
Elephant Viewing
Keeper Talks
Conservation Experiences
Learn About Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation
Discover how orphaned elephants are rescued, raised, and gradually introduced to independent life. Keepers share insights into the challenges of elephant conservation and the long-term care required to rehabilitate young elephants.
Educational Experiences
Guided Talks
Wildlife Conservation
Watch the Elephant Feeding Session
One of the most memorable experiences is observing the orphaned elephants during their scheduled milk-feeding session. Visitors can watch the young elephants interact with their keepers while learning about the specialist nutrition and care they receive.
Elephant Feeding
Keeper Presentations
Wildlife Viewing
Discover Kenya’s Elephant Conservation Efforts
Gain a deeper understanding of the threats facing elephants, including habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. The centre highlights the importance of protecting Kenya’s elephant populations and supporting long-term conservation initiatives.
Conservation Education
Wildlife Awareness
Responsible Tourism
Support Wildlife Conservation
Visitors can learn about ways to support the rehabilitation and protection of orphaned elephants. Contributions and adoption programmes help provide food, veterinary care, and ongoing support for elephants under the centre’s care.
Conservation Support
Elephant Adoption
Sustainable Tourism
Wildlife Photography
Capture memorable moments as young elephants interact with their keepers and one another during their daily routines. The nursery offers unique wildlife photography opportunities while maintaining a respectful distance from the animals.
Wildlife Photography
Elephant Portraits
Conservation Photography
Our Commitment
Protecting Kenya’s Animal Rescue Centres
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about Kenya’s elephant conservation efforts through the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. At Safarizo, we support responsible tourism that builds conservation awareness and protects Kenya’s wildlife.
Sustainable Eco-tourism
Low-impact visitor management ensuring the forest's delicate balance remains undisturbed for generations.
Local Community Support
Partnering with forest-adjacent villages to create alternative livelihoods and conservation education.
Our Commitment
Responsible Tourism
OUR PURPOSE
Protect Kenyan Species
Kenya Safaris
Frequently Asked Questions.
You can visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage year-round. The dry seasons from June to October and January to February generally offer pleasant weather for exploring Nairobi National Park and combining the visit with other wildlife experiences.
Morning visits are ideal for experiencing the elephant nursery and scheduled activities. The centre has specific visiting hours, so plan your visit around the current timetable and arrive early.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located within Nairobi National Park, making it easily accessible by road from Nairobi. You can also combine it with a Nairobi city tour or a safari experience in the national park.
The centre is renowned for rescuing, caring for, and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. Visitors can learn about the elephants’ individual rescue stories, observe their care and feeding, and understand the conservation work involved in preparing them for eventual reintegration into the wild.
Visitors generally need to book a visiting session in advance and pay the applicable admission fee. Entry procedures, visiting times, and fees can change, so confirm the latest requirements before planning your visit.
