David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Nairobi, Kenya · Activity
About David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a world-renowned rescue and rehabilitation center for orphaned baby elephants and rhinos located on the edge of Nairobi National Park. It is globally famous for its groundbreaking conservation work, nursing traumatized calves back to health before reintroducing them into the wild. Visitors can watch these playful youngsters gulp down oversized milk bottles and roll in mud baths while learning about Kenya's vital anti-poaching initiatives.
Don't miss
- Watch baby elephants enthusiastically race down the path to down giant bottles of specialty milk formula.
- Enjoy seeing the energetic calves roll in red dust and splash playfully in the outdoor mud wallow.
- Listen to educational keeper talks detailing the rescue stories, medical journeys, and unique personalities of each orphan.
- Learn about the foster parent program that allows you to sponsor an orphan elephant and support long-term conservation.
Plan your visit
The sanctuary is only open to the general public for one hour a day from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, making this fixed midday slot the only time to visit. The dry months from July to October and January to February offer the most comfortable weather for standing outdoors.
Entry is paid and requires advance booking online, as daily visitor numbers are strictly capped. You must show your confirmed reservation voucher upon arrival at the gate to gain entry.
The sanctuary is located roughly 45 minutes south of Nairobi city center depending on traffic, best reached by hiring a private taxi or ride-hailing vehicle. Make sure to arrange round-trip transportation or ask your driver to wait, as hailing a return ride from the park gate can be difficult.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before the 11:00 AM opening to clear security and secure a prime spot along the viewing rope.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty, as elephants frequently spray red dust and mud toward onlookers.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat because the outdoor visitor pen offers very limited shade during the midday sun.
- Consider fostering an elephant ahead of time to qualify for the exclusive, quieter late-afternoon foster-parent visiting session.
- Combine your trip with the nearby Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum to make the most of your morning in the Karen area.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust FAQ
Can visitors touch or pet the baby elephants?
Visitors are asked not to actively approach or pet the elephants, though curious calves frequently walk right along the perimeter rope and brush against spectators. Keepers ensure all interactions remain natural and strictly on the animals' terms to avoid habituating them to human touch.
Why is the public viewing window limited to just one hour?
The strict 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM window is designed to protect the orphans from prolonged stress and excessive human contact. Spending the majority of the day browsing in the bush allows the elephants to develop the natural social skills required for their eventual release back into the wild.
Do I need to pay Nairobi National Park fees to visit the orphanage?
No, visitors do not need to pay the standard national park conservation fee to attend the public feeding hour, as the orphanage is accessed via a dedicated entrance off Magadi Road. You only need to pay the pre-booked sanctuary admission fee.
Is the viewing area accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the pathway leading from the parking lot to the viewing area is relatively flat, hard-packed dirt that can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. The staff members are very helpful and will gladly assist visitors with mobility challenges to ensure a clear view.
More things to do in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park Nature
Spot rhinos, lions, and giraffes roaming across grassy plains with the city skyline serving as a surreal backdrop.
Giraffe Centre Activity
Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes face-to-face from an elevated wooden boardwalk.
Karura Forest Nature
Walk, jog, or cycle through a lush urban forest featuring waterfalls, bamboo thickets, and leafy caves.
Nairobi National Museum Museum
Explore Kenya's rich natural history, tribal heritage, contemporary art galleries, and botanical gardens.
Karen Blixen Museum Museum
Tour the historic colonial farmhouse and gardens made famous by the memoir and film Out of Africa.
Maasai Market Shopping
Browse vibrant open-air stalls filled with handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings, textiles, and beaded crafts.
Westlands Nightlife Nightlife
Experience the city's pulse across trendy rooftop lounges, craft cocktail bars, and international restaurants.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: 7523944 on Pixabay.