Visiting the Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi: What to Expect
When I was planning our trip to Kenya, there was one experience I knew I couldn’t miss: meeting the baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located inside Nairobi National Park.
From the very beginning, this was high on my bucket list, and looking back, it became one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of our trip.
Why the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Is So Special
Tucked within Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust runs one of the most successful elephant rescue and rehabilitation programs in the world.
To begin with, the orphanage opens to visitors daily between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, allowing a short but incredibly special window to watch the baby elephants being fed and cared for. Visitors are allowed inside the orphanage to watch the baby elephants being fed, playing, and learning how to survive, while also hearing powerful stories about conservation and rescue efforts.
As soon as you arrive, you can feel the excitement in the air. However, it’s worth noting that this is a very popular activity, and the area gets crowded. For this reason, I highly recommend pre-booking your visit to avoid disappointment.
This is not just a tourist activity; it’s a chance to witness real wildlife conservation in action.
Nairobi National Park Entry Fees and Elephant Orphanage Prices (2026)
If you’re planning to visit, here’s what you need to know:
Nairobi National Park entry fee: Non-residents: approx. $43 USD per adult (24 hrs pass)
Elephant Orphanage entry fee: Minimum $20 USD donation per person
Keep in mind that you must pay the park entry fee first, as the orphanage is located inside the park.
Because of this, I highly recommend combining your visit with a game drive; it’s the best way to make the most of your money.
How We Planned Our Visit to See the Baby Elephants
In our case, our wonderful guide booked everything in advance (which I highly recommend), and we visited the orphanage right after our sunrise game drive.
Although we didn’t arrive super early to queue, I don’t regret it for a second, as we witnessed the most breathtaking sunrise over the savannah, something we didn’t get again for the rest of the trip due to the weather.
That said…
Pro tip:
Arrive early (before 10:30 AM) if you want the best spot near the feeding area and a better chance to interact closely with the baby elephants.
Instead, we stood near the path where the elephants entered, which still gave us a great view, but we missed a few close-up moments, especially with some of the smaller animals.
The Feeding Experience: A Moment You Won’t Forget
Then, the moment everyone waits for begins…
The elephants coming running in for feeding time was something I’ll never forget.
They come charging in, full of personality, each one with its own name, story, and character.
The keepers bottle-feed them with a special milk formula developed to mimic elephant mothers’ milk; a crucial part of their survival, as many of these calves are orphaned at a very young age.
A sad and true fact:
When a baby elephant loses its mother, its chances of survival in the wild are extremely low. While elephant herds are social, very young calves depend heavily on their mothers for nutrition and protection, making them vulnerable to predators and starvation.
That’s where the orphanage steps in.
These elephants are raised here for around 5 years, until they’re strong and independent enough to be gradually reintroduced into the wild. Without this care, most of these calves wouldn’t survive in the wild.
Up Close with the Elephants
Now and then, the baby elephants wandered closer, and, to our surprise, we even got the chance to touch them.
Their skin?
Surprisingly rough, almost like sandpaper, but still such a surreal and magical moment.
They had a beautiful reddish-brown tone, which comes from rolling in the rich soil of the park. Interestingly, this actually helps protect their skin from the sun and insects.
Watching them play, feed, and interact with each other felt incredibly special. You can genuinely see their personalities shining through.
Other Special Guests: Zebra & Rhino
One of the cutest surprises of the day was spotting a baby zebra and a baby rhino.
According to the ranger, they had formed an unlikely friendship, and honestly, it showed. They followed each other everywhere, playing and exploring side by side.
It was one of those rare, wholesome wildlife moments you don’t expect, but will always remember.
Adopt an Elephant (And Make a Difference)
At the end of the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to adopt one of the baby elephants. You choose which one you want to adopt by their name and pictures on a display board.
- Adoption fee: approx. $50 USD per year
By doing this, you contribute to its care and rehabilitation.
It’s a meaningful way to stay connected to the experience and support the incredible conservation work being done.
Make the Most of Your Visit
If you have time, I highly recommend:
- Doing a sunrise game drive
- Visiting the orphanage at 11 AM
- Then, heading back into the park for an afternoon game drive
This way, you truly make the most of your day inside Nairobi National Park, and it makes for a perfect full-day safari experience.
Continue Your Kenya Adventure
If you’re planning a full Kenya itinerary, don’t stop here.
We continued our journey to the breathtaking Maasai Mara National Reserve and an authentic visit to a Maasai village, where we experienced incredible wildlife sightings, cultural immersion, and unforgettable sunsets. Full article about the National Reserve coming soon.
Final Thoughts
All in all, visiting the elephant orphanage was one of the most emotional and meaningful experiences of our time in Nairobi.
It’s not just about seeing animals.
It’s about understanding their stories and connecting with the animals and this incredible conservancy project.
And without a doubt, it’s something that will stay with you long after your trip ends.
If Nairobi is on your bucket list, do not miss this opportunity to visit and experience this special moment.