Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi: How to Book, Visit and What to Expect
If you are starting or ending a Kenya safari in Nairobi, visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is one of the best ways to spend a morning in the city.
I visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery at the end of my Kenya safari, before flying home from Nairobi that evening. It was one of the most memorable things I did in Nairobi, but it is not an attraction where you can simply turn up and buy a ticket.
The public visit takes place once a day, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and you need an official booking confirmation before you arrive. You also now need to pay the Nairobi National Park entry fee separately, as well as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust entry donation.
This guide explains how to book your visit, how much it costs, when to arrive, what happens during the public feeding hour, and how to combine Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage with other things to do in Nairobi.
If you would like to learn more about visiting Kenya, you can read these other resources, such as what to expect while on safari and what to pack for a Kenya safari.
Is Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Worth Visiting?
Yes, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is worth visiting if you have a free morning in Nairobi, especially if you are interested in wildlife conservation or are travelling to Kenya for safari.
The visit only lasts one hour, but you get to watch the orphaned elephants arrive for their midday milk feed and mud bath while one of the keepers introduces the elephants and explains their rescue stories. It is a simple experience, but it feels very special to see the elephants up close and learn more about the rehabilitation work behind the scenes.
However, I would only recommend going if you can plan it properly. You need to book in advance, arrive early, and factor in the separate Nairobi National Park entry fee.
Since you now need to pay the park fee even if you are only visiting the nursery, it makes sense to combine Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage with a Nairobi National Park game drive if your schedule allows.
How to Book Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The public visit to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is by advance booking only. You cannot simply turn up on the day and buy a ticket at the gate.
Bookings open three months in advance, so you can only request a visit date once it falls within that three-month booking window. If your Kenya trip is further away than that, make a note to book once your date becomes available.
To book, you need to contact the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi office by email with your preferred visit date, the number of adults and children in your group, the full names of all adults, and the names and ages of any children. Once your visit is confirmed, you will receive an official booking confirmation by email.
Make sure you bring this confirmation with you, either printed or saved on your phone, as only official booking confirmations issued by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are valid for entry.
Booking confirmations from third-party platforms such as Viator, GetYourGuide or Tripadvisor are not accepted for entry, so be careful if booking a Nairobi day tour through one of these sites.
If you are booking an excursion or transfer through a third-party platform, such as Viator, check that the operator is arranging an official Sheldrick booking on your behalf and that they will send you the confirmation email before your visit.
I recommend booking as soon as your preferred date falls within the three-month window, especially if you are visiting during peak safari season or only have one possible day available in Nairobi.
If your plans change, contact Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as soon as possible so they can release your place for other visitors. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so it is worth letting them know if you can no longer attend.
If your preferred date is fully booked, you can email again closer to the time in case there have been cancellations, but you should not arrive without a confirmed booking. You will need to show your official Sheldrick booking confirmation when you arrive.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Entrance Fees
There are now two separate costs to factor in when visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage:
- The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust entry donation
- The Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi National Park entry fee
These are paid separately, so it is worth understanding both before you visit.
For the 11:00 AM public visit, the minimum Sheldrick Wildlife Trust entry donation is currently:
| Visitor type | SWT entry donation |
|---|---|
| Adult, aged 12 and above | USD 20 per person, or the day’s rate equivalent in Kenyan Shillings |
| Child under 12 | USD 5 per person, or the day’s rate equivalent in Kenyan Shillings |
| Kenya resident adult | Ksh 2,000, with proof of residency |
| Kenya resident child | Ksh 500, with proof of residency |
The Sheldrick donation is paid in cash when you arrive at the Nairobi Nursery on the day of your booked visit. It is not prepaid when you make your booking.
Nairobi National Park Fees Explained
In addition to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust entry donation, all visitors now need to pay the Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi National Park entry fee before reaching the nursery.
This is because Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located inside Nairobi National Park, and visitors pass through the KWS Mbagathi Gate to reach the nursery. Sheldrick states that these KWS fees are separate from the nursery entry donation and are required even if you are only visiting the elephants and not doing a full game drive in Nairobi National Park.
This makes visiting Sheldrick a little more expensive than it used to be. However, it also means that if you have time, it may make sense to combine your visit with a Nairobi National Park game drive on the same morning.
For example, you could do an early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, then finish at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for the 11:00 AM public visit.
Before visiting, check the latest Nairobi National Park fees on the KWS website, as park fees can change.
How to Get to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located inside Nairobi National Park, at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery.
Most visitors arrive with a private driver, guide or organised tour, especially if they are combining Sheldrick with Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum.
You can also arrive by taxi or Uber, but make sure your driver knows you are going to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery via KWS Mbagathi Gate, not the main park gate. Since the nursery is accessed through a national park gate, allow extra time for entry checks and fee payments.
If you are staying in Nairobi before or after safari, I would ask your hotel or safari company to arrange a driver for the morning. It is one less thing to think about, especially as the public visit starts promptly and cannot be delayed for late arrivals.
What Time Should You Arrive?
Sheldrick recommends arriving at or before 10:30 AM, if not earlier. I would personally aim to arrive between 10:15 AM and 10:30 AM.
The public visit at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage starts at 11:00 AM and finishes at 12:00 PM. The visit cannot be delayed or extended if you arrive late, so you need to allow plenty of time to get through the KWS gate and reach the nursery.
When we visited, we arrived at the entrance around 10:40 AM, but we did not get through the gate and park until around 10:57 AM. We made it just in time, but it was unnecessarily stressful and we had to rush to the feeding area.
Since visitors now also need to pay the Nairobi National Park fee before reaching the nursery, I would be even more cautious with timing. Nairobi traffic can also be unpredictable, so do not plan this too tightly.
If you are doing a Nairobi National Park game drive before Sheldrick, make sure your driver knows you need to be at the nursery well before 11:00 AM.
What Happens During The Public Visit at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
The public visit to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage lasts for one hour and takes place during the elephants’ midday milk feed and mud bath.
Visitors stand behind a rope around the edge of the viewing area while the elephants come out in two groups. First, the youngest elephants arrive for their milk bottles and playtime. Once they have finished, the older orphaned elephants come out for their turn.
When I visited, the elephants came running in for their milk bottles, which was one of the best parts of the experience. Some were completely focused on feeding, while others were much more playful and rolling in the mud.
Some of the elephants may walk close to the rope or brush past as they move around the viewing area. If they do, do not be surprised if you end up with a little dust on your clothes. The elephants love throwing red-brown dust and mud over themselves, so I would not wear anything too precious.
During the visit, the keepers introduce each elephant and explain how they came to be at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Many of the stories are sad, as the elephants have often been orphaned because of drought, human-wildlife conflict or poaching. However, the visit still feels uplifting because you are seeing the work being done to care for them and eventually reintroduce them back into the wild.
If you are thinking about adopting an elephant at the end of your visit, pay attention to the names as the keepers introduce them. You may find yourself drawn to one of the more playful elephants, so it helps to listen out for their name during the visit.
The keepers also explain more about the rescue and rehabilitation process, including how the young elephants are cared for at the Nairobi Nursery before moving on to the next stage of their release journey.
It is a simple experience, but a memorable one. You are not moving around a large attraction or going on a long tour. Instead, you spend the hour watching the elephants feed, play and interact with the keepers while learning more about their individual stories.
When I visited, some of the elephants walked close to the rope and brushed past around the viewing area. If they do this during your visit, do not be surprised if you get a little red-brown dust on your clothes.
At the end of the visit, you can also find out more about adopting one of the orphaned elephants, which I cover below.
Can You Adopt an Elephant at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?
Yes, you can adopt one of the orphaned elephants through Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, either during your visit or online afterwards.
If you are thinking about adopting an elephant, pay attention to the names during the public visit. The keepers introduce each elephant and share their rescue story, so you may find yourself drawn to one of the more playful or memorable elephants.
At the end of the visit, there is usually a board showing the orphans that are currently available for adoption. The board includes information about each elephant, such as where they were rescued, why they were orphaned, and a few fun facts about their personality.
However, not every elephant at the nursery can be adopted straight away. Some of the youngest or newest orphans may not be available for adoption yet, so it is worth having a couple of names in mind.
If you adopt an elephant while you are at the orphanage, you receive an information booklet, adoption certificate and a printed oil painting by Angela Sheldrick.
You can also decide later and adopt an elephant online, but you will not receive the same printed documents from your visit.
What to Bring and Wear to Elephant Orphanage Nairobi?
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is an outdoor experience, so dress for warm weather, sun and dust. If you are visiting during the rainy season, the ground can also be muddy.
I would recommend bringing:
- your official Sheldrick booking confirmation
- proof of your Nairobi National Park fee payment
- cash for the Sheldrick entry donation
- water
- a hat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- comfortable shoes
- a camera or zoom lens if you want better photos
- clothes you do not mind getting dusty
There are no refreshments available at the nursery, so bring water with you, especially if you are visiting as part of a longer Nairobi day tour.
I would avoid wearing anything too pale, delicate or difficult to wash. The elephants often throw red-brown dust and mud over themselves, and some may walk close to the visitor area during the public visit. You are unlikely to get completely covered, but it is worth dressing practically rather than wearing anything precious.
A phone is fine for quick photos and videos, but I do wish I had brought a better camera with me. The elephants come fairly close, but if you want high-quality photos, a proper camera or zoom lens will give you much better results.
Read this article to learn what to wear in Nairobi and while on safari. Find out what the best bag to bring on safari is here.
Can You Visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage With a Tour?
Yes, you can visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage as part of an organised Nairobi day tour, private transfer or safari company itinerary. This can be a good option if you do not want to organise transport yourself, especially if you are also visiting Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum on the same day.
However, you need to be careful when booking tours online. A tour may say that it includes Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, but that does not always mean your official visit has been confirmed with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Before booking, check whether the tour company will arrange the official Sheldrick booking confirmation for you. This is especially important because bookings only open three months in advance. If you are booking a tour more than three months before your visit, the company should confirm your Sheldrick visit once the booking window opens.
If you are already within the three-month booking window, there may be limited availability for the 11:00 AM public visit, even if the tour company’s website still shows the tour as available. I would message the operator before paying and ask them to confirm whether they can secure your Sheldrick Wildlife Trust booking for your specific date.
You should also check exactly what is included in the tour price. The Sheldrick entry donation is paid in cash when you arrive, so the official price is transparent. Be careful with tours that appear to inflate the donation or bundle it into the overall price without explaining the costs clearly.
Personally, I would prefer to book a tour where I pay for the transport and guide only, then pay the Sheldrick donation myself on arrival. This keeps the costs clear and avoids confusion over what you are paying for.
A useful message to send before booking is:
“Can you confirm whether you will arrange the official Sheldrick Wildlife Trust booking confirmation for the 11:00 AM public visit? Also, are the Sheldrick donation and Nairobi National Park fees included in the tour price, or do I pay these myself on arrival?”
This should help you understand whether the tour is simply providing transport or whether they are also arranging your confirmed entry.
Check out tours in Nairobi that include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here.
If you want a full-day excursion in Nairobi, start your day early at Nairobi National Park, followed by the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and end at the Giraffe Centre. This tour includes the transportation and guide, but you can pay for the entrance fees separately.
But if you have booked Giraffe Manor during your safari, you do not need to add an additional visit to the Giraffe Centre, as it is included in your stay. But Giraffe Manor is not accessible for those at the Giraffe Centre.
See my full suggestions for a one day in Nairobi itinerary in this article. You could also include a stop for lunch at Carnivore Buffet or another local restaurant.
What is the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?
There are several common names for this elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. Officially, it is known as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, but it is also referred to as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or even Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary.
Daphne Sheldrick is the founder of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, but it was named after Daphne’s late husband, David, who was a founding warden of Tsavo National Park and managed wildlife protection operations in Tsavo East.
Nowadays, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is run by the daughter of Daphne and David Sheldrick: Angela.
However, the wildlife trust does not only care for elephants. It also raises endangered rhinos. Nonetheless, when you book a public visit to the wildlife trust, you will only see the elephants. But know that your donation is going towards the rehabilitation of elephants and rhinos.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage aims to locate and rescue rhinos, baby elephants without parents for various reasons, and other wild animals that require assistance.
The animals are transported to the nursery using planes, helicopters, or vehicles.
The elephant orphans are cared for 24 hours a day to gain their strength before they are reintegrated into protected conversation areas from around the age of three.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Shop
You can purchase souvenirs after the public visit. They take card payments or cash in USD and Kenyan Shillings.
I bought a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust t-shirt. Plus, there are many elephant sculptures and figurines.
A good idea for a gift for people who love elephants is the book of Daphne Sheldrick. You can also purchase it online before your trip to learn about her story.
Furthermore, if you would like to make additional donations or donate on someone else’s behalf, there are options to donate milk formula or hay bales.
FAQ – Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary
Do you need to book Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in advance?
Yes, all visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery must be booked in advance. You cannot turn up on the day without a confirmed booking. Bookings are only accepted for dates within the next three months.
Can you book a private visit to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?
In the past, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offered a private afternoon visit, but this option is no longer shown on the current official visiting page. The clearly advertised visitor option is now the 11:00 AM public visit, which must be booked in advance.
If a private visit is something you are specifically interested in, I would contact Sheldrick Wildlife Trust directly before making plans around it.
How much is the entry fee for Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage?
For the 11:00 AM public visit, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust entry donation is USD 20 per adult or the equivalent in Kenyan Shillings. Children under 12 are USD 5 or the equivalent in Kenyan Shillings. This is paid in cash when you arrive at the Nairobi Nursery.
You also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entry fee separately through KWS, even if you are only visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and not doing a full game drive in the park.
Is Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage ethical?
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a conservation organisation focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and eventually reintegrating orphaned elephants back into the wild. The public visit is limited to one hour per day during the elephants’ normal milk feed and mud bath, so it does not feel like an all-day tourist performance. Visitors observe from behind a rope while the keepers handle the elephants.
Can you visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre on the same day?
Yes, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre can be visited on the same day. Sheldrick has a fixed public visiting hour from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the Giraffe Centre is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is one of the most memorable things to do in Nairobi, especially if you are starting or ending a Kenya safari in the city.
The visit itself is simple, but it is not something I would leave to chance. Make sure you book in advance, arrive early, bring your confirmation, and allow time to get through the KWS gate.
Since you now need to pay the Nairobi National Park fee separately, it is also worth considering whether to combine your visit with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park.
If you are still planning your time in the city, read my guide to How to make the most of one day in Nairobi, Kenya? or find out whether a Nairobi National Park tour is worth it. You can also compare hotels in where to stay in Nairobi before your safari, also read about if it is worth it to book Nairobi Airport meet and assist services.
For more safari planning tips, I also have guides on:
- What to wear in Kenya on Safari?
- Packing list for Safaris in Kenya
- What bag to bring on Safari?
- What happens on a typical day on safari in Kenya?
And if you are considering one of Nairobi’s most famous hotels, you may also want to read What Is It Really Like Staying At Giraffe Manor?
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