Sheldrick elephant orphanage

Located on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants from across Kenya—most of them victims of ivory poaching. Each day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visitors can watch the young elephants emerge from the acacia forest to a muddy watering hole, where their keepers feed them. You’ll witness the calves playing, socializing, and wallowing in the mud. If you’re lucky, you might even get to touch one.

After playtime, the elephants return to the forest, while keepers share insights into SWT’s conservation work and the challenges facing elephant populations. For those looking to make a difference, the trust also offers an adoption program that directly supports each calf’s journey back to the wild.

In the evening, between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., a more intimate viewing experience is available for sponsors, allowing you to observe the elephants returning to their stables and learn more about their care routines.

Note: daily visitor numbers are limited, be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.