Experience the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Imagine standing just feet away from adorable baby elephants, playfully splashing in a mud bath as their dedicated keepers feed them milk from oversized bottles. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya, offers this heartwarming experience, making it a must-visit for animal lovers and travelers seeking meaningful adventures. With an exclusive Sheldrick Wildlife Trust tour package from Amboseli Plain Safaris, you can witness the Trust’s inspiring work rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, all while exploring Kenya’s wildlife wonders. This guide highlights why a visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi is unforgettable, how to combine it with a Nairobi National Park safari, and why booking with us ensures a seamless, impactful journey. Ready to make a difference and create lifelong memories? Let’s dive in!
Why Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located within Nairobi National Park, is world-renowned for its pioneering work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, David, a founding warden of Tsavo East National Park, the Trust has saved over 320 orphaned animals, reintegrating them into the wild. A Kenya elephant orphanage tour offers a unique chance to witness this conservation success firsthand.
What to Expect:
Daily Public Visit (11:00 AM–12:00 PM): Watch baby elephants and rhinos during their midday milk feed and mud bath, guided by expert keepers who share each animal’s rescue story. You might even touch an elephant if it approaches the fence
Conservation Impact: Your visit supports the Trust’s Orphans’ Project, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat preservation. Entry fees ($20/adult, $5/child under 12, or equivalent in KES) fund critical care for these animals.
Emotional Connection: Learn about the orphans’ journeys, from tragic losses due to poaching or drought to their nurturing care at the Nairobi Nursery and eventual release in Tsavo East.
Why It’s Special: This isn’t just a tour—it’s a chance to connect with Kenya’s conservation story, see baby elephants play, and contribute to their future in the wild. The Trust’s work, led by Angela Sheldrick, ensures a legacy of hope for endangered species.
Book a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust tour package in Kenya with Amboseli Plain Safaris to experience this inspiring sanctuary just 20 km from Nairobi’s city center.
Unique Highlights of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Tour
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi is more than a tourist stop—it’s an emotional and educational journey. Here’s what makes it enticing:
Up-Close Encounters: Watch baby elephants romp in the mud and interact with their keepers, who act as surrogate mothers, feeding them human baby formula every three hours. You may even adopt an orphan for $35/year, receiving a certificate and updates on their progress.
Expert Commentary: A senior keeper shares each animal’s story—why they were orphaned, their personality, and their journey to reintegration—making the experience deeply personal.
Conservation Education: Learn about the Trust’s broader efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, mobile veterinary units, and habitat preservation in Tsavo and beyond.
Photo Opportunities: Capture heart-melting moments of baby elephants playing or drinking milk, perfect for sharing on social media (no public Wi-Fi available, so bring a charged device).
For a more exclusive experience, foster an elephant in advance to access the 5:00 PM–6:00 PM private visit (free for foster parents, booking required).
Combine Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with Nairobi National Park
Why stop at the elephant orphanage? A combined Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi National Park tour with Amboseli Plain Safaris lets you pair this heartwarming visit with a thrilling safari, all in a single morning. Nairobi National Park, just 7 km from Nairobi, is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes, and over 400 bird species, offering a perfect complement to the Trust’s conservation focus.
Sample Itinerary:
6:00 AM–10:00 AM: Embark on a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, spotting lions, black rhinos, and zebras against the city skyline in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
10:30 AM–11:00 AM: Arrive at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery (via the KWS Mbagathi Gate) for check-in.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Enjoy the public visit, watching baby elephants and rhinos during their milk feed and mud bath, guided by knowledgeable keepers.
12:30 PM: Optional stop at a nearby attraction like the Giraffe Centre or Kazuri Beads Factory, or return to your hotel/airport.
Why Combine?:
Maximize Your Day: Experience Kenya’s wildlife and conservation efforts in just 6–8 hours, ideal for layovers or short Nairobi visits.
Seamless Logistics: Amboseli Plain Safaris handles transport, park entry fees (approx. $43/non-resident adult, payable via eCitizen), and Trust donations ($20/adult), ensuring a hassle-free adventure.
Support Conservation: Your tour supports both the Trust’s Orphans’ Project and Nairobi National Park’s wildlife preservation efforts.
Check our blog on combining Nairobi National Park with other attractions for more itinerary ideas.
