David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Kenya — Where Wildlife Conservation Comes to Life
A Second Chance for Kenya's Orphaned Elephants
July–October — Popular safari period with strong demand for Nairobi wildlife experiences.
Year-round — The nursery's public visit operates daily except 25 December, with advance booking required.
Rescuing, raising and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and supporting their return to the wild.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Nairobi Nursery, located within Nairobi National Park.
- Overview
Why Visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, officially the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery, is one of Nairobi’s most meaningful wildlife experiences.
Located inside Nairobi National Park, the nursery cares for orphaned elephants before they eventually move to reintegration units and begin their journey back to the wild.
The public visit centres around the elephants’ midday milk feed and mud bath, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about their individual stories and the Trust’s conservation work.
- Expert Advice
I recommend combining the nursery with a Nairobi National Park game drive. It gives you both the conservation story and the experience of seeing wildlife living freely.
- Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
June – September
(Peak Season)
Best Overall
December – February
(Dry Season)
Great Option
March – May & October – November (Dry Season)
Budget Friendly
Wildlife Highlights
Orphaned Elephants
Young elephants rescued after losing their families receive specialist care before progressing toward eventual reintegration into protected wilderness.
Orphaned Rhinos
The Trust's wider Orphans' Project also rescues and rehabilitates orphaned rhinos, although the public nursery visit focuses primarily on elephants.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Public Nursery Visit
Watch the elephants during their midday milk feed and mud bath.
Learn Their Stories
Keepers introduce visitors to individual elephants and explain their rescue journeys.
Learn About Conservation
Understand the Trust's approach to rescue, rehabilitation and rewilding.
Adopt an Orphan
Visitors can support the Orphans' Project through an adoption.
Nairobi National Park Game Drive
Combine the nursery with a traditional wildlife experience nearby.
Explore David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Getting There
By Road
The nursery is accessed through Nairobi National Park via the KWS Mbagathi Gate, also known as the Workshop Gate, on Magadi Road.
From Nairobi
It is a practical addition to a Nairobi itinerary.
Important
Advance booking is required, and visitors should arrive early for park-entry procedures.
Where To Stay in David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Pros and Cons of Visiting David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Pros of Visiting David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Things to Consider
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Location
The Nairobi Nursery is inside Nairobi National Park and is accessed through the KWS Mbagathi Gate.
Opening
Public visits run 11am–12 noon, except 25 December.
Booking
Advance booking is required, with limited daily capacity. Same-day bookings are not accepted.
What to Bring
Wear suitable outdoor clothing, comfortable footwear, sunscreen and a hat; bring drinking water.
Internet
There is no public Wi-Fi available at the Nairobi Nursery.
SAFETY & HEALTH
Wildlife Safety
Stay within designated visitor areas and follow instructions from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust staff.
Weather
Stay within designated visitor areas and follow instructions from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust staff.
Footwear
Comfortable outdoor footwear is recommended because the visit takes place in an outdoor setting.
Children
Families can visit, but children should remain supervised throughout the experience.
Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance remains advisable when incorporating the nursery into a wider Kenya safari.