Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi: Hours, Address, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Reviews: 4.5/5
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
4.5
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
About
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) Elephant Nursery in Nairobi National Park provides a safe haven to orphaned baby elephants rescued by the DSWT. The Nursery provides the first stage in the hand-rearing and development of milk dependent baby elephants. Once they graduate from the Nursery, aged 2-3 years, the elephants move to one of the DSWT's Reintegration Centres in Tsavo East National Park, from where they will ultimately return to the wild.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
22 within 3 miles

Sakinas Bbq
36
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Barbecue • Vegetarian Friendly

Boho Eatery
108
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Contemporary • Fusion

Lekker Bar Restaurant Shop
1
1.6 miDutch • Pizza • International • European

Matbronze Cafe
105
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Siron Place
2
2 mi

Beacons Lounge, Restaurant & Accommodation
1
2.2 mi$ • African

Makutano Grill
54
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • African • Vegetarian Friendly

Planet Yogurt Galleria
62
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert

Urban Burger
23
2.4 mi$$ - $$$

Mbuzi Munch Galleria
10
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • African • Barbecue
Attractions
38 within 6 miles

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
111
419 ftNature & Wildlife Areas

Giraffe Centre
5,208
1.9 miNature & Wildlife Areas

Nairobi National Park
3,390
3 miNational Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
570
Historic Sites

Karen Blixen Museum
2,195
Speciality Museums

Galleria Shopping Mall
115
2.4 miShopping Malls

Upepo Photography Gallery
8
1.6 miArt Galleries

Aero Club of East Africa (ACEA)
129
Speciality Museums

Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
165
2.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Yaya Centre
217
Shopping Malls
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,581 reviews
Excellent
5,007
Very good
1,201
Average
297
Poor
44
Terrible
32
sainesontour
Bridgend, UK60 contributions
Jun 2022
Spent a hour watching the rescued elephants being fed by bottle and branches of their favourite leaves. Great information given out by their keepers who know each young elephant’s personality.
Of course you want to adopt an elephant after seeing them - who wouldn’t . Well worth a visit. But you must book in advance. Numbers limited.
Of course you want to adopt an elephant after seeing them - who wouldn’t . Well worth a visit. But you must book in advance. Numbers limited.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alyssa B
12 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Amazing cause but quite touristy. If you don’t mind the crowds or if you particularly love baby elephants it’s well worth it. If you don’t fancy touristy things try and book a private visit! Again - super great cause well worth supporting regardless.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OceanloverBC
Vancouver, Canada159 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
A well organized opportunity to see wild elephants being rehabilitated for return to the wild. Some were orphaned due to poachers, others were injured in the wild. It is so beautiful to see the work being done.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lori B
5 contributions
May 2022
This tour was so fun! The babies are so very cute and we loved the presenter who gave tons of information! Bring your $ because you will want to make a donation!
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KirkCrump
Piney Flats, TN48 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
First!!!, make sure you make a reservation by email or you will be turned away at the gate. Get there 30 minutes early to get through parking and ticket control.
There are 2 groups of baby elephants the bring out. If you are standing against the ropes you can reach out and touch them, just be careful, they love to play in the mud. Each baby has a different personality and it shows. At the end you can adopt one for $50 usd a year.
There are 2 groups of baby elephants the bring out. If you are standing against the ropes you can reach out and touch them, just be careful, they love to play in the mud. Each baby has a different personality and it shows. At the end you can adopt one for $50 usd a year.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GlitterR0se
Manchester, UK112 contributions
May 2022
Visiting the Sheldrick trust was one of my must do's on a visit to Nairobi. I had read a lot about it and was in awe of the work that is being done. I watched a lot of videos and read blogs about the experience. I event adopted an elephant and do hope to adopt more in the future.
I booked a tour with several stops during the day, one being the Shedrick centre.
Once I arrived there was a line of cars waiting to get in, they were split into those that had prepaid tickets and those who had not. I am not sure whether they were sent away or not.
This is where I was really disappointed, the lady checking the tickets was incredibly rude and condescending to the drivers and guides. She was a middle aged blonde lady with short hair. She was so rude whilst asking for the reservation details and as I paid attention she only behaved like this with the local Kenyans. To myself and other non Kenyans her demeanour changed and she was pleasant. This really left a bad taste for me and reeked of the colonial mindset I thought Kenya had left behind. You have to email to make a reservation but would encourage the centre to look into an online booking. This would be more efficient.
PLEASE NOTE: You have to book in advance, and it is booked out days and sometimes weeks in advance. I found lot of tour companies take up these places in advance and then charge ridiculous amounts for a car ride there. So be prepared.
The visiting is from 11-12 everyday, only one hour once a day. Once in you wait for the elephants to come which they do in two groups, one the younger ones then the older ones. The caretakers talk about the initiative, and also mention each animal and how they were found or brought to the centre. The elephants play around, eat and drink milk. They sometimes come close enough for you to stroke them. It was very interesting to learn about what is being done and how the milk was created to mimic elephant milk. It would be nice to see more such as where they stay but I think at peak times there are a lot of people and this would be too much for the elephants. Remember it is the welfare of the elephants that comes first.
I did want to meet my adopted elephant as I had read this was something you could do, but this is not available and is closed at the moment. Unless of course you are a youtuber, vlogger or influencer to which it is clearly open to based on what I have seen.
I booked a tour with several stops during the day, one being the Shedrick centre.
Once I arrived there was a line of cars waiting to get in, they were split into those that had prepaid tickets and those who had not. I am not sure whether they were sent away or not.
This is where I was really disappointed, the lady checking the tickets was incredibly rude and condescending to the drivers and guides. She was a middle aged blonde lady with short hair. She was so rude whilst asking for the reservation details and as I paid attention she only behaved like this with the local Kenyans. To myself and other non Kenyans her demeanour changed and she was pleasant. This really left a bad taste for me and reeked of the colonial mindset I thought Kenya had left behind. You have to email to make a reservation but would encourage the centre to look into an online booking. This would be more efficient.
PLEASE NOTE: You have to book in advance, and it is booked out days and sometimes weeks in advance. I found lot of tour companies take up these places in advance and then charge ridiculous amounts for a car ride there. So be prepared.
The visiting is from 11-12 everyday, only one hour once a day. Once in you wait for the elephants to come which they do in two groups, one the younger ones then the older ones. The caretakers talk about the initiative, and also mention each animal and how they were found or brought to the centre. The elephants play around, eat and drink milk. They sometimes come close enough for you to stroke them. It was very interesting to learn about what is being done and how the milk was created to mimic elephant milk. It would be nice to see more such as where they stay but I think at peak times there are a lot of people and this would be too much for the elephants. Remember it is the welfare of the elephants that comes first.
I did want to meet my adopted elephant as I had read this was something you could do, but this is not available and is closed at the moment. Unless of course you are a youtuber, vlogger or influencer to which it is clearly open to based on what I have seen.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
richie mutua
4 contributions
Sep 2021 • Business
it's also known as Elephant Orphanage, The orphanage is located about 30 minutes away by taxi which cost me around 30usd
There is a donation fee of around 6usd.
Time that is possible to see the elephants is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).
There is a donation fee of around 6usd.
Time that is possible to see the elephants is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wandaJohannesburg
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa90 contributions
May 2022
After following their instagram page, I was very excited to be in Nairobi to see what amazing work they do. Do book in advance and make sure you read the fine print, you can only pay in cash at the gate, also bring a hat its hot in the sun!
It was wonderful watching the the baby orphans being fed and very interesting hearing how they got there. However our party all felt a little short changed, we didn’t get to see where they stayed during the day, what happened at night time….we were quickly whisked off after the hour of milk feeding was done, and asked to donate money on our way out.
I understand that they are ultimately trying to re habituate these orphans into the wild so as little human contact is a good thing, but feel one should be able to view from afar.
It was wonderful watching the the baby orphans being fed and very interesting hearing how they got there. However our party all felt a little short changed, we didn’t get to see where they stayed during the day, what happened at night time….we were quickly whisked off after the hour of milk feeding was done, and asked to donate money on our way out.
I understand that they are ultimately trying to re habituate these orphans into the wild so as little human contact is a good thing, but feel one should be able to view from afar.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emmanuel J
Hannover, Germany6 contributions
Apr 2022
Great place for a day trip especially if you have kids. You will need to book online first.
Feeding show starts daily from 11am
Feeding show starts daily from 11am
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JAYNECBG
London, UK16 contributions
Apr 2022
We have just returned from a visit to the elephant orphanage and it was absolutely brilliant. My husband, my 17-year-old daughter and I loved every moment of it. Being able to get so close to the baby elephants is amazing and to learn about the really valuable work the trust is doing was humbling. We have, of course, adopted an elephant. I would say this is a must do if you are in Nairobi.
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Daniel
Scottsdale, AZ5 contributions
At what age can an orphaned baby elephant be released back into the wild?
Bidule05
France1,072 contributions
In East Tsavo national park, , many orphaned young elephants live in the Sheldrick wildlife rescue center. They arrive here when they are 3-years old.
At about 10-years old (but it may be More), these orphaned rescued elephants leave the center, either with other orphaned elephants of their group or with a group of wild elephants that that have chosen to follow.
The team of Sheldrick rescue center closely check that these elephants, who have chosen to leave the rescue center are healthy.
Omar Hisham
Cairo, Egypt41 contributions
Are you still normal operating and opened to the public next November ? And do i just come early to pay the entrance fees?
Thanks
Omar
Beverlyn O.K
Nairobi, Kenya81 contributions
Hi,
Yes, It's still open daily for an hour between 11AM to 12, which is feeding time you get to watch the elephant enjoy their milk and play in the mud etc.
As far as I know they're only closed on Christmas day, open all year round.
Roberto F
Mexico City, Mexico2 contributions
Hi! Do you know if I can book a private visit (3pm) more than a year in advance (for July 2021) or do they begin allowing bookings a year from the date requested or how does it work? I’m worried I won’t find space.
Thanks !!
Brandon S
Carnation, WA18 contributions
Stephen is incorrect. There are private tours. I did one. Not sure how far in advance you can book though. I'd recommend reaching out to them to ask. They are extremely helpful.
GabrieleFL
Sarasota, FL40 contributions
Hi, We have just been to Kenya in November. We booked our next trip for 2022. I know it is a long time till then. But we would like to do a private visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust too. How do we book it? Any recommendation? Thank you.
carolemV9715ZQ
Havelock, United States35 contributions
Don’t you just love Kenya!! We have fosters that we support every year, we did however have our guide to arrange a private tour! I do not know if we were charged , but more than likely. But let me say it is totally worth it. The experience of having the babies come in for feeding is just amazing!! Lots of photo opps! Peter was our guide at David Sheldrick Nursery. I would suggest to reach out to the Trust and see what the requirements are, they are most accommodating. DSWT is the one organization I will always support! Good luck, two years out is not a stretch to book! Check out the fosters you can adopt!!
Archana N
San Francisco, CA129 contributions
Is it open on Christmas Day?
emgorlewski
Middletown, CT
According to their website that is the one day per year it's not open
To go at the later time, are there any tour companies that will take you there at the later time (I am a donor)?
SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARIS 📷
Nairobi, Kenya95 contributions
Yes Sunworld safaris takes alot of their guests to Sheldricks and they can organise for you at any given time,you can reach them at
EPCX
South Yorkshire, UK29 contributions
I’ve gone to book with virgin and it’s £300 for both me and my partner. But since I’ve looked online at it says it’s only £45 to adopt an elephant for the full year? Does this give you access to see the elephants still whenever you want? I’m just a little confuse as to why virgin is so expensive and you can book tickets for cheap online? Does anyone know?
Tom M
London, UK56 contributions
I suggest looking into what is included in the price of the tour.
I booked our tour using getyourguide (I am not allowed to post the link) which was cheaper for each of us and also included the Nairobi National Park with an excellent guide and pick up from residence (good to get in phone contact at least a day before), David Sheldrick elephants and the giraffe centre, each a few km in different directions outside the national park gate.
However, we had to pay extra for the National Park (US$43 each, credit card works), and the David Sheldrick baby elephants morning session (KSh500 cash each, maybe US$7/credit card works) and also for the giraffe centre (KSh1,500 each credit card works, no cash).
I am not familiar with the benefits to you from sponsoring an elephant although the Trust is doing great work, I suggest you can check with the Trust directly.
I hope you enjoy your trip and all goes well!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- We recommend booking Sheldrick Wildlife Trust tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 164 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:
- Nairobi Half-Day Tour in a Museum, Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center (From $25.00)
- Day Tour: Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi National Park (From $199.75)
- Nairobi National Park Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Center and Souvenir Shopping (From $60.00)
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Full-Day Tour from Nairobi (From $105.00)
- Elephants Orphanage Tour with Nairobi Hotel Pickup (From $66.42)
- Hotels near Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:
- (1.00 mi) Nairobi Tented Camp
- (1.99 mi) Giraffe Manor
- (0.40 mi) Leopard Cliff Mansion
- (0.40 mi) Bali's Best Bar & Resort
- (0.40 mi) Bees Park Hotel
- Restaurants near Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:
- (5.57 mi) Jakoni
- (7.54 mi) Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant
- (7.98 mi) INTI - A Nikkei Experience
- (4.67 mi) Tamarind Restaurant
- (3.83 mi) The Carnivore Restaurant