Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Activity
🕑 1 hour (the public viewing session length)
About
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers an unforgettable experience where children can watch orphaned baby elephants during their daily feeding and mud bath sessions. This world-renowned sanctuary provides an intimate, educational encounter with rescued wildlife, allowing kids to learn about conservation efforts while seeing these gentle giants up close in a natural setting.
Highlights
- ✓Watching keepers bottle-feed orphaned baby elephants during the 11am session
- ✓Seeing the elephants play, interact, and take mud baths
- ✓Learning each elephant's individual rescue story from knowledgeable staff
- ✓Occasional sightings of orphaned rhinos that are also cared for at the sanctuary
- ✓Supporting genuine conservation work that rehabilitates and releases wildlife back into protected areas
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 11am public viewing (the only daily session) to secure a good spot along the rope barrier, as it gets very crowded with tour groups.
- 2.Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as you'll be standing in direct sunlight with minimal shade during the hour-long visit.
- 3.Consider fostering an elephant for $50 USD per year, which grants you exclusive access to a private viewing from 5-6pm if you're staying in Nairobi longer.
- 4.Download the trust's app beforehand to learn about each elephant's rescue story, making the experience more meaningful for older children.
- 5.Combine your visit with the nearby Giraffe Centre (10 minutes away) for a full morning of wildlife encounters.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during Kenya's dry seasons (January to February or June to October) when roads are easier to navigate and weather is pleasant. Arrive on a weekday if possible to avoid the largest weekend crowds. The public viewing is only from 11am to 12pm daily, so plan accordingly.
What to Know
Entry costs 1,500 KES (about $11 USD) for international visitors, cash or mobile payment accepted. There is parking on-site, but no restaurant facilities, so eat beforehand. The viewing area is outdoors on relatively flat ground, manageable for strollers.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, 365 days including holidays. The dry seasons (January to February and June to October) offer the best weather and road conditions for international visitors. During rainy season (March to May, November to December), bring rain gear and be prepared for muddy parking areas.
Nearby Eats
The Talisman Restaurant in nearby Karen (15 minutes away) offers a beautiful garden setting with a kids' menu featuring familiar options. Alternatively, the Java House chain has multiple Nairobi locations with reliable Western and Kenyan food that appeals to children.
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