Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: opening hours, booking and fostering
Updated on October 18, 2026
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Nursery takes in orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, cared for by keepers before they return to the wild. It is inside Nairobi National Park. The public visit lasts one hour: the keepers bring the calves to drink their milk, roll in the mud and play in front of visitors, and explain each one's story. It is one of the most memorable moments of a stay in Nairobi.
Highlights
The calves in the mud
They roll in the red earth in front of the visitors.
The bottle
The keepers feed the youngest ones with milk.
Fostering
The Trust offers a symbolic online adoption of a calf.
Practical info
Tips
- The public visit takes place every day from 11am to 12 noon, except 25 December. You must book by writing to the Trust's Nairobi office; only a confirmation issued by the Trust is valid, and bookings made through third-party platforms (Viator, GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor) are not accepted. Entry is a minimum donation of USD 20 per adult (KSh 2,000 for residents, with proof) and USD 5 per child under 12 (KSh 500 for residents), payable in cash on the day of the visit. The KWS entry fee for Nairobi National Park is extra: see Nairobi National Park. Arrive early: the visit cannot be delayed or extended.
How to get there
The centre is inside Nairobi National Park, near the Langata entrance. It is easy to combine with the Giraffe Centre; see Nairobi in one day.
Opening hours
Best: Visit at 11am
Every day
11:00-12:00 (booking required; closed on 25 December)
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