David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Shirikisho la David Sheldrick

A renowned elephant orphanage where visitors can watch rescued baby elephants being cared for and returned to the wild. The intimate encounters and conservation mission make it deeply moving and educational.

Things to do

• Morning Elephant Feeding — Arrive early to watch orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed by keepers in an intimate, hands-on setting where you can learn about each calf's rescue story.
• Guided Orphanage Tour — Join a knowledgeable guide through the sanctuary to observe rescued elephants, rhinos, and other animals in their care facilities and learn about rehabilitation techniques.
• Mud Bath Observation — Watch the young elephants playfully bathe in mud and water, a natural behavior essential for their skin health and social bonding with other orphans.
• Nairobi National Park Safari — Take a short drive to the adjacent Nairobi National Park to see lions, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife with the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop.
• Keeper Talk and Q&A — Participate in direct conversations with elephant keepers who share daily care routines, animal personalities, and the Trust's long-term conservation goals.
• Rhino Sanctuary Visit — Explore the dedicated black rhino orphanage section where rescued calves receive specialized care and preparation for eventual release into protected reserves.
• Gift Shop and Conservation Education — Browse sustainable crafts and educational materials while learning how purchases directly support the Trust's rescue and rehabilitation programs.

Food to try

• Ugali with Sukuma Wiki — A staple Kenyan meal of maize flour cooked into a dense cake served with collard greens sautéed in tomato and onion, commonly available at local eateries near the sanctuary.
• Nyama Choma — Grilled meat (often beef or goat) marinated in spices and charcoal-grilled, a beloved Kenyan favorite found at roadside restaurants between Nairobi and the Trust.
• Chapati and Beans — Soft, pan-fried flatbread served with slow-cooked beans in tomato sauce, an affordable and hearty lunch option available throughout the region.
• Githeri — A traditional Highland dish combining maize and beans cooked together with tomatoes and spices, representing comfort food of the Central Highlands where the Trust is located.
• Mandazi with Tea — Sweet fried dough pastries served with hot black tea or coffee, a popular breakfast or snack combination at local vendors and the Trust's café.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Elephant Boundaries — While the Trust allows close interaction, always follow keeper instructions strictly as these are wild animals undergoing trauma recovery and can be unpredictable.
• Dress Appropriately for Mud — Wear closed shoes, practical clothing, and bring a change of clothes as elephant interactions often involve mud, dust, and water from the animals' play areas.
• Photography Ethics — Ask keepers before photographing individual elephants, as some are camera-shy or stressed, and avoid flash photography which can startle recovering animals.
• Learn Local Conservation Context — Understand that Kenyan wildlife faces poaching and habitat loss pressures; the Trust's work reflects broader national conservation efforts and climate challenges in East Africa.

Nearby

• Nairobi National Park — 2 km
• Nairobi — 4 km
• National Museum of Kenya — 4 km
• The Nanotech Centre — 4 km