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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of East Africa’s first conservation organizations and is globally recognized for its impactful work. Established in 1977 by the Sheldrick family, the Trust began as an elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program. Over the years, it has expanded to include a range of important conservation initiatives, all based out of Nairobi, Kenya.
These efforts include an elephant orphanage, anti-poaching units, mobile veterinary teams, and habitat preservation projects, all critical in protecting Kenya’s wildlife. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage is open to the public and offers visitors a special opportunity to see their work up close. Continue reading to learn how to visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and discover everything you need to know about this remarkable organization.
About Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a globally recognized wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization founded in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick. Originally named the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in honor of her late husband, David Sheldrick—a naturalist and the founding warden of Kenya’s Tsavo National Park—the organization has been a pioneer in wildlife conservation.
For 25 years, Daphne and David worked together to rehabilitate numerous species, laying the foundation for what would become one of Kenya’s most impactful conservation efforts. Following Daphne’s passing in 2018, the organization was renamed the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in 2019 to honor both her and David’s legacy. Today, their daughter, Angela Sheldrick, who grew up in Nairobi National Park working alongside her mother, leads the trust.
In the early 20th century, Africa was home to an estimated 3–5 million elephants; today, that number has plummeted to just 400,000. Over the years, SWT has rescued and rehabilitated more than 260 orphaned elephants and continues to play a vital role in Kenya’s efforts to protect this endangered species. The trust’s orphanage is open to the public daily, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the dedication and care involved in wildlife rehabilitation and spend time with the young elephants.
Where is Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) operates across Kenya, collaborating closely with the country’s national parks and forests to support wildlife conservation. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, where its primary rehabilitation nursery is based within Nairobi National Park. The nursery serves as the heart of the organization’s efforts, caring for orphaned animals and preparing them for reintegration into the wild.
In addition to its Nairobi operations, SWT owns 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares) of land adjacent to Tsavo East National Park, which supports its extensive Tsavo-based conservation initiatives. This area is home to three Reintegration Units, which play an important role in transitioning rehabilitated elephants and other wildlife back into their natural habitats.
Getting to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The closest airport to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, located approximately 17 mi (27 km) or about a 40-minute drive from the Elephant Orphanage.
Visitors can reach the orphanage easily by taxi or rideshare, with taxi fares from the airport averaging around $25 USD. Transportation is also readily available from hotels throughout Nairobi, making it convenient for those staying in the city.
For travelers who prefer a more organized experience, many guided tours include round-trip transportation from Nairobi hotels. These tours often combine a visit to the Elephant Orphanage with other attractions in the city, such as the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Park, allowing you to make the most of your time in the area.
What Does Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Do?
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya, playing a crucial role in protecting elephants, rhinos, and other endangered species from the ongoing threats of poaching, habitat loss, and drought. The demand for ivory, widespread deforestation, and climate-related challenges have devastated wildlife populations for decades. However, for the first time in years, Kenya is seeing a small but encouraging increase in elephant numbers, thanks in large part to the efforts of SWT.
The Trust has implemented a range of innovative programs to combat the loss of wildlife, including the Anti-Poaching Unit, Veterinary Unit, Water for Wildlife Project, and the Orphans’ Project. Each program plays a role in ensuring the survival of Kenya’s wildlife, but the Orphans’ Project is perhaps the most well-known.
Orphans’ Project
At the heart of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the Orphans’ Project, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos. Many of these young animals lose their mothers to poaching or succumb to drought, leaving them vulnerable and unable to survive on their own. Elephant calves are milk-dependent for the first two years of life, making their survival without intervention nearly impossible.
The program was developed by Daphne Sheldrick, who pioneered the perfect baby elephant formula and a method of care that ensures these orphans thrive. When the calves first arrive at the orphanage, they are often dehydrated, fragile, and deeply traumatized by the loss of their families. Elephants, being highly intelligent and social animals, grieve deeply, and this emotional trauma is addressed as part of their rehabilitation process.
Caring for orphans during the nursery stage requires constant attention. The dedicated nursery keepers provide 24-hour care, feeding the calves every three hours and even sleeping beside them at night. Over time, the keepers become their “family”, offering the emotional support and social structure the calves need to survive. Much like human children, the young elephants require blankets, toys, walks, and mental stimulation to grow and develop.
Reintegration Units
At around three to four years old, the orphans are weaned off formula and gradually introduced to a plant-based diet. Once they are physically stronger, they are transferred to one of SWT’s reintegration units, most of which are located in Tsavo National Park, home to Kenya’s largest elephant population.
Each morning, the orphans are escorted by their keepers into the park, where they are introduced to past nursery graduates and eventually to wild herds. The time it takes for an orphan to fully transition into the wild varies depending on the individual elephant’s personality, strength, and circumstances. During this phase, the young elephants return to the safety of the reintegration unit each evening until they are no longer vulnerable to predators.
How to Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The nursery has a strict schedule and allows visitors daily from 11 am to 12 pm (except Christmas). It’s important to note that access to the public hour is by advance booking only, as space is limited to ensure the elephants’ well-being. Tickets are released three months in advance and reservations must be made by contacting the Nairobi office. Same-day bookings are not available, so be sure to plan ahead to secure your spot.
Entry to the nursery is $20 USD, payable in cash on the day of your visit. However, an additional donation is appreciated and encouraged. An entry fee to Nairobi National Park is also required to access the orphanage. Park fees are $100 USD per adult and can be paid online through Kenya Wildlife Service. Since you are already paying the fees, I suggest arranging a game drive through the park after your SWT visit.
Before the COVID pandemic, there was an additional option to visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which I hope returns in the future. This option was through the SWF’s fostering program. The fostering program allowed guests to choose an orphan to sponsor for a contribution of $50 USD and gave guests a more intimate experience. Guests were given a picture of their chosen orphan and allowed an evening visit with fewer guests.
An online version of the fostering program is still available if you would like to donate to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. All money raised goes toward the general care of the elephants. Each orphan’s photo and story are available online and you will receive updates on your chosen orphan throughout the year.
What to Expect at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a rare chance to witness the incredible care and dedication that goes into rescuing and rehabilitating the elephants.
The orphanage is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., during which visitors can observe the young elephants as they return from the park for their midday feeding and playtime. Watching the elephants interact with each other and their keepers is heartwarming.
The staff share insightful stories about each elephant’s journey, from the circumstances that led them to the orphanage to the ongoing efforts to prepare them for reintegration into the wild. Visitors also learn about the Trust’s other conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching efforts and habitat preservation.
Where to Stay Near Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Located just 2.5 mi (4 km) from the nursery, Longview Suites Hotel is an excellent choice for those who wish to visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The hotel is under a 10-minute drive away and offers clean, no-frills accommodations with an on-site restaurant. While the surrounding area is quiet with few amenities, this hotel is ideal for visitors who prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of Nairobi’s city center.
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport is a great option for travelers arriving on late-night flights or those seeking convenience. This modern and secure hotel is located just minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and offers a complimentary airport shuttle. It provides comfortable accommodations and great amenities, making it a reliable and hassle-free choice.
The Boma Nairobi is a fantastic mid-range option in southern Nairobi. The hotel features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, an on-site spa, and a restaurant. Guests can request airport transportation in advance and the staff is available to assist with booking activities. It’s a great base for visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Want To Know More?
I can’t say enough about the incredible work done by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT). The dedicated staff goes above and beyond to care for and protect these vulnerable animals, and their passion is truly inspiring. I strongly encourage you to learn more about the organization and consider donating to support their efforts. The SWT website is filled with valuable information and moving individual stories about each orphan.
Additionally, I highly recommend watching the documentary Gardeners of Eden, which beautifully captures the work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This powerful film showcases the efforts of their anti-poaching and veterinary units. Be warned, it may bring tears to your eyes, but it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the depth of dedication these individuals have to wildlife conservation. I have immense respect for the people behind SWT. I hope you enjoy the film and are inspired by the work they do.
Have you been to Nairobi? Did you visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust? I’d love to hear about your experience. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Interested in visiting giraffes in Nairobi? Continue to my post “How to Stay at the Incredible Giraffe Manor“.
I love elephants! I hung out with them at the Elephant Retirement Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I learned about the difference between African and Thai elephants, but I can’t remember now. But who cares? Baby elephants are so cute!!!
I definitely want to go visit them in Chiang Mai! Looks like so much fun!
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You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!