Located on the western edge of the Nairobi National Park is The David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage. This popular wildlife tourism destination is home to dozens of baby and adolescent elephants who were orphaned and can no longer survive on their own. The sad reality is that without this sanctuary, these elephants would have died.
It’s heartbreaking to see so many young elephants needing assistance, however, heartwarming to know that man that is helping to rehabilitate, protect, and repopulate these majestic creatures back into the wild.
Arrive early as hundreds of visitors jockey for a place to get up close to these adorable baby elephants.
Precisely at 11:00 am the elephants are (very willingly) led from the forest into a large, roped-off area where they are fed bottles of milk and get a chance to mingle and play with other baby and adolescent elephants.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW…
Ropes aren’t used to corral or restrain the elephants. They’re used to keep the visitors from swarming the gentle giants.
Elephant Orphanage Uncensored
Play-time is a happy time for these leathery pachyderms; rolling in the dirt, splashing in the water and slinging mud on the visitors is ‘the norm’ for these four-legged friends.
The curious and playful elephants love to investigate the non-elephant life forms snapping of pictures of them. You’re able to touch/pet them and snap some jealousy-inducing selfies.
YOU’VE BEEN WARNED
Elephants love getting dirty; if you’re not dirty when you get there, you will be when you leave. The elephants sling mud, splash around and spray water on everything around.
This destination is top-rated, and visitors line up 30-60 minutes before feeding time to ensure a spot. If you’re not in when they hit the maximum capacity, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.
Admission to this fantastic destination is a modest USD 7 and survives on donations and generosity of purchases at the souvenir shop. All revenue helps keep the doors open and the bottles of milk full for our fat, leathery friends.
Elephant Orphanage through the viewfinder
Ridiculously frequent flyer, world traveler, travel blogger and photographer. I’ve explored 40+ countries across 6 continents. 1+ million miles flown and counting. Masters degree in blanket fort engineering and double minor in Netflix and nachos.
