Reviews: Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

"Informative visit with good speaker.

The number of visitors was well managed leaving plenty of opportunity to have an unobstructed view of the elephants and baby rhino." Read more about this whole safari

"This was a great visit.

Tremendous work is being accomplished for these majestic animals. It was fantastic to be in a private audience and move among the babies. It was a highlight of the day.

Fascinating to learn how the elephants are returned to the wild." Read more about this whole safari

"Love the private tour and interaction with the animals" Read more about this whole safari

"This was a repeat visit for us; we went twice in 2019, on our first visit to Nairobi, once in the morning for the general public and once the following afternoon for those who have adopted elephants and/ rhinos. This time, only the morning visit was offered and it was quite crowded but we had expected that and it didn’t spoil the experience.

We were first introduced to little Raha, the orphan rhino whom we sponsor, and she was delightful, very happy to parade around the area for us and not at all worried by us. Then came the elephants, in two groups, rushing for their milk and for a roll in the dust and a splash in the pond. Again, they were delightful and, as before, it’s amazing to be able to get that close to an animal.

We think the centre does a remarkable job in raising these elephants and then in reintegrating them into the wild." Read more about this whole safari

"I was not a fan of the Elephant center. The whole atmosphere was more like a circus than anything else. I'm glad to know that the orphans were saved and I guess one way they pay for maintaining the operation is to encourage visitors. But it was crowded, unruly and the presentation was labored.

More broadly, we think both the Giraffe center and the Elephant visit would have been better arranged as part of our arrival day, ideally visiting them first and then driving through the national park later in the afternoon, after a late lunch near one of the centers." Read more about this whole safari

"Again, I'm not a fan of more touristed animal experiences like this though I very much admire the work being done and the baby elephants are adorable.

I just didn't like having to leave the park and Emakoko at this point in the trip." Read more about this whole safari

"Without hesitation, this was my #1 place to visit while in Kenya.

I follow Sheldrick on social media and I had adopted the baby Rhino, Raha, before my trip to Kenya.

I was so very lucky and fortunate to meet the little girl." Read more about this whole safari

"What an amazing experience to visit Sheldricks. We had a private visit and were able to spend time with these gentle giants, watching them play with each other (and us) and see their personalities.

While excruciatingly heartbreaking that these innocent creatures have been orphaned through either human or natural causes, it brings me hope that the process and dedication of the staff at Sheldricks will ultimately give them the chance to live with an adopted family in the wild.

Learning about the process, how each young elephant has a dedicated human day and night, until they are ready to move up to the next level of getting ready for re-introduction, and then ultimately brought to a home in the wild, while the staff live in the nearby camp for as long as necessary until the elephant stops coming back to their human and has been fully adopted by their new family- typically about 5 years.

My heart explodes with gratitude for this dedication and true efforts for providing a way to sustain one of earth’s most cherished creatures." Read more about this whole safari

"I HIGHLY recommend this visit as a private group. it was well worth the money.
(Disclaimer - I haven't done it otherwise, but can imagine that the interactions may be less with a larger, open group.)

I follow Sheldrick's on social media so I had an idea of what to expect. There is something magical about seeing a line of elephants, of all sizes, coming running in for milk time, at your feet! The keepers are so kind, loving and knowledgeable of each one of them. They encourage interaction with the elephants and are more than willing to take pictures of you doing so. Just be prepared for the heart strings to be pulled a little bit - it is truly a magical and majestic experience.

You'll meet Maxwell the blind rhino. He can have a little bit of an attitude, but is majestic in his own right.

THEN - there is Raja! The baby rhino that was rescued after the hyenas injured her so badly as a newborn. Another magical experience I highly recommend. Don't hesitate to get down on the ground and interact with her - you will be forever changed." Read more about this whole safari

"A real highlight! Nowhere else could such an experience be gotten.

Staff was fun & friendly. A delightful beginning to our adventure." Read more about this whole safari