Reviews: Reteti Elephant Orphanage visit

"What an amazing time! We left our lodge before sunup and arrived in time for the dawn feeding.

At first, we met two giraffes and were able to get right next to them, feed them, and show them some love. Next, we met a baby zebra, young enough that it still had its fluffy down, instead of fur, and we were able to pet it. We then were up next to the elephant fence when the first batch of elephants came up to us. These elephants were a little older than the next batch but showered us with love and curiosity as they checked us out with their trunks. Their caretakers stood behind us with the milk bottles and the elephants got very excited to get to them.

The next batch, who were younger elephants, came to us also but were not as enthusiastic about us being in front of their milk. The manager, Naiomi, then walked with us on a short trek back to an area with many steep rocks (we called it Elephant rock). The elephants wandered around and even climbed up the rock near where we watched them, while we enjoyed eating breakfast there. It is very interesting to watch elephants climb fairly steep rocks. Back at the administration building, Naiomi showed us how they track the older elephants that have been released back into the open. We also saw how the make their individualized formula based on the elephants' needs and where they came from. Naiomi also explained how they had to switch from human infant-based formula to goat milk supplied by the Samburu women. We thought this was an amazing adventure. We of course visited Sheldrick in Nairobi, but Reteti was an experience in itself, we found it much more authentic, engaging, and private. The people that worked there were clearly proud of the work being done and loved the animals.

We would love to return to visit the orphanage again someday." Read more about this whole safari

"This was an amazing experience in so many ways. The work being done her to save baby elephants (and giraffes and ostriches) was impressive. Equally impressive were the local people who staff this orphanage. I love that the milk is bought from local women, giving them and income. The Retiti Elephant Orphanage was a highlight, not juse for our visit locally but for the whole trip to Kenya." Read more about this whole safari

"We were scheduled to have a private group tour of Reteti, however, we were lucky in that they were going to be re-wilding 13 orphans the day before that planned visit.

Our host arranged for us to be present at the event (as was National Geographic! It was a big deal!). Prior to the ceremony we got a tour of the facilities. Very interesting and worth a visit if you get a chance.

The ceremony was very moving, and incredibly emotional for the caretakers of each Elephant being released. After all, they've been caring for them since they were "wee" babes and here they were, being booted out of the house (so to speak). There won't be another release for, probably, 6-7 years, I think they said." Read more about this whole safari

"This is a wonderful facility doing good work.

We were privileged to attend the orphan release, which was very emotional.

I will be supporting this organization." Read more about this whole safari

"Private visit to Reteti so a lot more intimate than Sheldrick orphanage.

Wonderful interaction with the elephants and observed feeding beside us.

Viewed process for milk preparation and how the orphanage supports women in the local community.

Excellent guide." Read more about this whole safari

"I cannot say enough about the wonderful and amazing work being done here - not only for the orphaned elephants but the Samburu community.

It was an excellent presentation and learned a great deal about elephants and their care.

It was an absolute highlight." Read more about this whole safari

"Very informative" Read more about this whole safari

"I've supported Reteti through its foster elephant program for a few years now. I was eager to visit and see "my" orphaned elephants and learn more about how Reteti operates.

I got to see the giraffes fed first (and I bottle fed one!) and then the orphan elephants came out in two groups for their bottles. The keepers sing to them as they approach, which was neat to see and hear. Once all have had their bottles, visitors can watch them play in the mudbath. The keeper assigned to watch over me then took me to visit the kitchen and where the milk from the milk mamas is pasteurized so it's safe for the baby elephants. I learned a lot from the keeper and I'm glad I was able to visit. It was fun to see the sanctuary I've watched from afar over social media for so long.

I did not know until after I'd visited that Sarara and Reteti House guests have dedicated hours to visit. A couple staying at Sarara had the morning visit all to themselves. Had I known that I would have done that to avoid the crowds of guests that were at the late morning visit. Just a tip for other Sarara and Reteti House guests!" Read more about this whole safari

"It was sad to see so many orphaned elephants but it was heartening to see how well they are being looked after. The great thing is that the elephants are released back into wild in the area that they were found." Read more about this whole safari

"It’s a 2.5 hour drive from the camp but well well worth it ..the drive actually gave us a chance to see a bit of real Kenya outside of the conservancy ,the guides and rangers who accompanied us were excellent company once again it was just the two of us on the trip .

The orphanage itself ..wow wow wow what a truly amazing place ,we felt extremely honoured to have been able to visit ..what dedication from everyone we met ,Mary was our guide, she was so knowledgeable .We were the only visitors that afternoon its best to go for the 12 o’clock feeding as the elephants then have play time so you get to see so much more than if you go early ..think the early time is 9am. We also had the opportunity to feed the orphaned giraffes ..unbelievably lucky

So the message here is if you have the opportunity to go its so worth it ..you wont regret it and we had a great lunch under elephant rock" Read more about this whole safari