Reviews: Reteti Elephant Orphanage visit

"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

"A must to visit. I was there for a 9 am and a late afternoon. The morning there was a little more activity. The late day I had the viewing to myself. The caregivers are passionate about their work and will explain absolutely everything about the care the elephants receive. It was also wonderful to see so many women working here!" Read more about this whole safari