Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery visitor guide

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery, often remembered by travellers as the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, is one of Nairobi’s most important conservation visits. Located within Nairobi National Park, the Nursery cares for orphaned elephants and other rescued wildlife during the earliest stage of rehabilitation before suitable animals eventually progress toward reintegration into the wild.

A visit is structured around the Nursery’s conservation work. During the public hour, keepers introduce the young elephants, explain individual rescue stories and describe the practical work involved in raising an orphaned elephant. The experience may include feeding and mud-bathing behaviour depending on the elephants and the conditions on the day. It is educational, emotional and tightly timed, so it should be planned as a confirmed appointment rather than treated as a casual walk-in attraction.

Advance booking and timing

The public Nairobi Nursery visit runs from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and advance booking is required. The session cannot simply be delayed for late arrivals, which is why our Nairobi excursion itineraries build in enough transfer time after an early game drive. Visitors should aim to reach the access point well before the session begins.

Entry to the Nursery also requires access through Nairobi National Park. Current Kenya Wildlife Service park fees and the Nursery contribution are separate components of the visit, so the final quotation confirms what is included for the selected travel date and traveller category.

Why combine it with Nairobi National Park?

The Nursery sits within the wider Nairobi National Park area, making an early game drive a natural first part of the day. A private game drive offers the chance to look for rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and other wildlife before travelling to the Nursery for the scheduled conservation session. This creates a stronger story than visiting either place in isolation: the morning begins with wild animals in a protected ecosystem and then moves into the rescue and rehabilitation work that supports wildlife conservation.

Travellers with more time can continue afterwards to the Giraffe Centre Nairobi for another conservation-focused stop. Our Nairobi excursions are arranged around realistic drive times and fixed visitor slots so the day does not feel hurried.

Who should visit?

The Nursery is a strong choice for families, wildlife lovers, conservation-minded travellers and anyone who wants more context behind Kenya’s safari experience. It also works well for a stopover or for guests spending one or two nights in Nairobi before a longer safari. Young children should remain closely supervised and all visitors should follow the keepers’ instructions so the session stays calm for the animals.

Planning responsibly

This is a working wildlife rehabilitation facility, not a petting zoo. Visitors should respect the barriers, keep noise low, avoid distracting the animals and follow the photography rules in force on the day. We confirm the booking requirement, park entry arrangements and pickup time before travel so the conservation visit fits smoothly into the wider Nairobi itinerary.