11 Days / 10 Nights Elephant Conservation Safari in Kenya
Nairobi • Tsavo East • Amboseli • Samburu (Reteti Elephant Sanctuary)
Follow the Journey of Kenya’s Orphaned Elephants
This carefully designed 10-night Elephant Conservation Safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s leading elephant conservation projects. From meeting rescued orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Elephant Nursery, to witnessing their rehabilitation in Tsavo East National Park, observing Africa’s largest free-ranging elephant population beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park, and concluding with the remarkable community-led conservation work at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu, this itinerary offers a unique insight into elephant conservation while exploring some of Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Travel by comfortable private 4×4 safari vehicle from Nairobi through Tsavo and Amboseli before flying from Amboseli to Samburu (via Nairobi), allowing you to experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes with minimal backtracking.
Safari Highlights
- Visit the world-famous Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Elephant Nursery
- Stay near the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Voi Reintegration Unit in Tsavo East
- Observe orphaned elephants gradually returning to the wild
- Enjoy exceptional game drives in Tsavo East National Park
- Visit Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Experience a private visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Namunyak Conservancy
- Learn how local Samburu communities are protecting elephants
- Scenic flight from Amboseli to Samburu via Nairobi
- Luxury safari accommodation throughout
- Expert private safari guide
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your Beyond Kenya Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, relax after your international flight or enjoy an optional visit to the Karen Blixen Museum or the Giraffe Centre.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 – Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Nairobi National Park
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s only national park located within a capital city.
Later, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Elephant Nursery, where rescued orphaned elephants receive specialist care before eventually returning to the wild.
Watch the famous milk feeding and mud bath while learning about each elephant’s rescue story and the Trust’s conservation efforts.
This afternoon can also include a visit to the Giraffe Centre if desired.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park
Following breakfast, depart by road for Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks.
Enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive searching for:
- Red elephants
- Lions
- Buffalo
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Lesser kudu
- Cheetahs
Depending on your accommodation, enjoy your first visit to the nearby Voi Reintegration Unit or Ithumba Reintegration Unit, where orphaned elephants continue their rehabilitation.
Accommodation: at either Galdessa Camp , Galdessa Little,Ithumba Camp,Ithumba Hills or Ithumba Private
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Elephant Conservation in Tsavo East
Spend the day exploring the vast wilderness of Tsavo East.
Visit the Voi Reintegration Unit or Ithumba Reintegration Unit,, where young orphaned elephants continue learning to survive independently while gradually integrating with wild elephant herds.
Your guide will explain the remarkable rehabilitation programme developed by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Afternoon game drive along the Galana River.
Accommodation: Accommodation: at either Galdessa Camp , Galdessa Little,Ithumba Camp,Ithumba Hills or Ithumba Private
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Full Day Tsavo East National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives throughout Tsavo East.
Visit Lugard Falls, Mudanda Rock or Aruba Dam while searching for elephants, lions, leopards and the many bird species found within the park.
Another opportunity may be available to observe activities at the Voi Reintegration Unit, depending on the day’s schedule and lodge arrangements.
Accommodation: Accommodation: at either Galdessa Camp , Galdessa Little,Ithumba Camp,Ithumba Hills or Ithumba Private
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Tsavo East to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart by road for Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive beneath the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli is internationally recognised for its elephant research and conservation and supports one of Africa’s best-studied elephant populations.
Expect close encounters with large family herds led by experienced matriarchs.
Accommodation: Luxury safari lodge or camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s varied habitats.
Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to photograph elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro while also searching for:
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Buffalo
- Giraffes
- Wildebeest
- Numerous bird species
Learn about the long-term elephant research conducted in Amboseli and how it has shaped global understanding of elephant behaviour and family dynamics.
Accommodation: Accommodation: Luxury safari lodge or camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Fly from Amboseli to Samburu (via Nairobi)
Following breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Samburu via Nairobi.
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your lodge in the spectacular Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy.
Relax before dinner while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: Sarara Camp or Reteti House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Today’s highlight is a visit to the extraordinary Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Owned and managed by the local Samburu community, Reteti rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and abandoned elephant calves before releasing them back into the wild.
Enjoy a private guided visit to observe:
- Morning milk feeding
- Elephant mud baths
- Keeper presentations
- Veterinary care
- Rescue stories
Learn how community conservation is transforming wildlife protection across northern Kenya.
Later enjoy a game drive or guided walk within Namunyak Conservancy.
Accommodation: Accommodation: Sarara Camp or Reteti House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 – Explore Namunyak Conservancy
Spend the day discovering one of Kenya’s most beautiful conservation areas.
Activities may include:
- Guided nature walks
- Scenic game drives
- Cultural visits to Samburu communities
- Birdwatching
- Relaxation at the lodge
A second visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary can be arranged, subject to availability.
Accommodation: Accommodation: Sarara Camp or Reteti House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 – Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi.
Upon arrival, connect with your international departure flight or continue your Kenya holiday.
Suggested Accommodation
Nairobi (2 Nights)
- Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages
- Hemingways Nairobi
- House of Waine
Tsavo East (3 Nights)
Amboseli (2 Nights)
Samburu (3 Nights)
Safari Includes
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
- Road transfers between Nairobi, Tsavo East and Amboseli
- Scheduled flight from Amboseli to Samburu (via Nairobi)
- Scheduled flight from Samburu to Nairobi
- Accommodation as indicated
- Meals as specified( For Tsavo assistance in Groceries in Nairobi as they are self catering with a resident Chef)
- Game drives
- Park and conservancy entry fees (unless otherwise stated)
- Visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Elephant Nursery(excluding entry fees)
- Visits to the Voi Reintegration Unit (subject to lodge access and Trust policies)
- Private visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (subject to availability)
- Airstrip transfers
- Bottled drinking water during safari
Why Book This Safari with Beyond Kenya Safaris?
Beyond Kenya Safaris specialises in tailor-made conservation safaris that connect travellers with Kenya’s most inspiring wildlife projects.
Our expert team will arrange every aspect of your journey, from securing your Nairobi Elephant Nursery booking and coordinating visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s conservation projects to organising your exclusive Reteti Elephant Sanctuary experience. We also carefully select accommodation that complements the conservation theme, ensuring your safari directly supports wildlife protection while delivering exceptional game viewing and authentic experiences.
This itinerary can also be customised with additional nights in Tsavo, Amboseli, Laikipia, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy or the Maasai Mara to create the ultimate Kenya conservation safari.