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Beyond Kenya Safaris

A forest path at sunset with a guide in green leading a line of elephants, some wearing red blankets.

Nairobi Elephant Nursery

Meet Kenya’s Famous Orphaned Elephants

The Nairobi Elephant Nursery, operated by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, is one of Kenya’s most inspiring wildlife attractions and a must-visit experience for anyone with a passion for elephants and conservation.

Located within Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from Nairobi’s city centre, the Nursery is where rescued orphaned elephants begin their remarkable journey back to the wild. Every calf cared for here has lost its mother through drought, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, accidents or natural causes. Thanks to the dedication of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s expert keepers, these vulnerable elephants are given a second chance at life.

A visit to the Nairobi Elephant Nursery is far more than a sightseeing excursion. It is an opportunity to witness one of the world’s most successful elephant rescue and rehabilitation programmes while directly supporting wildlife conservation in Kenya.

The Beginning of Every Orphan’s Journey

The Nairobi Elephant Nursery represents the first stage in the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s internationally recognised rehabilitation programme.

Since opening in 1987, the Nursery has rescued and successfully raised hundreds of orphaned elephants, many of whom have later returned to live freely in the wild after graduating to one of the Trust’s Reintegration Units.

Every rescued calf receives:

  • Emergency veterinary care
  • A specialised milk formula developed specifically for orphaned elephants
  • Twenty-four-hour supervision
  • Emotional care and companionship
  • Daily exercise and socialisation
  • Gradual introduction to other orphaned elephants

The ultimate goal is always the same—to return every elephant to a free and independent life in the wild.

Extraordinary Care Around the Clock

Baby elephants are among the most difficult wild animals to rehabilitate.

They require constant feeding throughout the day and night, emotional reassurance and close companionship after suffering the trauma of losing their mothers.

The dedicated Keepers become surrogate family members, even sleeping beside the youngest elephants so they are never left alone.

This extraordinary level of care has made the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust a global leader in elephant rehabilitation.

Visit the Daily Mud Bath and Milk Feed

The highlight of every visit is the famous 11:00 am public viewing, when the orphaned elephants emerge from the forest for their midday milk feed and mud bath.

During this unforgettable experience you will watch:

  • Young elephants running excitedly for their milk bottles
  • Playful mud bathing
  • Wrestling matches between the calves
  • Individual personalities on full display
  • Keepers introducing each orphan by name
  • Conservation talks explaining every elephant’s rescue story

No two visits are ever the same, making each experience unique. Access is by advance booking only, and visitors should arrive early because the visit runs strictly from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Meet the Future of Kenya’s Elephant Population

Each orphan has a unique story.

Some were rescued after:

  • Falling into wells
  • Becoming trapped in mud
  • Losing their mothers to poaching
  • Becoming separated during drought
  • Human-wildlife conflict
  • Natural disasters

Although their beginnings are heartbreaking, the Nursery gives every elephant hope for a future back in the wild.

Visitors quickly discover that every calf has its own personality.

Some are adventurous.

Others are shy.

Some become natural leaders while others remain playful and mischievous long after feeding time.

What Happens After the Nursery?

The Nairobi Nursery is only the beginning.

When elephants are approximately three years old and ready for greater independence, they graduate to one of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Reintegration Units:

Here they gradually learn to survive independently while interacting with wild elephant herds before eventually returning completely to life in the wild.

Supporting Wildlife Conservation

A visit to the Nursery directly supports the wider conservation work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

This includes:

  • Elephant rescue operations
  • Mobile veterinary units
  • Anti-poaching teams
  • Aerial surveillance
  • Habitat protection
  • Community conservation projects
  • Wildlife water initiatives
  • Rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, rhinos and other wildlife

Every visitor helps ensure these vital programmes continue for future generations.

Planning Your Visit with Beyond Kenya Safaris

At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we include the Nairobi Elephant Nursery in many of our tailor-made Kenya safaris.

We take care of every detail, including:

  • Advance booking of your Nursery visit
  • Transport to and from Nairobi National Park
  • Accommodation in Nairobi
  • Private guided excursions
  • Combining your visit with Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Park
  • Multi-day safari itineraries throughout Kenya

The Nursery is also the perfect introduction before continuing your journey to one of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Eco Lodges, where you can follow the next chapter in the elephants’ rehabilitation.

Combine Your Visit with a Kenya Safari

Many guests combine the Nairobi Elephant Nursery with:

This creates a meaningful safari that combines wildlife viewing with genuine conservation experiences.

Best Time to Visit

The Nairobi Elephant Nursery is open throughout the year.

The public visit takes place daily (except 25 December) from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Advance reservations are essential because visitor numbers are limited and places fill quickly.

Why Visit the Nairobi Elephant Nursery?

Visitors consistently describe the Nursery as one of the most memorable experiences of their trip to Kenya.

Highlights include:

  • Meeting rescued orphan elephants
  • Learning about elephant conservation
  • Watching milk feeding sessions
  • Seeing playful mud baths
  • Listening to inspiring rescue stories
  • Supporting wildlife conservation
  • Excellent photography opportunities
  • Family-friendly experience
  • Easy access from Nairobi

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Nairobi Elephant Nursery?

The Nursery is located inside Nairobi National Park and is accessed through the KWS Mbagathi (Workshop) Gate on Magadi Road.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. Visits are strictly by advance reservation, and bookings are normally accepted up to three months ahead. Same-day visits are not available.

What time is the public visit?

The public viewing takes place daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon (except Christmas Day).

How long does the visit last?

Approximately one hour.

Can I touch the elephants?

No. To ensure the elephants remain suitable for eventual release into the wild, direct interaction is limited to their Keepers. Occasionally, a curious youngster may reach out with its trunk, but visitors remain behind a viewing barrier.

Can I foster an elephant?

Yes. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers an elephant fostering programme, allowing supporters to contribute to an orphan’s long-term care and receive regular updates.

Book Your Nairobi Elephant Nursery Experience with Beyond Kenya Safaris

Beyond Kenya Safaris specialises in conservation-focused Kenya safaris that showcase the country’s extraordinary wildlife while supporting meaningful conservation initiatives.

Whether you are spending a single day in Nairobi or planning a multi-destination safari, we can arrange your visit to the Nairobi Elephant Nursery and seamlessly combine it with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Eco Lodges, Tsavo East National Park, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia or the Maasai Mara.

From securing your Nursery booking to designing a complete tailor-made safari, our experienced team ensures every detail is carefully planned, allowing you to enjoy one of Kenya’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences.

A guide of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Kenya