Caring for Kenya's Elephants: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
✈️ Airport: Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Wilson Airport
Train:Madaraka Express train 
Currency: Kenyan Shillings (Kes)
Weather; Warm and Tropical
Language: English and Swahili are the national languages
Time Zone: East Africa Time (GMT+3)
How to get to David Sheldric Wildlife Trust
By Road: Distance: 10km South of Nairobi City Center
By Air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airports
How to Book a Visit to David Sheldric Wildlife Trust
You need two separate tickets to visit the orphanage:
- The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Nairobi National Park gate entry fees which is paid on ECITIZEN
- You can book a slot by contacting the David Sheldric Wildlife Trust through their website
Only booking confirmations issued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are valid for entry.
Is it possible to make same-day bookig at David Sheldric Wildlife Trust?
It is not possible to make same-day bookings and we ask that you do not go to the orphanage unless you have a confirmed booking.
Create a personal account on the eCitizen Government platform by visiting Ecitizen and make park payments in advance for a fast and convenient park entry.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Entrance Fee
Adult, aged 12 years and above: US$20 per person, or the equivalent in Kenya Shillings (based on the day’s rate).
Adult, Kenya resident: Ksh 2,000, with proof of residency.
Child: aged under 12 years, US$5 per person, or the equivalent in Kenya Shillings (based on the day’s rate).
Child: Kenya resident, Ksh 500, with proof of residency.
Your entry donation is not pre-paid, but payable in cash upon entry to the SWT Nursery on the day of your booked visit.
Also note that you have to pay a separate fee to access the Nairobi National park separately at the Park Entrance through Ecitizen
Here are the Nairobi National Park Entrance fees
Citizen Adults-Ksh430
Citizen Child- Ksh215
Resident Adult- Ksh430
Resident Child- Ksh215
Non-Resident Adult- 43usd
Non-Resident Child -22USD
What to take with you
Drinking water and money
Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a guidebook
When Can I Visit David Sheldric Wildlife Trust
They are open for one-hour daily, from 11am – 12 noon, and attendance is strictly by advanced booking only
David Sheldric Wildlife Trust on Google maps
Who Founded the David Sheldric Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in honor of her late husband, David Sheldrick, a renowned naturalist and conservationist, David Sheldric Wildlife Trust has become a global leader in elephant rescue and rehabilitation. With decades of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to wildlife welfare, the trust has saved hundreds of orphaned elephants and other wildlife species from the brink of extinction.
Orphan Elephant Rescue Program
At the heart of DSWT’s work is its pioneering orphan elephant rescue program. When a baby elephant is orphaned due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or natural causes, DSWT’s team of dedicated keepers and veterinarians swoop in to provide round-the-clock care and support. From bottle-feeding and medical treatment to emotional nurturing and companionship, every effort is made to ensure the orphan’s physical and emotional well-being.
Other Community Based Initiatives David Sheldric Wildlife Trust
But DSWT’s impact extends far beyond the confines of its elephant orphanage. Through community outreach programs, anti-poaching initiatives, and wildlife conservation efforts, the trust is working tirelessly to address the root causes of elephant poaching and habitat loss. By empowering local communities, fostering sustainable development, and advocating for stronger conservation policies, DSWT is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Africa’s wildlife.
What to expect when you visit the David Sheldric Wildlife Trust elephant nursery
One of the highlights of visiting DSWT is the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible bond between the orphaned elephants and their human caregivers. At the trust’s Nairobi nursery, visitors can watch as the playful pachyderms frolic in the mud, suckle from oversized milk bottles, and form lifelong friendships with their fellow orphans. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of these majestic creatures and the power of compassion to make a difference in their lives.
But perhaps the most inspiring aspect of DSWT’s work is its commitment to the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of orphaned elephants back into the wild. Through its pioneering “re-wilding” program, DSWT prepares orphaned elephants for life in the wild by gradually reintroducing them to natural habitats, teaching them essential survival skills, and eventually releasing them into protected areas where they can thrive independently.
Finally…
So whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a conservation advocate, or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, DSWT offers a unique opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of Africa’s elephants. Come visit the trust, meet its incredible team of dedicated caregivers, and join the fight to protect and preserve one of the world’s most iconic species. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the chance to experience the wonder and majesty of elephants in the wild.