David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Half-Day Tour in Nairobi

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe baby elephants during their daily feedings. At $75 per person, the half-day tour provides transportation and a professional guide, though travelers should account for the mandatory $45 entrance fee. While some have expressed concerns about the tour’s organization and timing, the chance to interact with these orphaned elephants is a highlight for many wildlife enthusiasts. With conservation challenges facing Kenya’s elephant population, this tour provides an inside look at the critical work being done to protect these majestic creatures.

Good To Know

• The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya offers a half-day tour focused on observing daily feedings at the elephant nursery.
• The tour provides insights into elephant conservation challenges and offers an opportunity to adopt an orphaned elephant.
• Positive reviews highlight heartwarming interactions with the elephant calves and the educational value of the experience.
• Potential downsides include poor organization, long travel times, and unexpected additional costs that may impact the overall experience.
• Independent visits or direct bookings are recommended to better manage time and minimize logistical issues during the tour.

Tour Overview

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour in Nairobi, Kenya offers visitors a half-day experience to observe and learn about the trust’s efforts to rehabilitate and care for orphaned elephants.

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars from 47 reviews, the tour focuses on the elephant nursery, allowing ample time to witness the daily feedings of the baby elephants.

Guests will gain insight into the conservation challenges facing Kenya’s elephant population and the trust’s crucial role in protecting these majestic creatures.

The 4-hour tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and the opportunity to potentially adopt an elephant, though additional costs apply for park entrance fees.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour price starts from $75.00 per person, varying based on group size. Visitors must also pay an additional $45 for the mandatory Nairobi National Park entrance fee.

The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and flexible cancellation with 24 hours notice.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults. Souvenir photos are available for purchase.

While the inclusions seem reasonable, some travelers have expressed concerns about additional costs and logistics not being clearly communicated upfront, which may lead to a less than satisfactory experience.

Customer Experiences

Reviews of the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour highlight both positive and negative experiences.

Positive aspects include heartwarming interactions with the orphaned elephants and the educational value of learning about elephant conservation. Customers often praise the opportunity to adopt an elephant.

However, some reviewers note poor organization, with long travel times for pickups and unexpected stops not mentioned in the tour description. Plus, several customers felt the time spent at the orphanage was inadequate.

Some travelers suggest booking directly or visiting independently for a more efficient and personalized experience.

Positive Highlights

Positive aspects of the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour are consistently highlighted by customers.

The opportunity to:

• Witness heartwarming interactions with orphaned baby elephants during their daily feeding
• Learn about the important work of elephant conservation and the threats facing Kenya’s elephant population
• Adopt an elephant and contribute to its ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Experience the educational components that provide deeper insights into the elephants’ lives and the orphanage’s mission

These immersive experiences leave a lasting impression and make the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour a must-see attraction for visitors to Nairobi.

Common Complaints

While the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour offers a heartwarming and educational experience, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the tour. Common complaints include:

Issue	Description
Poor Organization	Long travel times for pickups and additional stops not mentioned in the tour description.
Misleading Descriptions	Lack of clarity around additional costs and the amount of time spent at the orphanage.
Inadequate Time	Reports of visitors feeling rushed and not having enough time to fully enjoy the elephant interactions.

These logistical challenges can detract from the overall experience and lead to frustration among some travelers. Awareness of these potential issues can help set appropriate expectations and ensure a more enjoyable visit.

Specific Issues

The tour description may not fully capture certain specific issues that some customers have encountered.

For example:

• Long travel times for pickups can eat into the time spent at the orphanage, leaving visitors feeling rushed.

• Unexpected additional stops not mentioned in the tour description can further reduce the time available to interact with the elephants.

• Some customers have found that the allotted time at the orphanage is inadequate, limiting their opportunity to fully experience the elephant interactions.

• Lack of clear communication about additional costs, such as the mandatory Nairobi National Park entrance fee, can lead to unpleasant surprises for some travelers.

Recommendations and Advice

Despite some of the reported logistical issues, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour is highly recommended for those seeking heartwarming interactions with elephant calves.

The opportunity to observe the baby elephants during their daily feeding is a unique and unforgettable experience. However, travelers should consider booking directly with the orphanage or using a taxi for a more efficient experience, as the tour operator’s organization has been criticized.

Plus, be aware of any additional costs, such as the mandatory Nairobi National Park entrance fee, before booking. Some travelers even suggest visiting independently to better manage their time at the orphanage.

Additional Tour Details

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour has a maximum group size of 7 travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience.

Infants can join the tour, sitting on laps, and strollers are accessible.

While the tour focuses on the elephant orphanage, it may also include visits to other attractions like a bead factory, which may not be clearly specified in the tour description.

Travelers can receive confirmation upon booking and take advantage of a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour provides an opportunity to interact with elephant calves, though reviews suggest some logistical issues that should be considered prior to booking.

• Maximum of 7 travelers per tour
• Infants must sit on laps; stroller accessible
• Tour may include visits to other attractions
• Confirmation and reserve now, pay later options available

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Water to the Orphanage?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and water to the elephant orphanage. However, there may be restrictions or guidelines on what can be brought in, so it’s best to check with the orphanage beforehand.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking. Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that could potentially harm the elephants. Comfortable shoes are advised for the tour.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but they should avoid disturbing the elephants or obstructing the views of others. Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to avoid startling the animals.

How Do I Get a Refund if I Need to Cancel the Tour at the Last Minute?

According to the provided information, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy with 24-hour notice. Travelers can get a full refund if they need to cancel at the last minute.

What Is the Process for Adopting an Elephant After the Tour?

The tour allows visitors to adopt orphaned elephants. After the tour, travelers can complete an adoption form and pay the required fees to sponsor an elephant’s care with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

The Sum Up

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the rehabilitation of baby elephants. While the tour has some organizational issues, the chance to interact with these magnificent creatures makes it a memorable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers should be aware of additional costs and plan accordingly to make the most of this tour in Nairobi.