The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) is a renowned conservation organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to the protection and preservation of wildlife. Founded in 1977, the organization has since become a global leader in elephant and rhino conservation. By visiting the sanctuary, you contribute directly to the conservation efforts. Many sanctuaries like this one relies on visitor fees and donations to fund their operations, including the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and injured animals back into the wild.
Mission
The DSWT operates a nursery and rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants and rhinos, providing round-the-clock care, veterinary treatment, and socialization until they are ready for release into protected areas.Their main focus is on the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of orphaned elephants and rhinos back into the wild. Animals are facing many issues including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
Visiting the DSWT:
Located within Nairobi National Park here is how you can get to the sanctuary from Nairobi center:
- Uber/Taxi: You can hire a taxi or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Bolt to take you from Nairobi to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This option provides flexibility in terms of departure time and can drop you off directly at the Trust’s entrance.
- Car Rental: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can rent a car from various rental agencies in Nairobi and drive yourself to the sanctuary. Make sure to have GPS navigation or a map to guide you.
- Public Bus or Matatu: You can take a public bus or matatu (shared minibus taxi) from Nairobi to areas near Nairobi National Park, where the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located. From there, you may need to walk a short distance or hire a local taxi to reach the entrance of the sanctuary.
- Guided Tour: Joining a guided tour is a convenient option, especially if you prefer not to navigate transportation on your own. Many tour operators in Nairobi offer guided tours to Nairobi National Park, including stops at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This option often includes transportation and sometimes additional perks like guided walks or talks.
The orphanage is open to the public for one hour each day, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Visitors can watch the baby elephants being fed and playing in the mud.
Helpful Tips for Visitors:
Book Tickets Online
Tickets go fast! If you know that you want to visit the sanctuary when you’re in Nairobi then book your tickets online so that you are guaranteed a spot. You can book your tickets up to 3 months in advance. I saw a few cars that had to leave because the day was already sold out prior to even opening. Honestly, due to the popularity I wouldn’t even recommend to go if you didn’t book your tickets online.
How to book your tickets? You need to book your tickets via an online contact form through the main website. In your email inquiry you will need to specify the following:
- Date you wish to visit
- Number of adult and child tickets you wish to book
- Name of each adult/child attending
Confirmation of your booking will be sent by email. Don’t be surprised if you don’t get an automatic response. It can take up to 3 days.
Arrive Early
This place gets crowded, so it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. I recommend being near the entrance and as soon as the gates open rush out to the viewing area to get a good spot in front. Trust me it gets competitive.
Respect the Rules
Follow the rules and guidelines provided by the staff, including maintaining a respectful distance from the animals and refraining from touching or feeding them. Remember these are wild animals.
Adopt an elephant or a rhino
Consider adopting an orphaned elephant or rhino through the DSWT’s adoption program. By becoming a foster parent, you can contribute directly to the care and rehabilitation of a specific animal. Each month you get an update on your animal from the caregivers.
The organization also offers volunteering opportunities for those interested in getting involved in more hands-on conservation work.
Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provides a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect and rehabilitate orphaned elephants and rhinos in Kenya. I learned a lot about each animal’s background story and I would recommend this experience to everyone. Trust me when I say, it is the absolute cutest sight in the world to see baby elephants shuffle over for their daily meal. You can clearly see that the animals are being properly cared for and the mission is inspiring.
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