pollydill

Perhaps this has been asked and answered, but I was wondering if the Sheldrick orphanage was open daily and if so, when? Is it also true that as a benefactor you may be allowed additional time with the eles?

Just trying to plan our time in Nairobi accordingly.

Thanks,
PD

Ishkol

Hi PD
The Sheldrick Orphanage opens daily. But the prime time if around 11 am when the orphans are fed. Not so sure about additonal time for benefactors. Hope that is helpful.

ShayTay

The public viewing hour is from 11am to noon. If you are a foster parent, you can go for an "up close and personal" visit from about 5:15 to 6pm. You'll need to contact them in advance, though.

pollydill

Thank you ShayTay and Ishkol.

Love Fodorites.

losaltos

You can also arrange a private visit with your ele. YOu get to fed her and then they all come out and you can be in the middle of the pack! Then they take you all around the complex. Also got to "meet" the blind black rhino they have. This was expensive, but it was so wonderful!

pollydill

That is good to know losaltos. Do you contact via email for this private adventure? and is this what ShayTay was referring to with the 5:15-6pm visit?

ShayTay

Yes, I think Losaltos is describing the foster parent visit in the late afternoon when they bring the baby eles back to the stockades.

Patty

It sounds like losaltos is describing something different if it was expensive. There is no cost for the foster parent visit and it's not private as there are usually other foster parents there. Could you clarify, losaltos?

sundowner

I am interested also. When I did the 5pm visit in 2007 we were only able to watch the elelphants being fed and put to bed. We were not able to interact with them at all.

My daughter and I will be there in June and I would love for us to be able to feed our adopted babies.

sallysaab

Someone, not Sheldricks, told us they paid something like $300 for "private visit" and it was only going to be her around 3pm. Email Sheldricks ASAP and ask as they get booked up very quickly even for the 5pm visit.

Cheweyhead

We made an additional donation 300$ if I remember correctly - four of us- we were able to feed and play soccer and "hang out" with both age groups of elephants; and tour the environs. This was in 2007.