If you are looking for a truly life-changing opportunity to visit African elephants while contributing towards vital conservation efforts, this is the rewarding experience you’ve been searching for. Include a visit to Tsavo East on your safari to Kenya to experience the privilege of visiting and learning about these magnificent mammals whilst staying in a private safari camp.
Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest protected park
Tsavo East, the largest and oldest protected park in Kenya, stretches over 22,000 km and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo and crocodile, to name a few. Here at the historic national park in the southwest of Kenya, you’ll spend time at the Sheldrick Wildlife Conservation Trust, the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme in the world.
"You will have plenty of opportunities to observe the young elephants being fed by their keepers before heading out on game drives, taking guided walks or relaxing back at camp."
Sadly, the forest and savanna elephant population is declining due to habitat loss and poaching in countries across the continent. That’s why the Sheldrick Wildlife Conservation Trust’s work in Tsavo East is vital.
Sheldrick Trust: a sanctuary for orphaned elephants
Successful programmes at the Tsavo East elephant orphanage include raising and rehabilitating rescued elephants. The aim is to also preserve their habitats, prevent poaching and develop community outreach to improve the livelihoods of local Kenyans. The knowledgeable wildlife team at the camp provide unprecedented insights into the lives of these fragile orphans, explain their behaviours, and regale you with amazing facts about these extraordinary animals.
The journey of rescued elephant calves as they transition back to the wild is remarkable – at five or six years old, they are gradually weaned off milk and given the freedom to explore the area of the National Park surrounding the stockades. Most soon integrate into local wild herds of elephants, though some take longer to embrace independence. Many return regularly until they fully integrate into the wild. The keepers maintain a vital water source at an outside reservoir that attracts both ex-orphans and wild elephants.
Stay here during your Kenya safari and hear wonderful stories from the keepers about herds of former orphans returning to the stockade from the wild and spending time with the current herd! Incredibly, elephants instinctively return when injured, seeking care before rejoining their herds.
Your wildlife conservation safari
You will have plenty of opportunities to have close experiences with the orphaned, ex-orphaned and wild elephants before heading out on game drives to spot safari wildlife, taking guided walks or relaxing back at camp.
Daily activities begin at dawn with a short drive to the elephant calves’ stockade, where you’ll witness their morning milk feed and learn about their unique personalities from dedicated keepers. Watch as they join ex-orphans and wild elephants to roam freely through the bush. Mid-morning, meet them at the watering hole for another feeding and playful dust baths. Spend your afternoon on a game drive or relaxing at camp before returning to see the calves’ orderly evening routine as they settle in for the night. This sanctuary is more than a rescue – it’s a lifelong refuge. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience!
Where you’ll stay: exclusive safari camps in Tsavo East
For the duration of your stay, you’ll have exclusive access to one of the luxury safari camps at Ithumba in the remote northern area of Tsavo East. Each eco lodge offers a blend of rustic charm and comfort. Designed to harmonise with the surrounding wilderness, these spacious accommodations provide a refined retreat while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. The dedicated staff and chef cater to your needs, allowing you to make the most of your time here and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Picture waking up to panoramic views of Ithumba’s dramatic terrain, unwinding on the pool terrace beneath the African sun, and enjoying privileged access to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Reintegration Unit, where you can witness first-hand the inspiring journey of orphaned elephants returning to the wild.
As one of the finest examples of responsible tourism, this experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife while supporting one of the world’s leading conservation efforts.
