Safaris

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust 7 Nights 8 Days Safari — Elephant Orphanage & Big Five

An extraordinary elephant conservation safari: foster elephant visits at Ithumba, Tsavo East & West, and Amboseli.

8 Days / 7 Nights
From USD 2,740 per person (4x4 Land Cruiser)
Year-round (Prior foster parent registration required for Ithumba access)

Overview

What this trip is

Calling all elephant enthusiasts! Embark on an unforgettable 8-day safari designed specifically for elephant lovers and conservationists. Visit the world-famous Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Ithumba Reintegration Unit in northern Tsavo East to connect with your fostered elephant orphan, explore the dramatic lava flows of Tsavo West and Mzima Springs, and witness massive elephant herds against the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.

Departure: Private departures from Nairobi at 7:00 AM

Highlights

Exclusive visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Ithumba Reintegration Unit (foster parent access)
Interact with rescued orphan elephant calves at 5:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM sessions
Tsavo East dust-red elephants and Yatta Plateau lava formations
Tsavo West Mzima Springs underwater hippo viewing and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Amboseli National Park with vast elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro
Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof & Flying Doctors evacuation cover

Wildlife you may see

Rescued Orphaned Elephants
Tsavo Red Elephants
Black Rhinos (Ngulia)
Lions, Leopards & Cheetahs
Hippos & Crocodiles (Mzima Springs)
Amboseli Elephant Herds
Mount Kilimanjaro Backdrops

Itinerary

Day 1
Nairobi to Tsavo East Ithumba (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust)
Pick up from Nairobi at 07:00 AM for a 6-hour drive to Tsavo East. Stop at Emali town for groceries. Arrive at Ithumba Camp around lunchtime. At 17:00 PM, visit the Ithumba Reintegration Unit to see the foster elephants returning from the bush. Dinner and overnight at Ithumba Camp.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ithumba Camp (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust)
Day 2
Tsavo East Ithumba Reintegration Unit — Full Day with Foster Elephants
05:00 AM early visit to Ithumba to see the calves waking up. Return to camp for breakfast. At 11:00 AM, enjoy the mud bath session as elephants swim and play. Afternoon rest/short game drive, followed by 17:00 PM bedtime visit. Dinner and overnight at Ithumba Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ithumba Camp
Day 3
Tsavo East Ithumba Reintegration Unit — Deepening Connections
Another heartwarming full day at Ithumba with 05:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 17:00 PM visits. Observe wild ex-orphans returning to visit caretakers. Dinner and overnight at Ithumba Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ithumba Camp
Day 4
Ithumba to Tsavo West National Park
Final 05:00 AM morning visit with foster elephants. After breakfast, drive 3 hours to Tsavo West National Park. Check in at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge / Severin Safari Camp for lunch. Afternoon game drive tracking leopards and rhinos. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge / Severin Safari Camp
Day 5
Tsavo West Mzima Springs & Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Morning game drive to Mzima Springs to watch hippos and fish through the submerged glass observatory. Afternoon game drive into the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary to spot endangered black rhinos. Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni Serena.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge / Severin Safari Camp
Day 6
Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
Breakfast and game drive departing Tsavo West towards Amboseli National Park (less than 3 hours). Check in at Ol Tukai Lodge or Amboseli Serena Lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge / Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 7
Amboseli National Park Full Day
06:15 AM dawn game drive followed by breakfast. Full day exploring Amboseli's swamps and plains teeming with hundreds of elephants, lions, and birdlife against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge / Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 8
Amboseli to Nairobi — Carnivore Lunch
Early morning sunrise game drive and breakfast. Check out and drive back to Nairobi with an en-route game drive. Celebratory lunch at The Carnivore Restaurant before drop-off at Nairobi Airport or your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Carnivore Lunch

Pricing

Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 Jeep — Pricing per Person (USD)

Group Size	High Season	Mid Season	Low Season
4 Pax (Price for 4)	US$ 15,000 ($3,750 pp)	US$ 14,500 ($3,625 pp)	US$ 13,800 ($3,450 pp)
6 Pax (Price for 6)	US$ 18,600 ($3,100 pp)	US$ 17,280 ($2,740 pp)	US$ 16,440 ($2,880 pp)

Prior fostering of an elephant orphan through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) is required for Ithumba entry. Children 12–18: 75%; 3–11: 50%.

Included

Complimentary arrival & departure airport transfers in Nairobi
Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser Jeep with pop-up roof & window seats
All park & conservancy fees (Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli)
Accommodations at Ithumba Camp, Kilaguni Serena, and Ol Tukai Lodge
Delicious full board meals throughout
Expert multilingual driver guide
Complimentary bottled mineral water & 24/7 concierge support
Comprehensive vehicle insurance & Flying Doctors airlift evacuation cover
Farewell lunch at Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi

Not included

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant fostering fee ($50 USD/year per orphan directly to DSWT)
International flights and Kenyan entry visa
Spirits and strong alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for guide and orphanage caretakers
Personal expenses

Good to know