Reviews: Reteti Elephant Orphanage visit

"I've supported Reteti through its foster elephant program for a few years now. I was eager to visit and see "my" orphaned elephants and learn more about how Reteti operates.

I got to see the giraffes fed first (and I bottle fed one!) and then the orphan elephants came out in two groups for their bottles. The keepers sing to them as they approach, which was neat to see and hear. Once all have had their bottles, visitors can watch them play in the mudbath. The keeper assigned to watch over me then took me to visit the kitchen and where the milk from the milk mamas is pasteurized so it's safe for the baby elephants. I learned a lot from the keeper and I'm glad I was able to visit. It was fun to see the sanctuary I've watched from afar over social media for so long.

I did not know until after I'd visited that Sarara and Reteti House guests have dedicated hours to visit. A couple staying at Sarara had the morning visit all to themselves. Had I known that I would have done that to avoid the crowds of guests that were at the late morning visit. Just a tip for other Sarara and Reteti House guests!" Read more about this whole safari

"It was sad to see so many orphaned elephants but it was heartening to see how well they are being looked after. The great thing is that the elephants are released back into wild in the area that they were found." Read more about this whole safari

"It’s a 2.5 hour drive from the camp but well well worth it ..the drive actually gave us a chance to see a bit of real Kenya outside of the conservancy ,the guides and rangers who accompanied us were excellent company once again it was just the two of us on the trip .

The orphanage itself ..wow wow wow what a truly amazing place ,we felt extremely honoured to have been able to visit ..what dedication from everyone we met ,Mary was our guide, she was so knowledgeable .We were the only visitors that afternoon its best to go for the 12 o’clock feeding as the elephants then have play time so you get to see so much more than if you go early ..think the early time is 9am. We also had the opportunity to feed the orphaned giraffes ..unbelievably lucky

So the message here is if you have the opportunity to go its so worth it ..you wont regret it and we had a great lunch under elephant rock" Read more about this whole safari

"A must to visit. I was there for a 9 am and a late afternoon. The morning there was a little more activity. The late day I had the viewing to myself. The caregivers are passionate about their work and will explain absolutely everything about the care the elephants receive. It was also wonderful to see so many women working here!" Read more about this whole safari

"We very much enjoyed the elephant sanctuary visit!

There were a lot of "orphans" of different species, which we got to see up close. We enjoyed feeding the baby giraffes and gerenook, and observing the elephant care plans (brief visit with the nutritionist). This was also a nice "link" to the singing wells, as several of the orphans had been rescued from them.

This is an excellent endeavor of the Samburu community and we highly recommend it!" Read more about this whole safari

"A truly special place, and we're so glad we had the opportunity to visit the sanctuary. While there were similarities to the facility in Nairobi, here we had the opportunity to talk to the keepers and really learn about the details of their program.

There was a one month old elephant who had arrived recently, and was bonding with his keeper. It was incredible to see the personality of this little guy, and the dedication of the keeper." Read more about this whole safari

"We visited at midday as our guide recommended this was the best time to see the elephants playing as well as eating.

There aren't just elephants here - there are also baby giraffe and rescued antelopes just wandering around - but the elephants are the main attraction. They rush out for their feed and then there is general carnage as they head for the mud wallow.

If you like watching baby elephants rolling around together in mud (and who doesn't), you'll love it." Read more about this whole safari

"There is nothing more heartwarming than spending an hour here! Watching during feeding time, you instantly see the elephants' personalities (and the keepers!) personalities shine through. The cheeky ones trying to grab a second bottle, the "best friends" who like to be fed together, the keepers seeking out the shy elephants to make sure they have their bottle. Learning about the impact the orphanage has had and continues to make on the Samburu is fascinating." Read more about this whole safari

"A long and bumpy trip to reach this very hidden gem but wouldn't have missed it for anything - one of the highlights of the holiday.

Admirable work being undertaken and a joy to see the orphaned elephants running out to be bottle-fed and interacting with their keepers.

Great to see Samburu women involved here." Read more about this whole safari