Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Entrance Fees

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, located in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu County, is one of the first community-run organisations in Kenya. It was established in 2016. The project provides empowerment for the team of all female ‘keepers’ at the Sanctuary who are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rewilding orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, along with other wildlife. Animals released back into the same wilderness from which they were rescued, increases the chances of herd reunion and maintaining wildlife levels in the northern ecosystem.

Before this, there was only one establishment of this kind in the country, namely, David Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park. Previously, any rescued elephant calf from any part of the country would be taken to Sheldrick’s; however, it didn’t make much sense that elephants rescued in northern Kenya would later be re-integrated back into the wild in Tsavo National Park, a completely different landscape with a different climate than where they were first rescued. Initially, Sheldrick was opposed to the establishment of Reteti. Eventually, both parties agreed that all calves rescued north of the equator would go to Reteti, while the others would go to Sheldrick’s.

Entrance fees go directly back to the project, helping to buy milk formula, bottles for feeding, and various medicines for the animals. Visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is not only an incredible addition to your safari but one of the best ways to safeguard the wildlife in the area, as well as support the local community dedicated to protecting them. Guests get an exclusive opportunity to witness feeding and playtime at the Sanctuary, as well as an in-depth look behind the scenes.

A typical excursion includes a scenic drive, arriving in time for a briefing by one of the keepers, a tour of the kitchen where they prepare the milk formulas and a chance to talk to the vet on duty. Guests then get a unique opportunity to witness the infants’ feeding and playtime.

The elephants stay in the sanctuary under the watchful eyes of the keepers until the age of 3. They are then moved to Sera wildlife conservancy where they start the journey back to the wild. By this time, they can fend for themselves but they are monitored through collars as they make the transition. So far several elephants have been successfully raised and released back to the wild.

Why Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

1. Responsible tourism

First community-owned/run Sanctuary for abandoned or orphaned elephants and other wildlife.

2. Immersive experience

In-depth briefing and behind-the-scenes look at what goes into caring for the ‘residents’.

3. Exclusive encounters

A small maximum visitor’ size means an intimate, up-close-and-personal visit.

4. Female Empowerment

Pioneering women elephant keepers in conservation & community tourism.

5. Direct contribution to conservation

All entry fees into the Sanctuary go to protecting those that need it most – the animals.

6. Territorial release programme

Animals are released back into the same wilderness from which they were rescued, increasing chances of herd reunion and maintaining wildlife levels in the northern ecosystem.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Location

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is located approximately 200km north of Nanyuki town. The road is pretty straightforward. You stick to the A2 towards Marsabit. A few metres after Sereolipi town, there is a left turn onto a 21-kilometre dirt road that leads to the sanctuary.

What to Expect

After feeding, the elephants enjoy a mud bath, playing around with the water and bonding with each other before they go out again. You can stick around for this as well.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Entry Fees

The cost per person is Ksh.150.00 for Kenyans and 20 USD for foreigners.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Opening Hours

Reteti elephant sanctuary is open to visitors within specific time frames 8.30 AM-10.00 Am and 11.30 AM- 1.00 PM. These timelines are strict since the elephants are on a schedule.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Contact

You can make your booking by contacting the sanctuary manager directly, phoning: +254 798 716351, NRT Tourism or simply sending an email to the address on the website

Leave a Comment