Explore Reteti Elephant Sanctuary with Adeli Kenya Safaris: Up close with rescued elephants
Hidden within the spectacular Namunyak Community Conservancy in northern Kenya, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is unlike any other wildlife attraction in Africa. It is the first Indigenous community-owned and community-managed elephant sanctuary in Africa, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and ultimately returning orphaned and abandoned elephants to the wild.
A visit to Reteti is more than simply watching baby elephants drink milk—it is an opportunity to witness a remarkable conservation success story led by the Samburu community. Every visit helps fund elephant rescue, veterinary care, habitat protection, and local livelihoods.
Explore Reteti Elephant Sanctuary with Adeli Kenya Safaris. Discover entry fees, elephant feeding times, conservation experiences, visitor tips, booking information, and the best ways to combine Reteti with Samburu, Lewa, and Ol Pejeta on a northern Kenya safari.
Why Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary?
Reteti offers a truly meaningful wildlife experience where conservation and community go hand in hand.
Highlights include:
- Watching orphaned elephants during their milk-feeding sessions
- Learning from expert Samburu elephant keepers
- Discovering how orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and prepared for release
- Visiting the modern Reteti Visitor Centre
- Supporting community-led conservation
- Experiencing one of Kenya’s most authentic conservation projects
Unlike many wildlife attractions, Reteti’s mission is to minimize human contact with the elephants so they can eventually return to life in the wild. Visitors observe but do not touch or feed the elephants.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Entry Fees (2026)
Entry is by advance booking only and operates as a conservation donation.
| Visitor Category | Minimum Donation |
|---|---|
| Kenyan Citizen | KES 1,000 |
| Kenyan Resident | KES 2,000 |
| International Visitor | USD 75 |
| Child (Under 15 Years) – Kenyan Citizen/Resident | KES 500 |
| Child (Under 15 Years) – International Visitor | USD 50 |
Important: Visits must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day visits are not accepted, and walk-ins are not permitted.
Feeding Sessions
Visitors experience the sanctuary during scheduled elephant feeding times.
Public Midday Feed
- Visitor arrival: 11:30 AM
- Feeding begins: 12:00 Noon
This is the standard experience available to most visitors.
Private Experiences
Private morning and afternoon visits can be arranged in advance for guests seeking a more exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
Guests staying at nearby Sarara properties also enjoy exclusive sunrise and evening elephant experiences.
Things to Do at Reteti
1. Watch the Orphan Elephants Feed
The highlight of every visit is watching the young elephants eagerly gather for their goat’s milk bottles.
Each elephant has its own personality, and visitors quickly notice the strong bond between the calves and their Samburu keepers.
2. Meet the Samburu Elephant Keepers
One of Reteti’s greatest strengths is its dedicated team of Indigenous Samburu keepers.
Your guide explains:
- How elephants are rescued
- Individual rescue stories
- Daily care routines
- Rehabilitation process
- Rewilding programme
3. Learn About Elephant Conservation
Discover how Reteti:
- Rescues orphaned calves
- Provides veterinary care
- Raises elephants with minimal human dependency
- Returns healthy elephants to the wild
In 2024, Reteti celebrated the successful release of a group of rehabilitated elephants back into the wild using a gradual “soft release” approach.
4. Visit the Reteti Visitor Centre
The visitor centre features interactive exhibits explaining:
- Samburu culture
- Elephant behaviour
- Wildlife conservation
- Human-wildlife coexistence
- Namunyak Community Conservancy
It is designed for visitors of all ages and provides excellent educational value.
5. Wildlife Photography
Reteti provides outstanding opportunities to photograph:
- Baby elephants
- Samburu elephant keepers
- Feeding sessions
- The dramatic Matthews Range landscapes
- Northern Kenya’s unique scenery
6. Explore Namunyak Community Conservancy
Many visitors combine Reteti with:
- Game drives
- Cultural visits
- Guided walks
- Birdwatching
- Scenic photography
How to Get There
Reteti is located in Namunyak Community Conservancy, Samburu County.
By Road
- Approximately 8 hours from Nairobi
- About 3 hours from Isiolo
- Around 19 km from Sereolipi
By Air
Scheduled charter flights operate to Namunyak Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer arranged in advance. Helicopter transfers are also available by prior arrangement.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| January–March | Pleasant weather and excellent photography |
| June–October | Dry season with comfortable travel conditions |
| November–December | Green landscapes and beautiful scenery |
| Year-round | Elephant feeding sessions continue throughout the year |
Because the elephants remain at the sanctuary during rehabilitation, Reteti offers a rewarding experience in every season.
Visitor Tips
- Book your visit at least 24 hours in advance.
- Arrive early to avoid missing the feeding session.
- Wear dark green, brown, or khaki clothing.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, and a fully charged camera.
- Do not expect to touch or feed the elephants—this policy protects their successful return to the wild.
Nearby Attractions
Consider combining Reteti with:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Shaba National Reserve
- Sarara Camp
- Matthews Range
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
A 3–5 day northern Kenya itinerary offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife, culture, and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I feed or touch the elephants?
No. To prepare the elephants for life in the wild, only trained Samburu keepers interact directly with them. Visitors observe from designated viewing areas.
2. Is advance booking required?
Yes. All visits must be booked at least 24 hours in advance, and same-day visits are not available.
3. Why is goat’s milk used?
Goat’s milk has proven to be an effective and locally sustainable substitute for elephant milk. The programme also supports more than 1,200 Samburu women who supply the milk, creating significant community benefits.
4. Is Reteti suitable for children?
Yes. Families with children often find Reteti to be one of Kenya’s most educational and inspiring wildlife experiences.
5. How long should I spend at Reteti?
Allow 2–3 hours for the sanctuary visit, or combine it with nearby conservancies for a multi-day northern Kenya safari.
Why Visit Reteti with Adeli Kenya Safaris?
A visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is more than a wildlife excursion—it’s an opportunity to support one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation initiatives. At Adeli Kenya Safaris, we can seamlessly include Reteti in tailor-made itineraries through northern Kenya, combining it with Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Shaba, Lewa, and Ol Pejeta for a safari that blends exceptional wildlife, authentic culture, and meaningful conservation.