Travel Guide to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is located in the remote and stunning Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. Unlike many other conservation projects, Reteti is a community-owned and run organization, the Samburu’s people’s commitment to protecting the wildlife they share their land with. The sanctuary’s mission is simple yet important, rehabilitate, and ultimately rewild orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, giving them a second chance at a life in the wild. A visit here on your Kenya safari is not just an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close; it’s a chance to support a powerful and inspiring model of community-led conservation and witness firsthand and deep bond between the Samburu people and the elephants they call their neighbours.
What to expect on your safari.
A visit to Reteti is an intimate and then education safari experience focused on the well-being of the elephants. Your time at the sanctuary will be carefully planned around the elephants’ feeding schedule, which is the highlight of the safari with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys. The sanctuary has several feeding times throughout the day, and it’s essential to book your visit in advance to secure a spot. You will be guided by an expert Samburu keeper who will share stories about each elephant’s journey, explaining why they were rescued and the care they receive.
From a dedicated viewing platform. You will have a front-row seat to the feeding and playtime. It’s a joyful and chaotic scene as the baby elephants, ear flapping, rush into get their bottles.
After their meal you can watch them play in the mud wallows, a favorite safari activity that helps them cool down and protect their skin. The keepers are the only ones who directly interact with the elephants, as reducing human contact is a crucial part of preparing the calves for their eventual release back into the wild. This policy ensures the elephants do not become too dependent on humans, giving them the best chance of survival when they are rewilded. Your visit will also include a behind the scenes tour, where you can learn about the preparation of the elephant’s milk formula and sanctuary’s overall operations.
The best time to visit.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is open to visitors’ year-around, but the safari experience can vary depending on the season. The dry season from June to October, is often considered as the best time for a safari in general with Nyumbu Beyond journeys, as the wild gathers around water sources, making them easier to spot. However, Reteti’s mission is constant, and the care for the elephants continues regardless of the weather. The feeding times are the most important part of the safari experience, and these happen every day. It is highly recommended to book your visit at least 24 hours in advance, as permits are limited to ensure a peaceful and non-disruptive environment for the elephants. There are specific time permits for the public viewing, usually in the morning and at midday, while some other times are reserved for the guests staying at nearby lodges.
How to get there.
Reaching the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is part of the adventure, as it is located in a remote part of northern Kenya. The sanctuary is situated in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu County, and the journey required careful planning.
The most common and convenient way to get there is by air. You can fly from Nairobi to one of the nearby airstrips such as Namunyak, Samburu or Nanyuki. From there, you will need to arrange for a private transfer which is usually included in Kenya safari packages offered by lodges or by Nyumbu Beyond Journeys. Other lodges and tour operators have packages that include a scenic flight and ground transportation to the sanctuary.
Traveling by road is also an option, though it is a long and a challenging. The sanctuary is about an eight hour drive from Nairobi. The road conditions can be rough and a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.
The closet towns are Maralal and Wamba. It’s advisable to go with an experienced driver or a tour operator like Nyumbu Beyond Journeys who is familiar with the route. Some tour companies like us, we offer road transferred that include a visit to Reteti as a part of a larger safari itinerary in the region, which is a great way to combine your visit with other wildlife viewing opportunities. Whichever way you choose to travel, the journey is well worth it for the incredible safari experience that awaits.