The Nairobi Animal Orphanage at a glance
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a rescue, care and education facility run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It looks after orphaned, injured, old and abandoned wild animals, so it is not only a nursery for young animals. It lies on Lang'ata Road, about 8 km from the city centre.
Do not confuse it with the elephant orphanage. That is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery, a separate operator with its own booking. A ticket to the Animal Orphanage does not give access to the nursery, and the other way round.
What the Animal Orphanage does
A rescue centre, not a zoo.
Animals come to the centre when they are orphaned, injured, old or abandoned. KWS looks after them in enclosures under shady trees. Beyond the rescue work, the centre has an education role, which is why it works as a visit for families and for anyone curious about Kenyan wildlife.
Animals have included lions, cheetahs, leopards, baboons, jackals and birds. The animals on show change over time, and no particular animal is guaranteed on the day you visit. For free-roaming species, see the animals page and book a Nairobi National Park game drive.
Our pick: Animal Orphanage and Safari Walk
This day tour names the Animal Orphanage and the Safari Walk as stops, with a park fee in the price.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage and park tours
Half-day tours and day trips that include the park and neighbouring animal sights, with live prices and availability.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage entry fees 2026
Per person, adult / child. The ticket price matches the Safari Walk.
| Category | Animal Orphanage, single | With Safari Walk | With park and Safari Walk |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African citizen (KES) | 300 / 200 | 500 / 300 | 1,300 / 700 |
| Kenyan resident (KES) | 405 / 300 | 675 / 500 | 1,750 / 950 |
| Non-resident ($) | 25 / 15 | 40 / 20 | 105 / 55 |
| Other African citizen ($) | 15 / 10 | 25 / 15 | 55 / 20 |
For most visitors, the combined ticket with the Safari Walk is the better value, because the two sites are close together. The entry fee page explains each category and how to pay.
Animal Orphanage or elephant orphanage?
Two different places with different rules.
| Nairobi Animal Orphanage | Sheldrick elephant nursery | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Kenya Wildlife Service | Sheldrick Wildlife Trust |
| Animals | Orphaned, injured, old or abandoned wildlife | Orphaned elephants |
| Where | Lang'ata Road, next to Main Gate | Mbagathi Gate, off Magadi Road |
| Booking | Ticket through eCitizen | Confirmed booking in advance |
| Admission for a non-resident adult | $25 | Minimum donation $20, plus the KWS park fee |
| Visiting time | Check at the entrance | 11:00–12:00 |
For most visitors who want elephants, the nursery is the place. For other rescued animals close to the Main Gate, choose the Animal Orphanage. Read the elephant orphanage page for the nursery rules.
Visiting tips
Practical points before you go.
Check access first
The orphanage is being expanded, so building work may affect access. Confirm current visitor access and opening hours at the entrance before you plan around it.
Opening hours
General KWS rules list 06:00 to 18:00. The centre may follow its own times, so arrive well before closing.
Do not expect contact
Do not plan on feeding or touching the animals. Enclosures keep a barrier between you and them, as the lion behind the wire fence shows.
Pair it with the boardwalk
The Safari Walk is on the same road, so the two fit into one morning. See getting there for gates and routes.
Getting to the Animal Orphanage
On Lang'ata Road, next to Main Gate.
The orphanage is on Lang'ata Road, roughly 8 km from the city centre, next to the Main Gate complex. Pay for your ticket through the eCitizen portal before you arrive and bring the ID that matches your category. If you travel by taxi, name Main Gate on Lang'ata Road as your destination. The Sheldrick nursery is a different address, reached through Mbagathi Gate off Magadi Road. The getting there page covers routes from the airport.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage: frequently asked questions
What is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage?
It is a KWS rescue, care and education facility for orphaned, injured, old and abandoned wildlife. It is not a nursery only for baby animals.
Is it the same as the elephant orphanage?
No. The elephant orphanage is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery, a different operator with its own booking, hours and donation. The Animal Orphanage belongs to KWS and sells its own ticket.
How much does it cost?
A non-resident adult pays $25 and a child $15 in 2026. East African citizens pay KES 300 and KES 200, and Kenyan residents KES 405 and KES 300. A combined ticket with the Safari Walk costs less than two single tickets.
Which animals can I see?
Animals have included lions, cheetahs, leopards, baboons, jackals and birds. The animals on show change, so none is guaranteed on the day.
Can I feed or touch the animals?
Do not plan on it. Visitors watch from outside the enclosures.
Is this the official Animal Orphanage website?
No. This is an independent guide and is not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service.