The Sacred Elephant Sanctuary Of Reteti

Anyone who books a stay at Sarara Camp in northern Kenya through Cheli + Peacock Safaris should include a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the remote Namunyak Conservancy.

Situated in the remote Mathews Range in the heart of Samburu country, Reteti is the first community-owned and run elephant sanctuary in Kenya. Orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, along with other wildlife, are fostered with the principle aim of releasing them back into the wild when they are ready.

Reteti is indeed a “sanctuary” rather than an orphanage. Kenya’s north is filled with wells, a precious water source for both the wildlife and communities in the area. However, many calves fall into these deep holes and struggle to get out. Reluctantly, mothers are forced to abandon their little ones to find food and water with the rest of the herd. When that happens, a professional team from Reteti steps in to rescue the calves and bring them back to the sanctuary.

Visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is not only a unique addition to a safari but one of the best things you can do to support the local community and help protect all the animals who are cared for there.

Guests get the chance to witness feeding and playtime at the sanctuary, as well as an in-depth look behind the scenes. Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is open to visitors daily for a small entrance fee. This money goes directly back to the project, helping to buy milk formula, bottles for feeding, and various medicines for the animals.