In the rugged, breathtaking landscapes of northern Kenya lies a story of resilience, compassion, and hope—Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Located in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy within the Mathews Range of Samburu County, Reteti is a groundbreaking conservation project with a powerful mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned and injured baby elephants back into the wild. But more than that, it is a beacon of hope for wildlife and local communities alike.
A Sanctuary Born from the Heart of the Samburu People
Established in 2016, Reteti is the first elephant sanctuary in Africa that is community-owned and community-run. The Samburu people, whose ancestral lands stretch across this wild and remote terrain, came together with conservation partners to create a facility that would not only protect wildlife but also empower local people. Here, the community is the driving force. Samburu men and women serve as keepers, caretakers, and protectors of these majestic creatures.
This is not just conservation—it’s conservation with dignity, where the people who live closest to wildlife are given the opportunity and tools to lead its protection.
Rescuing the Orphaned and Injured
Every elephant calf at Reteti has a story—some were orphaned due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or drought, while others were found injured or abandoned. When rescued, they are brought to Reteti where they receive around-the-clock care, expert veterinary treatment, and lots of love. Trained elephant keepers bottle-feed them with special formula milk, sleep near them for comfort, and help them heal physically and emotionally.
The ultimate goal is not to keep these elephants in captivity, but to return them to the wild, strong and self-sufficient.
A Unique Experience for Visitors
Visitors to Reteti get a front-row seat to this extraordinary journey. With advance bookings, you can witness the morning or afternoon feeding sessions, watch the elephants play in the mud, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the conservancy. The experience is intimate, respectful, and profoundly moving. It’s not a zoo—it’s a place of healing and hope.
By visiting, you directly support the sanctuary’s efforts and the Samburu community. The revenue generated helps fund local education, water projects, and health care.
Changing Lives—Elephant and Human Alike
Reteti has not only changed the fate of over a hundred elephant calves, but also transformed the lives of people. For the first time, Samburu women are employed as elephant keepers, breaking cultural barriers and becoming role models for the next generation. Children grow up seeing wildlife as a valuable part of their heritage and future.
This is what sustainable tourism and community-led conservation looks like.
Plan Your Visit to Reteti with African Hagyko Safaris
At African Hagyko Safaris Limited, we proudly offer custom trips to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary as part of our northern Kenya safari packages. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a conservation enthusiast, or a traveler seeking purpose, this is an experience that will leave a mark on your soul.
Let us help you explore this hidden gem and be part of the story that’s rewriting conservation in Africa—one elephant at a time.