Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Samburu - My Personal Experience

Bena Roberts
Jan 13
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Elephant at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary waiting for milk in Samburu photographed by Bena Roberts — Elephant waiting for its milk!

My Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Visit

As part of our ethical safaris with sustainability and active luxury - we offer this fabulous visit to Reteti.org This is an over view of my ethical elephant conservation visit at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya.

First of all, I love this picture above. I know you don't see the elephant. But you can see the size of the milk bottle and the young elephant with its mouth wide open. When you experience this live, you can't help but fall in love.

My Logo!

I love elephants. Hence my logo is an elephant! But I did not know what to expect arriving at Reteti. Let me tell you a bit more about my trip.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Rock Sign by bena roberts — The sign for Reteti captured out of the car window

I left Larsens in Samburu at about 9.30 am, as although Reteti is only 95 kilometers away. The ride is a little rough at the end. The first 75 KM are on the motorway, which is relaxed and easy. You visit the sacred mountain, and it's a special picture opportunity.

Sacred Mountain Samburu by bena roberts — Photo Opportunity at the Sacred Mountain

But the last 20 km are quite rough. A road hasn't been built yet, and it's a very bumpy ride. You go through many a village and see farmers with their cattle. Visually, its really interesting as this is the home of many Samburu Maasai. They support Reteti and many of them work there.

Reteti is educational and unique

Educational material at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu by bena roberts

Opening Times and Arrival at Reteti

You can reserve Reteti for your group at about 9.30 in the morning. But from about 11.30 am, anyone can turn up. We went to the 11.30 visit, and we paid USD 75 per person. I also bought the t-shirt, which was about 30 USD.

Reteti t-shirt bought at the Reteti Elephant sancturary worn by Bena Roberts — My Reteti T-Shirt

You have to remember that Reteti is community owned and supports the whole village and community as well as the elephants.

Reteti Elephants playing in the mud by bena roberts — Elephants playing in the mud

Before I got there, I thought it was quite expensive. But when I left... I felt that I had supported the elephants and it was worthwhile.

Reteti Elephants at the Sanctuary in Samburu by bena roberts — Not my best picture, but I love the action of it. The rangers are getting ready to feed them milk.

Why?

Well, I love education and conservation. It's a great mix, and the pictures I took and the memories I made will be with me forever.

Reteti compared with others?

So, I feel Reteti is raw. Compared to the Giraffe Center, where it's a short in-and-out experience, here you can bring your sandwiches, have lunch, and enjoy the grounds a bit more. Also, you experience different animals too, and not only elephants. Even though the elephants are pretty amazing!

The orphaned elephants of Reteti by bena roberts — Friendly elephants at Reteti

Reteti is worth protecting

To be honest, I cannot wait to go back. I felt alive and at home here. I was an amazing experience that is so worth while and I also saw the famous Long'uro