Reteti Elephant Sanctuary puts community at the heart of conservation

Nestled in the rugged hills of Samburu County, Northern Kenya, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is pioneering a new approach to wildlife conservation by empowering local communities. As Africa's first completely community-owned and run elephant orphanage, Reteti operates within the expansive Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust and serves as a unique tourist destination.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) recognizes the untapped potential of Northern Kenya and is working to transform it into a hub for wildlife and cultural tourism, aiming to achieve 5.6 million bed nights by 2027. The sanctuary, managed by the indigenous Samburu community, currently cares for 52 elephants, relying on approximately 680 liters of goat milk from the local community to support a program that empowers around 1,250 women.

The sanctuary employs 1,200 individuals, many of whom are from the local community, with the revenue from bookings and donations reinvested to support the community. Reteti's conservation efforts are grounded in the unique challenges faced by the region, such as human-wildlife conflict and poaching, and the sanctuary's approach includes the gradual release of rehabilitated elephants back into the wild.

With 23 elephants released since its inception, the sanctuary is making significant strides in animal rehabilitation. The tourism activities at Reteti vary with the seasons, with the Midday Feed (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) being a key highlight, where visitors can observe elephant rehabilitation and interact with the local community. The feeding process, including the symbolic singing known as "singing wells," is a cultural tradition that has been passed down through generations.