ithumba camp

TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK

Set at the base of Ithumba Hill, Ithumba Camp brings the Tsavo wilderness to life. Immerse yourself in the heart of the bush, where leopards stalk the undergrowth and dik-diks dart to and fro. The airy camp provides a central gathering place, surrounded by well-appointed sleeping tents. 

To discover a glimpse into Ithumba Camp, we invite you to scroll through the gallery below.

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ithumba camp rooms

Ithumba Camp features four tented bedrooms, accommodating up to eight guests.

Tucked beneath a thatched roof, each tent is completely protected, yet allows you to feel as if you are sleeping in the heart of the bush. Sink into the plush mattress and luxury linens, while the nighttime sounds of Tsavo surround you. In the en suite bathroom, take a shower beneath the stars.

ithumba reintegration unit

Established in 2004, Ithumba has already helped nearly one hundred orphaned elephants reclaim their place in the wild. It is located in the vast, northern sector of Tsavo East, a place completely untouched by mankind. Ithumba has also become a hub for wild elephants in the north. Herds of all sizes filter through, from young families to cohorts of bulls. Most days, we are treated to visits from our ex-orphans and their wild-born babies.

Guests are invited to join the orphans and their wild friends for sunrise and sunset at the Ithumba stockades, and at the midday mud bath. Take this special opportunity to experience elephants in their natural element and meet the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Keepers who are creating a future for generations of wildlife.

ithumba camp activities

  • Game drive circuits within the untouched northern sector of Tsavo East

  • Wildlife viewing at the waterhole in front of camp

  • Relax in the swimming pool looking out upon the vast Tsavo bush

  • Picnics and sundowners in the heart of the Tsavo wilderness

  • Exclusive visiting privileges to meet the orphaned elephants and Keepers at the Trust’s Ithumba Reintegration Unit

important information

  • Guests have exclusive use of Ithumba Camp. No other groups will be booked in the property at the same time.

  • Ithumba Camp is self-catering, which allows you to feel at home and customise your trip according to your tastes.

    Guests are responsible for bringing their own groceries for the duration of their stay, along with any other essentials they might need. We provide both still and sparkling drinking water, along with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash.

    The lodge is fully staffed. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will take care of you during your stay, including turn-down, cleaning, laundry, and food and drink service, while our resident chef prepares all your meals.

    A comprehensive shopping guide can be provided by our office upon request. We can also handle catering logistics. When booking, please let our Nairobi office know if you are interested in this service.

  • Check-in is strictly after 10:00 am. Check-out is strictly before 9:30 am.

    Access to the orphans’ mud-bath is not possible on the day of check-out, as that experience is reserved for the arriving guests.

  • Apart from your food, beverages, and necessities, here are a few more ideas to help you pack:

    • Sandals, flip-flops, hat, sunglasses

    • High-strength sunscreen and insect repellent

    • A warm fleece or jumper for cooler evenings (particularly in July/August)

    • Personal first aid kit

    • Torch with spare batteries, binoculars, camera equipment

    • Portable speakers, playing cards, board games

  • A vehicle is required to get around our properties.

    If you need to make arrangements for a car and driver for your stay, please make a note with our Nairobi office when booking.

  • By air: 50 minutes by air from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to the Ithumba Airstrip

    By train: Two hours on Kenya’s new railroad from Nairobi to Kibwezi Station. From the station, you can meet your vehicle and travel a further one-hour drive on good roads to the camp.

    By car: Four and a half to five hours by road from Nairobi

  • Please note that park fees are not included in lodge rates. These are payable direct to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

    For quick and convenient park entry, pay KWS park fees in advance via the eCitizen online platform: kws.ecitizen.go.ke

  • To stay at any of our Ithumba properties, you must be a current foster parent to one of the orphans in our care.

    Adopt an elephant.

  • Guests at Ithumba properties have exclusive access to visit the orphans at the Trust’s Ithumba Reintegration Unit.

    Please note that guests at Ithumba Hill and Ithumba Private may also attend orphan visits.

    Learn more about orphan visits.