umani springs 

CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK

Tucked amidst the leafy trees of the Kibwezi Forest, Umani Springs offers the epitome of African comfort. Relax in the open-air lodge and watch bushbucks graze on the lawn, while the orphaned elephants enjoy the mud bath just beyond.

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

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Umani Gardens
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umani springs rooms

Located on the fringes of the Kibwezi Forest, Umani Springs features three cottages, accommodating up to ten guests.

Cottage 1: This two-story unit was built with families in mind. Downstairs features a twin bedroom with an en suite bathroom and a private sitting room, while a double bed upstairs is accompanied by an outdoor bathroom. A two-story balcony wraps around the entire unit, allowing you to sit amidst the Kibwezi Forest.

Cottage 2: This cottage has two generous twin beds, an en suite bathroom, a private sitting area, an outdoor shower, and a generous deck that overlooks the waterhole.

Cottage 3: This cottage is comprised of two rooms. The first features generous single beds and an en suite bathroom; the second features a double bed with an outside bathroom. The entire unit is joined by a deck, which offers stunning views of the Umani glade and its waterholes.

umani reintegration unit

Umani Springs was created in 2014 to help our most vulnerable orphaned elephants reclaim their place in the wild. Many of the orphans here have fraught histories and challenging physical setbacks, but here, they can move beyond the tragedies of their past and live as nature intended. Umani sits within the Kibwezi Forest, nestled between the rolling foothills of the Chyulu Hills and the vast Tsavo wilderness beyond. This groundwater woodlands habitat is lush year-round, meaning compromised orphans will never have to travel far for food or water.

Guests are invited to join the orphans for sunrise and sunset at the Umani stockades, and for the midday mud bath just beyond the lodge. 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.

umani springs activities

  • Game drive circuits within the enchanting Kibwezi Forest

  • Relax in the natural swimming pool

  • Excursions to the Chyulu Hills National Park by own arrangements

  • Hiking up Umani Hill to a scenic lookout platform

  • Birding on a platform overlooking the springs

  • Sundowners on a deck with views of the forest and Chyulu Hills beyond

  • Exercise in the on-site gym

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

important information

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

  • Umani Springs 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: 45 minutes from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to the Kithyasu Airstrip situated in Chyulu Hills National Park, which is just 12 kilometers from the lodge

    By train: Two hours from Nairobi to Kibwezi Station, where you can meet your car and take a short 15-kilometer drive to the lodge

    By car: Three to four hours by road from Nairobi

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

    Adopt an orphan.

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

    Learn more about orphan visits.