Ithumba Camp, located on Ithumba Hill in the northern part of Tsavo East National Park, brings the Tsavo wilderness to life. The camp is owned by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The camp is surrounded by comfortable sleeping tents; the spacious camp serves as a focal point for gatherings. To arrive at the camp from Nairobi, it takes approximately 7 hours of driving through Voi Gate. By flight, the appropriate airstrip to use is the Ithumba airstrip. The camp offers a beautiful view of the Yatta Plateau.
Accommodation
Ithumba camp is comprised of four tented bedrooms, accommodating up to 8 guests. The tents’ roofs are thatched, making guests feel as if they are sleeping in the heart of the bush. The tents consist of ensuite bathrooms, dressing rooms and spacious verandahs. As you relax on the luxurious bedding and plush mattress, take in the sounds of Tsavo at night. Shower under the stars in the private bathroom. They provide shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash and sparkling water. The staff helps guests with cleaning, laundry, and food and drink service throughout their stay. The camp has no WI-FI.
Dining & Cuisine
Ithumba Camp, being self-catering, allows guests to make themselves at home and tailor their vacation to their preferences. Guests are expected to make their own food. Chefs at Ithumba Camp prepare meals for all the guests. Although guests are welcome to prepare their own meals in a well-equipped kitchen, a chef is available upon request. It features a main dining area that offers a stunning view of the park’s plains.
Safari & Wildlife Experience
Visitors can take advantage of guided game drives in the morning and afternoon to see wildlife in its natural environment at Tsavo East National Park. Guests can take part in guided walking safaris for a closer encounter with nature. Skilled guides will share their knowledge of the park’s flora, wildlife, and ecosystems. Tsavo is a birdwatcher’s paradise as it is home to a diverse range of bird species. During some seasons, the park is especially well-known for its migratory birds.
Cultural & Recreation
The Maasai people, who reside in and around Tsavo, offer unique cultural experiences for their guests. You can visit local Maasai villages, learn about their traditions, and experience their way of life, which is deeply rooted in the land and wildlife. Little Amanya offers hot air balloon safaris over Amboseli National Park. Tsavo East is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species of birds, including raptors, pelicans, kingfishers, and herons. Birdwatching can be a peaceful and rewarding part of your stay.
Conservation & Sustainability
It is a conservation project focused on protecting the natural habitat and its inhabitants, with profits supporting the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for its conservation efforts. Conducts anti-poaching operations and maintains road networks for security purposes. The camp is limited by solar electricity, which helps conserve energy.
Rates & Booking Information
One can make an online booking or via a travel agent.
How to get there
Ithumba Camp is located on Ithumba Hill in the northern part of Tsavo East National Park. There are two ways to reach there;
1. By Road.
It is approximately 355 km from Nairobi, with a duration of 6 hours, depending on the road conditions. The route commonly used is Nairobi-Voi, passing through the Voi Gate. A 4*4 vehicle is highly recommended.
2. By air.
Flight details.
Airlines such as Safari Link, Air Kenya, and Mombasa Air Safari offer daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. The flight to Ithumba Airstrip is the most appropriate. Upon arrival, Ithumba Camp provides a complimentary transfer in a 4*4 safari vehicle.
Which Option to Choose?
✔ Fly if you prefer comfort, less travel time, and scenic aerial views of the Mara.
✔ Drive if you want a road-trip adventure and flexibility
Conclusion
Ithumba Camp, a luxury eco-lodge in Tsavo East National Park, offers a unique experience centered around the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphan program, providing guests with the opportunity to interact with rescued elephants and explore the remote wilderness.
Faqs
Where is Ithumba Camp, and who can stay there?
Ithumba Camp sits at the base of Ithumba Hill in the remote northern sector of Tsavo East National Park. It is exclusively available for foster parents of elephants under the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s care, and only one group stays at a time.
How many guests can stay, and what is the accommodation like?
The camp has four thatched safari tents that accommodate up to eight guests (two per tent). Tents feature plush beds, dressing areas, open-air en-suite bathrooms with eco-showers and flush toilets, a shaded veranda, and solar-powered lighting.
What are the check-in and check-out arrangements?
Check-in begins at 10:00 am and check-out is strictly by 9:30 am. On departure day, guests forfeit access to the elephant mud-bath; this time is prepared for arrivals.
What is the catering and staffing setup?
Ithumba Camp operates on a self-catering basis. Guests bring their own food and beverages and use the fully equipped kitchen. A resident chef and full staff provide meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, and turn-down service. A shopping guide and catering support are available on request.
What activities are available to guests?
Activities include exclusive visits to the Sheldrick Trust’s elephant Reintegration Unit for morning, midday mud-bath, and evening interactions; game drives and guided walks (e.g., Ithumba Hill, Tiva River, Yatta Plateau); picnics and sundowners; and wildlife viewing at a camp waterhole.
How do I get to the camp?
Remote access options include a roughly five-hour drive from Nairobi (4×4 recommended) or a ~50-minute charter flight to Ithumba Airstrip followed by a 45-minute road transfer. The camp is also reachable via train to Kibwezi Station, followed by a vehicle drive.
