ithumba private
TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARKIthumba Private is an independent annex to Ithumba Hill. Tucked beneath granite kopjes, with wooden walkways weaving between the branches of giant baobab trees, this luxury tented camp offers unparalleled views of northern Tsavo East National Park.
To discover a glimpse into Ithumba Private, we invite you to scroll through the gallery below.
ithumba private rooms
Ithumba Private features three tented bedrooms, accommodating up to six guests.
Perched beneath a palm-thatched roof, each elevated tent includes thoughtful design touches and custom-made furniture. Plush mattresses and luxury linens make for cozy nights. Floor-to-ceiling mesh affords 180-degree views of Ithumba’s stunning vistas, while a raised balcony invites you to relax on a lounger under the vast African sky. In the en suite bathroom, take a shower beneath the stars. Please note that two bedrooms share a split bathroom.
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 activities
Game drive circuits within the untouched northern sector of Tsavo East
Stargazing from camp
Relax in the pool overlooking an iconic baobab tree
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
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Guests have exclusive use of Ithumba Private. No other groups will be booked in the property at the same time.
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Ithumba Private 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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By air: 50 minutes by air from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to the Ithumba Airstrip
By train: 2 hours on Kenya’s new railroad from Nairobi to Kibwezi Station. From the station, you can meet your vehicle and drive a further 1-2 hours on good roads to the camp.
By car: About 5 hours by road from Nairobi, depending on traffic
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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
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To stay at any of our Ithumba properties, you must be a current foster parent to one of the orphans in our care.
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Guests at Ithumba properties have exclusive access to visit the orphans at the Trust’s Ithumba Reintegration Unit.
Please note that guests at Ithumba Camp and Ithumba Hill may also attend orphan visits.
