🌍 Introduction to Finch Hattons Safari Camp
Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp is the epitome of refined safari living in the wild heart of Tsavo West National Park. Named after British aristocrat and safari pioneer Denys Finch Hatton, the camp blends colonial elegance with modern comfort in one of Kenya’s most scenic and diverse landscapes. See other Tsavo West Accommodations here.
Virgin Limited Editions owned by Sir Robert Branson acquired Finch Hattons in July 2024 and becomes 9th property for the Virgin Limited Editions adding to others such as Mahali Mzuri in Masai Mara. See this blog with details announcing the acquisition.
Set within 35 acres of lush, spring-fed wilderness, surrounded by natural pools, palm trees, and mountain views, Finch Hattons offers unparalleled exclusivity, eco-conscious luxury, and world-class service — all within one of Kenya’s oldest and wildest national parks.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Finch Hattons is located in the southwestern corner of Tsavo West, near Chyulu Hills and Mtito Andei Gate. It sits in a private concession within the park, near freshwater springs that attract a variety of wildlife throughout the year.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approx. 4.5–5.5 hours via Mombasa Highway (Mtito Andei Gate)
- From Mombasa: Approx. 5–6 hours via Voi and Tsavo River Gate
- By Air:
- The camp has a private airstrip (Finch Hattons Airstrip) just 3 km away, suitable for charter flights and scheduled light aircraft.
- Flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport), Diani, or Mombasa take about 1 hour.
- By Rail:
- Take the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) to Mtito Andei Station. Road transfer to the camp takes about 45 minutes.
🛏️ Accommodation
Finch Hattons offers 17 opulent tented suites, each with panoramic glass walls, handcrafted furnishings, and complete privacy in the bush.
Room Types:
- Luxury Tented Suites (17 total):
Lavish 105 m² suites with views of the forest, springs, and wildlife corridors. - Finch Hattons Suite (1 Presidential Suite):
A sprawling 200 m² luxury suite with its own private plunge pool, butler service, lounge area, and family unit capacity.
In-Room Features:
- King or twin beds with premium bedding
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Freestanding copper bathtub
- Private deck with daybed and safari chairs
- Solar-powered air conditioning
- Wi-Fi, safe, minibar, and room service
- Luxury eco-friendly toiletries
Each suite is designed to offer the romance of a classic tented safari camp with the comfort of a 5-star resort.
💰 Accommodation Rates
Rates are per person per night on Full Board (or Game Package) basis:
- Luxury Tented Suite: $500–$950
- Finch Hattons Suite: $1,300–$1,800
- Children under 6: Not recommended (case-by-case basis)
- Children 6–12: 50% of adult rate when sharing
Rates vary by season and include meals, drinks, game drives (if on Game Package), and other amenities.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
The fine-dining experience at Finch Hattons is one of the most celebrated in the Kenyan bush, guided by world-class chefs and an award-winning kitchen team.
- Gourmet à la carte menus, fusing local Kenyan ingredients with global culinary techniques
- Breakfast includes fresh tropical fruits, pastries, eggs to order, and specialty juices
- Lunch and dinner are multi-course meals served in the open-air dining pavilion
- Bush meals and private dining options in the wild or by the springs
- Extensive wine cellar, premium spirits, cocktails, and freshly brewed coffees and teas
- Special dietary needs catered for with advance notice
🏞️ Facilities & Amenities
Finch Hattons offers resort-level amenities while preserving an eco-sensitive, intimate setting:
- Main Lounge & Bar with reading library and fireplace
- Wellness Spa with massage therapy, sauna, and yoga deck
- Fully equipped Gym with forest views
- Infinity Pool overlooking the springs and Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Cultural Boutique for handcrafted souvenirs
- Wi-Fi available throughout the camp
- Dedicated children’s activities (on request)
- Butler service and private guides for exclusive use stays
🦁 Activities & Experiences
Finch Hattons curates tailor-made safari experiences, blending wildlife viewing with cultural and wellness offerings.
🚙 Game Drives
- Explore Tsavo West’s volcanic plains, rocky hills, and riverine habitats
- See elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, hippos, and rare lesser kudu
- Expert guides provide educational and photo-friendly safaris
- Both shared and private game drives available
🌊 Mzima Springs Visit
- Famous for its underwater hippo viewing chamber and crystal-clear springs
- Only 30–40 minutes from camp
🌋 Shetani Lava Flow & Chyulu Hills
- Visit the ancient lava fields and enjoy views of Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu range
- Optional hike and geological tours
🌿 Guided Nature Walks
- Learn about flora, insects, birds, and animal tracks with trained naturalists
- Ideal for photographers and slow-safari lovers
📸 Photography & Birdwatching
- More than 500 bird species recorded
- Wildlife regularly spotted near camp at the natural springs
- Perfect for capturing iconic scenes with Kilimanjaro in the background
✅ What’s Included
(Varies slightly by package – Full Board vs. Game Package)
- Luxury accommodation in tented suite
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Local soft drinks and select alcoholic beverages
- Use of pool, gym, and spa relaxation area
- Laundry services
- Wi-Fi access
- Game drives (Game Package only)
- Airport transfers (for fly-in safaris)
❌ What’s Not Included
- Tsavo West park entry fees
- Premium drinks, wines, champagnes
- Spa treatments
- Private vehicle hire
- Tips and gratuities
- Air transfers (booked separately)
🐘 Wildlife & What to Expect
Located near freshwater springs and wildlife corridors, guests can expect high-quality wildlife sightings right from camp or during guided drives.
Expect to see animals such as:
- Elephants, buffalo, and giraffes
- Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas
- Hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs
- Lesser kudu, waterbuck, and elands
- Birdlife such as weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, and eagles
Tsavo West is also home to black rhino (in a sanctuary zone) and provides dramatic landscapes for wildlife photography.
🌟 Why Choose Finch Hattons?
- Widely regarded as one of East Africa’s most luxurious safari camps
- Unmatched eco-design and elevated tented architecture
- Incredible scenery – Mt. Kilimanjaro, Chyulu Hills, and springs
- Fine dining, wellness, and personalized service in the wild
- Intimate, peaceful, and perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or exclusive escapes
- Combines perfectly with Amboseli, Masai Mara, or Diani Beach extensions
Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp is not just a place to stay — it’s a destination unto itself. Whether you’re soaking in your copper bathtub, watching elephants pass through the springs, or enjoying a sundowner overlooking Kilimanjaro, every moment is curated for timeless elegance and wild beauty.