🌍 Introduction
Ithumba Camp is a secluded, self-catering safari property nestled in the remote northern reaches of Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. It is best known for its close association with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Ithumba Reintegration Unit, where orphaned elephants are gradually reintroduced into the wild. Ithumba Camp is designed for foster parents of the orphan elephants and offers a rare opportunity to witness elephant rehabilitation firsthand in an area that is otherwise inaccessible to most tourists.
This exclusive-use camp is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and seasoned safari-goers seeking a deep, private, and meaningful connection with nature.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Ithumba Camp sits at the base of Ithumba Hill, overlooking expansive views of Tsavo East and the ancient Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow.
How to Get There
- By Road: Approx. 7 hours’ drive from Nairobi, passing through Kibwezi and into the northern Tsavo East gate.
- By Air: Chartered flights can land at the nearby Ithumba Airstrip, which is a short drive from the camp. Flight time from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport is approximately 50 minutes.
- Note: This region is wild and remote. A reliable 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended if traveling by road.
🏕️ Accommodation
Ithumba Camp consists of four large safari tents, each accommodating two guests (maximum 8 guests). The camp offers exclusive-use only, meaning one booking group at a time — perfect for families or small groups.
Tent Features
- Spacious safari tents with makuti (palm-thatch) roofing
- Open-air en-suite bathrooms with eco-showers and flush toilets
- Comfortable twin or double beds with quality linen
- Dressing areas and verandas with sweeping views
- Solar-powered lighting and charging stations (limited to low-voltage appliances)
The tents are discreetly spaced for privacy and positioned to offer a tranquil, immersive bush experience.
💰 Rates & Booking Details (2025)
Ithumba Camp is booked on an exclusive-use basis, meaning the whole camp is reserved for your group.
Non-Resident Rates (USD per night):
- 1 to 6 Guests: $2,000
- 7 Guests: $2,350
- 8 Guests: $2,700
Resident Rates (KSh per night):
- 1 to 6 Guests: KES 150,000
- 7 Guests: KES 180,000
- 8 Guests: KES 200,000
Rates are per night and exclusive of VAT (14%) and Catering Levy (2%)
A minimum stay of 2 nights is required
Only available to foster parents of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephants
🍽️ Dining & Kitchen Setup
Ithumba Camp is entirely self-catering. Guests must bring their own food and beverages. A fully equipped kitchen is available, including:
- Gas stove
- Fridge/freezer
- Cookware and cutlery
- Dishes and serving utensils
- Water supply for cooking and cleaning
If you prefer not to cook, a private chef can be arranged at an additional fee. Guests provide ingredients, and the chef handles meal preparation.
🧺 Facilities & Amenities
- Main Banda: Open-plan lounge and dining space with a thatched roof and panoramic views
- Solar-powered electricity: Enough for lighting and small devices (no hairdryers or high-voltage appliances)
- Charging stations for cameras and phones
- Laundry: Hand-washing can be arranged with prior notice
- Security & Staff: On-site staff handle daily maintenance, cleaning, and logistics
🐘 Unique Experiences & Activities
1. Elephant Reintegration Unit Visits
- Foster parents can arrange special, guided visits to the Ithumba Reintegration Centre, where they meet the orphaned elephants during their daily routines, such as morning milk feeds and mud baths.
- An emotional, up-close experience with young elephants preparing for life in the wild.
2. Game Drives
- Ithumba lies in a remote part of Tsavo East that is rich in wildlife but rarely visited.
- Expect to see:
- Elephants, giraffes, lesser kudu, gerenuk, lions, hyenas, oryx, and an array of birds
- Drives are self-guided unless you’ve hired a guide
3. Guided Walks & Nature Exploration
- Enjoy short hikes with a guide around:
- Ithumba Hill for panoramic views
- Tiva Riverbed
- Yatta Plateau, an ancient lava formation offering dramatic vistas
4. Stargazing & Relaxation
- With no light pollution, Ithumba offers unmatched stargazing experiences
- Relax on your veranda or by the fire pit, listening to the night sounds of Tsavo
✅ What’s Included
- Exclusive use of Ithumba Camp
- Full use of tents, kitchen, dining banda, and lounge
- Housekeeping and support staff
- Solar electricity and hot water
- Optional chef services (on request)
❌ What’s Not Included
- Food and beverages (self-provided)
- Park entry fees to Tsavo East National Park
- Transportation to and from Ithumba
- Flights or transfers (can be arranged separately)
- Tips and gratuities
- Laundry services (available at a charge)
🐾 Wildlife & What to Expect
This northern zone of Tsavo East is less traversed than the southern areas, but wildlife is plentiful and often undisturbed. Regular sightings include:
- Elephants (especially around the reintegration unit)
- Lions, leopards, hyenas, lesser kudu, and giraffe
- Birdlife: Tsavo is home to over 500 species, including hornbills, rollers, and raptors
- Baboons, dik-dik, mongoose, and even rare species like fringe-eared oryx
🌟 Why Choose Ithumba Camp?
- 🐘 Unmatched access to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant reintegration efforts
- 🏕️ Privacy and exclusivity – the camp is yours alone
- 🌍 True wilderness – far from crowds, roads, and busy lodges
- 💚 Eco-conscious experience – low-impact, solar-powered, and conservation-based
- 📸 Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and supporters of elephant conservation
📝 Final Thoughts
Ithumba Camp is not for everyone — it’s remote, self-sufficient, and unplugged. But for travelers seeking authenticity, purpose, and proximity to some of Kenya’s most meaningful conservation work, there’s nowhere like it.
This is real Africa: wild, vast, soulful, and unforgettable.