IIthumba Hill Camp –
Luxury Safari Living in the Heart of Northern Tsavo
Perched high on a rocky ridge overlooking the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, Ithumba Hill Camp is one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari retreats. Operated by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the camp combines understated luxury with one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation stories, offering guests an intimate safari experience in one of the country’s most remote and unspoilt landscapes.
Designed for travellers seeking privacy, exceptional wildlife viewing and a meaningful connection with nature, Ithumba Hill Camp provides privileged access to the Trust’s renowned Ithumba Reintegration Unit, where orphaned elephants rescued from across Kenya take their final steps back to a life in the wild.
A stay at Ithumba Hill Camp is more than a safari—it is an opportunity to become part of one of the world’s most successful wildlife conservation programmes.
See our best Safari Itinerary to Ithumba Hills camp
Where is Ithumba Hill Camp?
Ithumba Hill Camp is located in the remote northern sector of Tsavo East National Park, an area celebrated for its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and remarkably low visitor numbers.
The camp enjoys a commanding position on a granite hill, providing breathtaking panoramic views across the Yatta Plateau, rolling plains, ancient lava fields and scattered baobab trees. The elevated location offers cool breezes, unforgettable sunrises and spectacular sunsets, making it one of the most scenic safari camps in Kenya.
Its proximity to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit makes it the perfect base for guests wishing to witness the remarkable rehabilitation of orphaned elephants while exploring one of Kenya’s largest protected wilderness areas.
Elegant Accommodation with a View
Ithumba Hill Camp has been thoughtfully designed to blend with its surroundings while providing every comfort expected of a luxury safari retreat.
The camp features spacious stone-and-thatch cottages, each carefully positioned to maximise privacy and showcase sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Each suite includes:
- Spacious bedroom with king-size or twin beds
- En-suite bathroom with hot showers
- Flush toilets
- Comfortable sitting area
- Private veranda with panoramic views
- Solar-powered lighting
- Eco-friendly design using locally sourced materials
The camp’s elevated position means that wildlife can often be seen from the comfort of your veranda, creating a truly immersive safari experience.
The Main Lodge
The central guest area is designed to encourage relaxation between safari activities.
Guests can enjoy:
- Comfortable indoor lounge
- Open-air dining terrace
- Infinity swimming pool overlooking Tsavo
- Fire pit for evening gatherings
- Observation decks
- Peaceful reading areas
The infinity pool, with its sweeping views across northern Tsavo, is one of the camp’s defining features and the perfect place to unwind after a morning game drive.
Ithumba Hills Camp 2026 Rates
Non Resident Rates for Self Catering in US$
| No of Guest | Per night in US$ |
| 1-4 guests | 2,668 Per Night for entire Property |
| 5 guest | 3,335 Per Night for entire Property |
| 6 guests | 4,002 Per Night for entire Property |
| 7 guest | 4,669 Per Night for entire Property |
| 8 guests | 5,336 Per Night for entire Property |
Tsavo East national Park Entry Fees are extras and payable per person per night
Self-Catering Made Easy with Beyond Kenya Safaris
Unlike many luxury safari lodges, Ithumba Hill Camp operates on a self-catering basis, giving guests complete flexibility while still enjoying full camp service.
The camp provides a professional chef, kitchen assistants, housekeeping staff and attentive camp personnel. Guests simply purchase their preferred groceries before travelling to camp, while the chef prepares and serves every meal throughout the stay.
Beyond Kenya Safaris Menu Planning Service
To make your experience effortless, Beyond Kenya Safaris offers a complimentary menu planning and shopping assistance service.
Before your safari, we liaise directly with the chef at Ithumba Hill Camp to prepare a personalized menu based on:
- Length of stay
- Number of guests
- Dietary requirements
- Children’s meals
- Vegetarian or vegan preferences
- Food allergies
- Special celebrations
The chef then prepares a detailed shopping list, ensuring you buy only what is needed for your safari.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, our team accompanies you to a leading supermarket, helping you purchase quality ingredients quickly and efficiently before your departure for Tsavo.
This personalised service allows you to enjoy delicious home-style meals without the stress of planning or shopping on your own.
Exclusive Access to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit
One of the greatest privileges of staying at Ithumba Hill Camp is visiting the nearby Ithumba Reintegration Unit.
Here, guests witness orphaned elephants that have graduated from the Nairobi Elephant Nursery as they continue their journey towards complete independence.
During daily visits, you may observe:
- Young elephants arriving for supplementary feeding
- Playful interactions between former orphans
- Wild elephant families joining the orphan herd
- Keepers interacting with elephants they have raised since infancy
- Mature elephants returning with calves born in the wild
These moving encounters provide a unique insight into the lifelong bonds between elephants and the dedicated keepers who care for them.
Wildlife Around Ithumba Hill Camp
Northern Tsavo is one of Kenya’s richest wildlife ecosystems.
Game drives may reveal:
- Large elephant herds
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- African buffalo
- Reticulated giraffes
- Lesser kudu
- Oryx
- Gerenuk
- Impala
- Zebra
- Warthogs
- Hyenas
Because visitor numbers are relatively low, wildlife sightings are often enjoyed without the crowds found in more heavily visited parks.
Birdwatching Paradise
With varied habitats ranging from rocky hills and river valleys to open plains, the Ithumba region supports an exceptional diversity of birdlife.
Common sightings include:
- Martial Eagles
- Secretary Birds
- Kori Bustards
- Vulturine Guineafowl
- Lilac-breasted Rollers
- Hornbills
- Bee-eaters
- Kingfishers
- Verreaux’s Eagles
- Sunbirds
The elevated viewpoints around the camp provide excellent opportunities for bird photography.
Safari Activities
Guests staying at Ithumba Hill Camp can enjoy a wide variety of activities.
- Game Drives:Morning and afternoon game drives explore one of Kenya’s least visited wilderness regions.
- Elephant Viewing:Visit the Ithumba Reintegration Unit to watch rescued elephants during their daily routine.
- Sundowners:-Enjoy drinks while watching the sun disappear beyond the Yatta Plateau.
- Guided Nature Walks:-Learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, insects and the smaller details of the Tsavo ecosystem.
- Relaxation:-Spend quiet afternoons enjoying the infinity pool, reading on your private veranda or watching wildlife from camp.
Best Time to Visit
Ithumba Hill Camp offers rewarding experiences throughout the year.
June – October
Excellent wildlife viewing during the dry season.
January – March
Warm weather and outstanding photography conditions.
November – December
Green landscapes and excellent birdwatching.
April – May
Fewer visitors, lush scenery and peaceful game viewing.
Getting There
Guests may reach Ithumba Hill Camp by:
- Scheduled safari flights
- Private charter flights
- Road transfers through Tsavo
Beyond Kenya Safaris arranges all transfers and can combine your stay with destinations including Amboseli, Samburu, Meru, Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
Why Choose Ithumba Hill Camp?
Ithumba Hill Camp offers a rare combination of luxury, privacy and genuine conservation.
Guests choose the camp because of its:
- Spectacular hilltop location
- Infinity swimming pool
- Spacious luxury cottages
- Exceptional wildlife viewing
- Direct access to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Outstanding photography opportunities
- Meaningful conservation experience
- Personalised service
- Exclusive wilderness setting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ithumba Hill Camp suitable for families?
Yes. Families with older children who enjoy wildlife and conservation will find it an unforgettable experience.
How many nights should I stay?
We recommend a minimum of three nights to fully appreciate the elephant reintegration programme, wildlife and scenery.
Are meals included?
No. Ithumba Hill Camp operates on a self-catering basis. Guests provide groceries while the camp chef and staff prepare and serve all meals. Beyond Kenya Safaris assists with menu planning, shopping lists and grocery shopping in Nairobi before departure.
Can I visit the elephant reintegration programme?
Yes. Visits to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit are one of the highlights of staying at the camp.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Limited connectivity is available, allowing guests to stay in touch while enjoying a true wilderness escape.
Book Your Ithumba Hill Camp Safari with Beyond Kenya Safaris
At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we specialise in creating tailor-made safaris that combine exceptional wildlife experiences with meaningful conservation. From arranging your accommodation and transport to planning your menus, preparing shopping lists and assisting with grocery shopping in Nairobi, we take care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
Whether you choose to stay at Ithumba Hill Camp on its own or combine it with the Nairobi Elephant Nursery, Amboseli, Samburu or the Maasai Mara, we will design an itinerary that reflects your interests and travel style.
Contact Beyond Kenya Safaris today to start planning your unforgettable stay at Ithumba Hill Camp—where luxury, wilderness and elephant conservation come together in one remarkable safari experience.
More about Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Kenya
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Kenya
- Ithumba Camp
- Ithumba Private
- Umani Springs
- Galdessa camp
- Galdessa Little
- Elephant Nursery Nairobi
- Ithumba Reintegration Unit
- Tsavo East National Park Safaris
- Self-Catering at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Lodges
- Luxury Kenya Safaris