Ithumba Private
Your Exclusive Safari Home in the Wild Heart of Tsavo East
For travellers seeking complete privacy, exceptional wildlife viewing and a truly personal safari experience, Ithumba Private offers one of the most exclusive stays in Kenya. Hidden among ancient granite kopjes in the remote northern wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, this beautiful exclusive-use safari house is managed by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and offers guests the rare opportunity to combine luxury, conservation and adventure in one unforgettable destination.
Unlike conventional safari lodges, Ithumba Private is reserved exclusively for one booking at a time. Whether you are travelling as a family, a group of friends or celebrating a special occasion, you will enjoy the entire property, dedicated staff and personalised service in complete seclusion.
Every stay also supports the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s internationally acclaimed conservation programmes, including elephant rescue and rehabilitation, anti-poaching operations, mobile veterinary units and habitat protection across Kenya.
See our best Safari Itinerary to Ithumba Private camp
An Exclusive Safari Experience
Privacy is the defining feature of Ithumba Private.
The house has been designed for guests who wish to experience Tsavo on their own terms without sharing facilities with other visitors. There are no fixed schedules, crowded dining areas or busy public spaces—just your own private safari home surrounded by one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness landscapes.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a reunion with friends, a photography expedition or a honeymoon extension, Ithumba Private offers an intimate and flexible safari experience that is increasingly difficult to find.
Location
Ithumba Private is located in the northern sector of Tsavo East National Park, close to the famous Ithumba Reintegration Unit operated by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
This remote corner of Tsavo is characterised by:
- Ancient volcanic landscapes
- Granite hills and rocky kopjes
- Open savannah
- Baobab forests
- Seasonal rivers
- Spectacular views across the Yatta Plateau
Its isolation means guests enjoy remarkable wildlife viewing with very few other vehicles.
Accommodation
Built using natural stone and traditional thatch, Ithumba Private blends seamlessly into its surroundings while providing every comfort expected of an exclusive safari property.
The house offers beautifully appointed bedrooms with:
- King-size or twin beds
- En-suite bathrooms
- Hot showers
- Flush toilets
- Spacious sitting areas
- Private verandas
- Solar-powered electricity
- Panoramic wilderness views
The elegant interiors combine classic safari style with modern comfort, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Exclusive Facilities
Guests enjoy sole use of the entire property, including:
- Spacious lounge
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Comfortable viewing decks
- Private fire pit
- Relaxation terraces
- Landscaped outdoor spaces
- Spectacular sunset viewpoints
Without other guests to consider, every aspect of your stay can be tailored to your group’s interests and pace.
Ithumba Private Rates-2026
Non Resident Rates for Self Catering for 1-6 guests US$ 3,986 for the entire property
Tsavo East national Park Entry Fees are extras and payable per person per night
A Personalised Self-Catering Safari
Like the other Sheldrick Wildlife Trust eco lodges, Ithumba Private operates on a self-catering basis.
The property provides a professional chef, kitchen assistants, housekeeping staff and camp attendants who prepare, serve and clear every meal. Guests simply provide the groceries, allowing complete flexibility over menus while enjoying attentive service throughout their stay.
Beyond Kenya Safaris Menu Planning & Shopping Assistance
At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we make planning your self-catering safari effortless.
Before your arrival, we work closely with the chef at Ithumba Private to develop a personalised menu based on:
- Group size
- Length of stay
- Children’s meals
- Dietary preferences
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Food allergies
- Special celebrations
- Favourite cuisines
The chef then prepares a detailed shopping list with the correct quantities for your stay.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, our team accompanies you to carefully selected supermarkets, helping you purchase fresh produce, quality meats, beverages and pantry essentials before travelling to Tsavo.
This personalised service removes the stress of shopping while ensuring your safari is perfectly organised from the very beginning.
Visit the Ithumba Reintegration Unit
One of the highlights of staying at Ithumba Private is the opportunity to visit the nearby Ithumba Reintegration Unit.
Here, rescued orphan elephants continue their journey from dependent calves to fully independent wild elephants.
Guests may observe:
- Morning milk feeds
- Young elephants interacting with keepers
- Wild elephant families visiting the reintegration area
- Former orphan elephants returning with calves born in the wild
- Educational presentations about elephant conservation
These remarkable encounters provide a deeper understanding of the Trust’s conservation work and create memories that last a lifetime.
Wildlife Experiences
Northern Tsavo is one of Kenya’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Regular wildlife sightings include:
- African elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Buffalo
- Reticulated giraffes
- Grevy’s zebra
- Lesser kudu
- Gerenuk
- Oryx
- Impala
- Warthogs
- Spotted hyenas
- Bat-eared foxes
Because the area receives relatively few visitors, game viewing is often quiet, exclusive and highly rewarding.
Birdwatching
The varied habitats surrounding Ithumba Private support an impressive diversity of birdlife.
Birdwatchers may encounter:
- Martial Eagles
- Secretary Birds
- Kori Bustards
- Vulturine Guineafowl
- Lilac-breasted Rollers
- Hornbills
- Bee-eaters
- Verreaux’s Eagles
- Kingfishers
- Sunbirds
The open landscapes and elevated viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for bird photography.
Safari Activities
Your stay at Ithumba Private can include:
- Game Drives:-Explore the remote wilderness of northern Tsavo with experienced guides.
- Elephant Experiences:-Visit the Ithumba Reintegration Unit to witness one of the world’s most successful elephant rehabilitation programmes.
- Guided Walks:-Discover the smaller wonders of Tsavo, from animal tracks and medicinal plants to fascinating birdlife.
- Sundowners:-Enjoy drinks while watching the African sunset over the Yatta Plateau.
- Stargazing:-With virtually no light pollution, the night skies above Ithumba are spectacular.
Why Choose Ithumba Private?
Ithumba Private is ideal for travellers seeking a safari that combines exclusivity with purpose.
Reasons to stay include:
- Exclusive use of the entire property
- Complete privacy
- Personalised service
- Spacious accommodation
- Outstanding wildlife viewing
- Direct access to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit
- Flexible daily schedule
- Exceptional photography opportunities
- Meaningful conservation experience
- Support for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Best Time to Visit
Ithumba Private is a rewarding destination throughout the year.
June to October – Excellent wildlife viewing during the dry season.
January to March – Warm weather and superb photographic conditions.
November to December – Green landscapes and abundant birdlife.
April to May – Quiet safari experience with lush scenery.
Getting There
Guests may reach Ithumba Private by:
- Scheduled safari flights
- Private charter aircraft
- Road transfers from Nairobi
Beyond Kenya Safaris can arrange all transport, accommodation and safari logistics, including combining Ithumba Private with Nairobi, Amboseli, Samburu, Meru, Laikipia or the Maasai Mara.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ithumba Private best suited for?
The property is perfect for families, private groups, photographers, honeymooners and guests seeking complete privacy.
Is the property booked exclusively?
Yes. Ithumba Private is reserved for one group at a time, ensuring a completely private safari experience.
Are meals included?
The property operates on a self-catering basis. Guests purchase groceries while the chef and camp staff prepare and serve all meals. Beyond Kenya Safaris provides complimentary menu planning, shopping lists and shopping assistance in Nairobi.
Can guests visit the elephants?
Yes. Eligible guests can visit the nearby Ithumba Reintegration Unit and observe rescued elephants during their daily routine.
How many nights should I stay?
We recommend a minimum of three nights to fully enjoy the wildlife, conservation experiences and relaxed pace of northern Tsavo.
Book Ithumba Private with Beyond Kenya Safaris
Beyond Kenya Safaris specialises in creating tailor-made conservation safaris that combine exceptional wildlife experiences with seamless travel planning. From arranging your exclusive stay at Ithumba Private to preparing menus, coordinating shopping lists, assisting with grocery shopping in Nairobi and organising flights or road transfers, we manage every detail of your journey.
Whether you wish to combine Ithumba Private with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery, Amboseli National Park, Samburu, Laikipia or the Maasai Mara, our experienced safari consultants will design an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests.
Contact Beyond Kenya Safaris today to begin planning your exclusive stay at Ithumba Private and experience one of Kenya’s most remarkable conservation destinations.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Kenya Propertis
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Kenya
- Ithumba Camp
- Ithumba Hill Camp
- Ithumba Reintegration Unit
- Elephant Nursery Nairobi
- Self-Catering at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Lodges
- Tsavo East National Park
- Luxury Kenya Safaris