Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, Tsavo West National Park

Finch Hattons Luxury Camp lies around a cluster of natural freshwater springs deep inside Tsavo West National Park. The setting is remarkable, with forest, open plains and permanent water surrounding the camp and bringing wildlife close throughout the year. Set within a 35-acre private concession in the southern part of Tsavo West, the camp looks towards Mount Kilimanjaro to the west and the Chyulu Hills to the north. Three spring-fed pools sit directly below the camp, creating a natural gathering point for elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and predators moving through the area. With just 17 tented suites accommodating a maximum of 38 guests, Finch Hattons has an intimate feel while offering an impressive range of facilities. Guests have an infinity pool overlooking the springs, a hammam, yoga deck, gym and spa, giving the camp a comfortable and refined feel without taking away from its remote setting in the heart of Tsavo West.

Where Is Finch Hattons Luxury Camp Located?

Finch Hattons is set inside Tsavo West National Park on a 35-acre private concession, surrounded by the wider wilderness of the park. The camp sits beside natural freshwater springs, with three spring-fed pools directly in front of the property. These pools attract wildlife throughout the day, so you can spend time at camp watching animals come down to drink without having to head out on a game drive. The setting is made even more striking by the views around the camp. Mount Kilimanjaro rises in one direction, while the forested Chyulu Hills stretch across another part of the landscape. This is what makes the location special. At Finch Hattons, the safari does not stop when you return from a game drive. The springs, pools and wildlife around the camp give you plenty to watch and enjoy while you are still at the property. The camp itself occupies just 35 acres, while the surrounding Tsavo wilderness stretches across more than two million acres, giving Finch Hattons a remarkably intimate setting within a vast natural landscape.

Luxury Tented Suites at Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons has 17 luxury tented suites, with space for a maximum of about 38 guests. The accommodation includes Deluxe Tents, two-bedroom Family Suites, and the Finch Hatton Presidential Suite. The tents sit among the surrounding vegetation, giving each one a good sense of privacy while making the most of the views across the springs, open plains, Chyulu Hills and, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro. Several of the tents are also positioned high enough to look down towards the water and the wildlife activity around the springs.

Deluxe Tents

The Deluxe Tents cover approximately 72 square metres and come with an extra-large double bed, private entrance and indoor seating area. Step outside and you have a furnished balcony facing the surrounding springs and landscape. It is a comfortable spot to sit between game drives, with some tents also offering views down towards the water below.

Two-Bedroom Family Suites

For families travelling together, the two-bedroom Family Suites provide considerably more space at approximately 144 square metres. Each suite has an extra-large double bed and two single beds, along with its own private swimming pool, balcony, pool views, minibar and seating area. The private pool gives families somewhere to relax during the quieter parts of the day without having to spend all their time around the main camp.

Finch Hatton Presidential Suite

The Finch Hatton Presidential Suite also covers approximately 144 square metres and offers the highest level of privacy within the accommodation. The suite has one large double bedroom and a separate room for a nanny or bodyguard. Guests also have a private swimming pool, balcony or terrace, pool views, a small kitchen or pantry, and private seating areas.

In-Room Amenities

The suites combine the comforts you expect from a luxury property with the atmosphere of a tented safari camp. Facilities include:

• Wi-Fi
• Plush bedding
• Modern en-suite bathrooms
• Minibars
• Private outdoor spaces
• Indoor seating areas

The minibar is useful when you want to enjoy a drink privately on your own terrace rather than heading back to the communal areas. The views also vary from one suite to another. Depending on where you stay, you can look towards Mount Kilimanjaro, the Chyulu Hills or the wider Tsavo landscape.

Restaurants and Dining at Finch Hattons

Dining at Finch Hattons is part of the safari experience, with meals served in the main restaurant as well as in outdoor settings around camp. Menus make use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bring together African, European and Asian influences.

Restaurant and Alfresco Dining

The main restaurant looks out towards the waterhole and surrounding camp. You can dine indoors or take your meal outside for an alfresco setting beneath the open sky. The setting keeps you close to the natural surroundings, and there is always the possibility of seeing wildlife moving around the springs while you eat.

Private Bush Dinners

For a more private evening, you can enjoy dinner away from the main camp in the Tsavo bush. A bush dinner is a welcome change when you are staying for several nights, giving you the chance to enjoy your evening in a completely different setting. It also pairs naturally with other outdoor moments at Finch Hattons, including sundowners and bush breakfasts.

Afternoon High Tea and Sundowners

Afternoon high tea offers a relaxed break before the day’s later activities begin. As the afternoon moves on, sundowners provide another opportunity to stop, have a drink and watch the changing light across the Tsavo plains. These moments give the day a more relaxed rhythm, with time to slow down between game drives rather than rushing from one scheduled meal to the next.

Bar and Lounge

The bar and lounge are located alongside the main dining areas, with views extending towards the springs and waterhole. After dark, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more intimate, making the lounge a natural place to settle in after a day in the bush. If you would rather have a quiet evening in your own space, you can simply return to your suite, sit out on the terrace and enjoy a drink from the minibar.

Spa, Infinity Pool and Wellness at Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons gives you plenty of ways to slow down between safari activities. The wellness facilities add a more refined side to the camp, making it easy to enjoy quiet time without stepping away from the Tsavo setting.

Spa and Hammam

The spa has treatment rooms and a hammam, with treatments available from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. This gives you enough flexibility to fit in a massage or other treatment after a morning game drive or before heading out for the afternoon. It is a useful part of the stay, particularly on longer safaris when you want some proper time to rest between activities.

Yoga Deck and Gym

There is also a dedicated yoga deck where you can stretch, practise yoga or simply enjoy some quiet time outdoors. The fully equipped gym caters to guests who prefer a more structured workout during their stay. Having these facilities on site means you do not have to spend every free hour on safari. You can take a slower morning, work out, enjoy the spa or simply give yourself time to recharge before the next activity.

Infinity Pool

The infinity pool is one of the main places to relax during the warmer part of the day. From the pool area, you remain surrounded by the Tsavo landscape while having a comfortable space to cool off and unwind. The main pool is shared by camp guests and is separate from the private pools found with the Family Suites and Presidential Suite.

Other Facilities at Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons also has a library, free Wi-Fi throughout the camp, a private airstrip, a helipad, and elevated wooden walkways connecting the main areas of the camp. The raised walkways make it easy to move between the suites, dining areas, spa and pool without having to walk directly through the surrounding grounds. The library offers a quieter place to sit between activities, while the private airstrip and helipad make arrival and departure more convenient for guests travelling by private aircraft. For families, the camp also has facilities and activities designed to make the stay comfortable for both adults and children.

Safari Activities at Finch Hattons

Set inside Tsavo West National Park, Finch Hattons gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the area beyond the usual game drive. You can head out in the morning, spend the afternoon in the park, venture out at night, walk through the surrounding landscapes, visit the Shetani Lava Flows, or spend time with the local Maasai community.

Morning, Afternoon and Night Game Drives

Game drives are at the heart of a stay at Finch Hattons, with morning, afternoon and night drives giving you different ways to see Tsavo West. Morning drives are a great time to get out early and look for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, cheetahs, topi and zebras as the park comes alive. Tsavo’s famous red elephants are also one of the highlights to look out for as you move through the park. Afternoon drives give you more time to enjoy the wider landscape, while night drives change the focus completely. Once darkness settles in, you can look for nocturnal animals and watch behaviours that are difficult to see during the day.

Guided Walks and Chyulu Hills Hikes

If you would rather get out of the safari vehicle for a while, guided walks provide a more active way to enjoy the area. Some walks extend towards the Chyulu Hills, where the landscape changes to forested hills and gives you a different view of the country around Tsavo West. For guests staying several nights, adding a guided walk or Chyulu Hills hike brings some welcome variety to the safari.

Shetani Lava Flow Excursions

The Shetani Lava Flows are another worthwhile outing from Finch Hattons. The black volcanic landscape gives you a completely different side of Tsavo West and shows the powerful volcanic forces that shaped this part of Kenya. It is a good addition to a safari when you want to combine wildlife with some time exploring the area’s distinctive landscapes.

Bush Breakfasts and Sundowners

A bush breakfast lets you start the day out in the open rather than returning straight to camp after your morning drive. It is a relaxed way to enjoy breakfast while surrounded by the Tsavo landscape. In the afternoon, sundowners give you another chance to stop and take in the surroundings as the light changes across the park. These moments are less about ticking animals off a list and more about enjoying the setting around you.

Maasai Cultural Visits

You can also arrange a visit to the Maasai community of Iltilal. This gives you time away from the park’s wildlife and an opportunity to learn more about the people and traditions of the wider Tsavo region.

Birdwatching Around the Springs

Birdwatching can start right around Finch Hattons, particularly around the natural springs where bird activity is good. Keep an eye out for species such as the Somali ostrich, Shelley’s starling and river warbler. The springs also attract hippos and crocodiles, so there is plenty to watch even when you are not setting out specifically for a birding session. This makes the area around the camp a rewarding place to spend some quiet time between safari activities.

How to Get to Finch Hattons Luxury Camp

Finch Hattons Luxury Camp is accessible by both air and road, giving you flexibility depending on how your safari is arranged.

Flying to Finch Hattons: The nearest standard air access point is Kilaguni Airstrip, located within Tsavo West National Park. From the airstrip, you continue to the camp by road with your safari driver or camp transfer. Finch Hattons also has its own private airstrip and helipad, which can be useful when arranging a private or tailor-made safari. If you are staying in the Presidential Suite, return transfers from Kilaguni Airstrip are included in the rate.

Driving from Nairobi or Mombasa: If you are travelling by road from Nairobi, the journey to Finch Hattons takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. From Mombasa, allow around 3 hours. The Mombasa route is particularly convenient if you are combining your Tsavo safari with a beach holiday on the Kenyan coast, allowing you to travel between the two without having to return to Nairobi.