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Finch Hattons

Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

A luxury tented safari camp in Kenya's most dramatic wilderness, where red elephants roam natural springs and Kilimanjaro fills the horizon

At a glance

Finch Hattons is a luxury tented safari camp set within Kenya's Tsavo West National Park, the country's largest and oldest wildlife reserve, now recognised as the world's largest rhino sanctuary. Sitting on 35 hectares of untouched, unfenced wilderness beside natural hippo-filled springs, the camp commands sweeping views to the peaks of Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills. Named in honour of the great Kenyan adventurer Denys Finch Hatton, it is the newest addition to Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, and one of Travel + Leisure's 500 Best Hotels 2025.

With just 17 tented suites, this is an intimate and genuinely immersive safari experience in one of East Africa's most extraordinary ecosystems, home to East Africa's largest population of red elephants and over 500 bird species. For families with children aged six and over who want an adventure that goes well beyond the game drive, it is a remarkable choice. It is worth being clear, however, that this is raw, unfenced wilderness: constant adult supervision is required around camp, under-sixes are not accepted, and children under twelve must share accommodation with parents. Families with very young children or those seeking a resort environment should look elsewhere.

Why families love it

All meals, drinks, twice-daily game drives, laundry and airstrip transfers included in the rate

The Young Explorers Club (ages 6+) offers personalised bush survival classes, guided walks with KWS rangers, cooking classes and cultural sessions; tailored to each child

Two dedicated Family Suites at 205 m² with two en-suite bedrooms connected by a private lounge, close to the pool

Dedicated children's menus tailored to individual tastes and dietary needs

Far fewer vehicles than the Maasai Mara, giving families a genuine sense of space and discovery

An exceptional programme beyond game drives: volcano summits, cloud forest hikes, Maasai village visits, rhino sanctuary excursions and stargazing

Seasonal Family Safari Offer: four nights for the price of three (low and mid season, accommodation rates only)

Where you'll stay

All 17 tented suites look out over the natural springs where hippos and wildlife gather daily.

From £POA/night*

*Prices from are indicative only - see Terms & Conditions for details.

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View Room Types

Luxury Tented Suite

105 m². Fourteen suites with elevated private decks, unobstructed spring views, indoor and outdoor shower and a freestanding copper bathtub. Suited to couples and families with teenagers requiring their own accommodation. Children under twelve must share with parents. Maximum occupancy to be confirmed.

Two Bedroom Family Suite

205 m². Two en-suite bedrooms connected by a generous private lounge, with a large elevated deck and flexible king or twin configuration. The recommended choice for families with children. Positioned close to the pool and public areas. Complimentary minibar included. Children under twelve must share with parents; twelve to fifteen year-olds can occupy their own bedroom though the camp recommends sharing for safety.

Dining for all ages

Kenyan chefs cook with seasonal local produce, grass-fed beef and coastally sourced seafood. All meals and drinks are included, with children's menus tailored to individual preferences.

  • Main Terrace and Dining Area - Breakfast, poolside lunches and candlelit dinners under the African sky. All dietary requirements catered for as standard

  • Boma - The camp's traditional outdoor fire setting for sundowner gatherings and informal evening meals

  • Karen Blixen Lounge - A sophisticated cocktail lounge for unwinding between game drives; primarily adult in tone

  • Cigar Lounge - Adults only, with a curated selection of premium cigars and spirits

  • Bush Breakfast - A spectacular al fresco breakfast in the Tsavo wilderness with live cooking stations (US$120 per person, additional charge)

  • Sundowners - Taken on the game drive with Kilimanjaro views, or from the elevated Viewing Tower; included for all guests

Experiences for all ages

  • Twice-daily game drives led by expert guides; elephant, big cats, giraffe, buffalo and exceptional birdlife regularly encountered

  • Young Explorers Club (ages 6+): bush survival classes, guided nature walks with KWS rangers, cooking classes, treasure hunts and storytelling; personalised on request, no fixed schedule. Parents welcome to join or use the time independently.

  • History and culture sessions with the camp's Conservation Manager exploring Tsavo's heritage and local Maasai communities

  • Maasai homestead visit in the village of Illtilal (US$50 per person)

  • Maasai warrior training: spear-throwing and wilderness survival skills (US$50 per person)

  • Bush walk with armed KWS rangers and experienced guides (US$80 per person, 2 hours)

  • Summit Ol Doinyo Ololarami volcano with panoramic Tsavo views (3 hours)

  • Chyulu Sunrise hike through the cloud forest, departing at 4am (US$170 per person)

  • Excursions to Shetani Lava Flow (included), Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Mzima Springs underwater chamber and Lake Jipe

  • Stargazing from the camp's dedicated deck with full Milky Way views on clear evenings

  • Conservation Information Centre with nature resources, TV, games and documentaries on request

Wellness for parents

  • Chyulu Spa open daily 10am to 8pm with two treatment rooms, infinity spa pool, hammam, relaxation lounge and indoor and outdoor showers

  • Signature treatments include The Chyulu Experience (full body exfoliation, mineral clay mask, hammam and Maasai Oringa massage, 120 mins) and the Soul of Tsavo using warmed Chyulu Hills volcanic poultices (60 mins); all treatments use D'VINE natural products

  • Open-air yoga deck overlooking the Chyulu Hills; instructors from Africa Yoga Project's 200-hour Yoga Alliance programme (US$40 per person per hour)

  • Fully equipped gym

  • Spa age restrictions not confirmed; check directly with the camp before booking

Family Logistics

Closest international airport: Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO); recommended arrival via 50-minute charter or scheduled flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) to Finch Hattons' private airstrip, then a 10-minute drive. Camp assists with Nairobi transfers.

Charter and helicopter flights available on request; by road approximately 4 to 5 hours from Nairobi or Mombasa

Children aged six and over only; under-sixes cannot be accommodated

Children under twelve must share a tent with parents; twelve to fifteen year-olds may have their own tent but the camp recommends sharing for safety

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times around the unfenced camp; no lifeguard at the pool

No babysitting; camp guides monitor tents with children overnight

All meals, drinks, twice-daily game drives, airstrip transfers, WiFi and laundry included in the rate

Complimentary sun cream provided; mosquito spray in every tent

Family Suite Exclusives

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Exclusive perks designed to make your family feel truly welcome — from personalised gifts for little travellers to complimentary activities and flexible check-in options.

Booking via The Family Suite includes:

TFS Exclusive Credit: £100 (or equivalent in local currency) towards a family experience

*Subject to Terms & Conditions

A special bespoke welcome amenity will be provided