Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp

Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp in Tsavo West.

Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp is a place where the romance of classic African safari and the luxury of the present day meet in a large wilderness of Tsavo West National Park, which is a land of ancient lava fields, natural freshwater springs, big plains, and breathtaking landscapes. Located in a 35-acre concession in southwestern Tsavo West, Finch Hattons is not just accommodation but a destination itself, as it offers the visitors the best of the wild without the loss of comfort, style or sophistication.

Existence and Design Philosophy.

The Finch Hattons, which is named after the British aristocrat, explorer and pioneer of the safari industry immortalised in the film Out of Africa, is inspired by the golden age of East African safaris. It is a combination of the colonial beauty of early 20th-century travel and the latest eco-friendly buildings. It has created an environment that is both classical and highly sensitive to its surroundings, which provides panoramic views of springs, animal migration routes and far-off hills.

In 2015, the camp was entirely redesigned and reconstructed and received several awards, including the shortlist of Architectural Digest’s list of the Best New Safari Camps and the World Travel Awards category of the Leading Tented Safari Camp in Africa. But in spite of its status, Finch Hattons is still a small, low-key place, a luxury that is characterised by experience and not show.

Location and Accessibility

Finch Hattons is well positioned, and it is close to the Mtito Andei Gate, and it is surrounded by fresh water springs that are home to a variety of fauna throughout the year. Its distant location provides an exclusivity, not being even in the masses and being in a strong relationship with nature.

International visitors find it easy to get there:

By Road: It is located at a distance of about 4.5-5.5 hours southeast of Nairobi along the Mombasa Highway.
Air travel: The camp has its own private airstrip, which is serviced by charter flights that operate to the camp in Nairobi (Wilson Airport), Mombasa or Diani with a short flight to the lodge.

A land route alternative can be provided on a road transfer between the Standard Gauge Railway station at Mtito Andei (approximately 45 minutes) instead of air transport.

This accessibility and seclusion make Finch Hattons an excellent option for those who are interested in luxurious safari travel and aim to experience the true wilderness but not to lose the comfort.

Accommodation

Finch Hattons has 17 suites that are luxuriously furnished tents located in the fringes of spring-fed pools, natural watering holes frequented every day by elephants, buffaloes, hippos and other animals. Every type of accommodation will represent a considerate combination of comfort, sophistication and harmony with nature.

Luxury Tented Suites

The ordinary tents (around 105 m²) are raised on wooden platforms and have unbroken views of the springs. Inside, guests find:

King or twin beds and high-quality linens.
Indoor/outdoor shower en-suite bathrooms.
Copper bathtubs are free-standing.
Individual deck seats and daybeds.
Air conditioning powered by the sun, Wi-Fi, a minibar, and secure and luxurious toiletries.

It is a classic safari experience in these suites, with the sounds and feelings of the wilderness right outside the canvas walls of your tent but wrapped in the warmth of 5 stars.

Family and Two-Bedroom Tented Suites.

The bigger tents (approximately 205 m²) used by large families or small groups come with an en-suite bedroom of two, a common lounge and a longer deck. The rooms have the same facilities as the luxury tents, plus the added space and privacy to ensure that all the family members feel at home in the middle of the bush.

The Finch Hattons Suite

The presidential Finch Hattons Suite is the most unique among the bespoke safari living. This 200 m² haven includes:

An in-ground plunge pool that faces the springs.
Full-time butler and chef.
An exclusive dining and lounge.
A safari vehicle and guide exclusively.
Large terraces to serve sundowners.

It is the ideal place to take a honeymoon, VIP guests or any other individual who wants to have an ultra-exclusive safari holiday.

Food and Bars

One of the most renowned parts of the stay is a dinner at Finch Hattons. The food combines the flavours of local Kenyan food with international cooking styles, which are served in a variety of locations, in open-air dining pavilions and forest terraces, or over intimate bush dining tables by the waterside.

Guests can enjoy:

Breakfasts, lunches and multi-course dinners that are gourmet.
Wilderness breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Great wine collection, fine spirits and signature cocktails.
Custom menus which are responsive to special needs.

The fine dining experience in the camp is aimed at competing with other lodges in Africa, where each meal is a part of the Kenya safari story.

Facilities and Wellness

Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp differentiates itself through a range of facilities of world standard that take the safari a notch higher:

Chyulu Spa and Wellness Centre: The facility will include massage pavilions, a hammam, a yoga deck with panoramic views and a spa pool.
Infinity Pool: The pool looks out onto the springs and hills in the distance, an incredible place to have your sunset drinks.
Gym: This is entirely equipped and has nature around it.
Library and Lounge: Relaxation areas and social areas.
Cultural Boutique: It presents local arts and crafts.

These facilities offer a sense of balance; following the morning excursions in the game and afternoon tours, the guests can relax in the quiet, perfectly maintained surroundings.

Safari Experiences: Outside the Tents.

Although the accommodation and facilities are simply spectacular, the wildlife and the landscape of Tsavo West are the fundamental ingredients of a Finch Hattons experience. Activities include:

Game Drives: Morning and evening drives in special-purpose 4x4s in the company of expert Maasai guides, as customised to explore the wildlife that includes elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and endemic birds.
Mzima Springs: A short distance out of camp, with crystal-clear waters and a chamber underwater out of which the hippos can be seen.
Shetani Lava Flow and Chyulu Hills: Geological field trips to impressive lava flows and huge volcanic sceneries.
Guided Nature Walks: Personal experience with plants, birds and tracks in the company of the trained naturalist.
Cultural Visits: It is possible to visit local Maasai communities and understand local cultures.

Why Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp Stands Out

It is believed that Finch Hattons can be considered as one of the most luxurious safari camps in East Africa due to the following reasons:

Blends natural wilderness and custom service.
Combines colonial safari with current sustainability.
Has some of the best panoramic views of springs, wildlife, Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills.
Offers global cuisine, health and customised safaris.