Kivuko Eco Camp
Kivuko Eco Camp Near Bachuma Gate, Tsavo East | Kenya Safari Camps.
Kivuko Eco Camp is located in the heart of the Taita Wildlife Conservancy. Along the bustling Mombasa-Nairobi highway lies a sanctuary that offers a different kind of safari experience. Kivuko Eco Camp is not a large, impersonal resort. It is an intimate, eco-friendly retreat that sits on the edge of 98,000 acres of protected wilderness, acting as an important wildlife corridor between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. This camp serves as the best Kenya safari destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural environment while still enjoying all the comforts of home.
Whereas staying within the bustling confines of the actual national parks would be distracting, Kivuko affords guests peace. All you will hear at Kivuko is the chirping of birds and the rumbling of elephants from afar.
Location and Getting There.
One of the greatest advantages of Kivuko Eco Camp is its strategic location. It is situated just 15 kilometres from the Bachuma Gate, the main entry point into Tsavo East National Park. This makes it an ideal stopover for travellers driving from the coastal cities of Mombasa (approximately 1.5 hours away) or from the capital, Nairobi (about 4-5 hours away).
For the tourists using public transport, the camp is accessible via the Miasenyi Standard Gauge Railway station, with transfers available to the accommodation. The camp’s closeness to the main highway means you can escape the road noise quickly and find yourself immersed in the African bush within minutes of turning off the main road. The camp overlooks a waterhole with the stunning backdrop of the Taita Hills, and on exceptionally clear days, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Accommodation: Rustic Comfort with a View.
Staying at Kivuko Eco Camp is about feeling the bush around you while enjoying a good night’s sleep. The camp features eight luxurious and traditionally built rooms using African-style architecture, which incorporates grass-thatched roofs and native woods. The positioning of each room is done in such a way that one can get the best views of the waterhole near the campsite, where the wild animals come for their drinks.
Visitors can look forward to comfortable sleeping areas fitted with bedding that is well taken care of, with bathrooms that have hot water showers and flush toilets. The camp has an accommodation capacity of up to 20 individuals, who will be accommodated in different types of tents depending on whether they are alone, in pairs, or in families.
The Culinary Experience.
Dining during your safari stay at Kivuko is an event in itself. The main house is a large, open circular building with a dining room that overlooks the surrounding hills. One of the most outstanding aspects of the camp is that it prepares mouth-watering meals. These include meals from other countries as well as meals inspired by Africa.
Another feature that makes camping here enjoyable is the choice of meals you have. These meals include a breakfast buffet, lunch in a picnic setting out in the wild, and dinner on the verandah under the night sky. The camp is also known for bush barbecues, where people have dinner by the fire, and bush breakfasts, where one watches the sunrise while having breakfast. There is also a fully stocked bar.
Activities and Wildlife Experiences during your stay at Kivubo Eco Camp.
Kivuko Eco Camp offers a range of safari activities that appeal to both the adrenaline seeker and the nature lover, with all excursions guided by experienced, armed rangers who share deep knowledge of the local ecology.
Game Drives in Tsavo East: Since the camp is located on the migratory corridor between the two Tsavo parks, the wildlife density is impressive. Guests can embark on morning, evening, or night game drives. The region is home to more than 50 types of big animals; among them are the elephant, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and giraffes. In the case of the night drives, this provides an opportunity for encountering some rare nocturnal animals such as aardvarks, genets, and bushbabies.
Guided Bush Walks: For people who love to walk on the ground, there are guided bush walks that enable one to get closer to nature. Walking enables you to take note of little things in the environment, such as footprints, medicinal plants, and termites’ nests.
Hiking and Cultural Visits: The camp organises hikes to Kizima Hill, where visitors can view historical World War I sites. Additionally, Kivuko Eco Camp is deeply committed to the local community. Tourists can also be advised to go on tours related to conservation. Examples of such tours include tree planting in their local schools, visiting the Kasigau Women Basket Weavers, or visiting the widows’ greenhouses. This helps tourists interact directly with the community, coexisting with the wildlife.
