Finch Hatton's Camp (Tsavo West National Park) Kenya
Location:
Finch Hatton's is located in Tsavo West National Park. Together with neighboring Tsavo East, this Park is Kenya's largest National Park- and one of the largest in Africa. Its entire ecosystem constitutes 10 million acres of pure untouched wilderness. encompassing open savannah, ranges and hills, riverine and montane forests, and freshwater springs.
Finch Hatton's lies at the heart of Tsavo West National park, part of Kenya's single largest game reserve. The camp surrounds a natural freshwater spring, flowing through three crystal clear pools, with tents along the water's edge. Yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea trees surround the tents. It is unfenced and wild. A wide variety of game has been sighted on the surrounding plains.
Legacy:
Denys Finch Hatton, an English aristocrat first traveled to East Africa in 1911 at the age of 24 and immediately fell in love with Kenya. His great love of the bush and wild animals turned him a dedicated big game hunter. He had a deep understanding and appreciation of nature, as well as the customs and traditions of the Kenyan people.
Denys was to become well known for his refusal to abandon home comforts, culture and cuisine while on safari. He insisted that his guests dined with fine china and crystal, listened to gramophone recordings of Mozart, and in complete comfort and style he introduced them to his world- the world of the wild.
Finch Hatton became a byword for stylish and successful safaris, and his clientele included many American and European tycoons and aristocrats and in both 1928 and 1930, Britain's Prince of Wales (later Duke of Windsor).
Accommodation:
The camp accommodates up to 50 people, in large safari tents with twin beds, en suite bathrooms, brass fittings, large mirrors, WC, hot and cold running water and showers.
Each tent has a clothes rack, wooden Swahili chest, bookshelves and an antique writing desk. The tents have electricity, with shaver outlets for 110v and 220v, hairdryer and battery charger outlet for 220v as well as a fully stocked minibar fridge. All tents have panoramic views of the surrounding springs and forests, large deck balconies with chairs, tables and daybed.
Facilities:
We have an elegantly appointed bar and restaurant and a comfortable private lounge. There is an extensive library of books and an excellent range of classic music- including Denys Finch Hatton's favorite selections of Mozart. The bar is open all day, and we also provide pool service.
Breakfast and lunch are served al fresco on the open-air terrace, with views across the springs and hippo pools, and beyond to the snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro. Dinner is a formal 6-course meal served in the main dining room. Our waiters dress in traditional Kanzu and Fez.
We have a gift shop selling a range of high quality books and gifts, and is open throughout the day. Our ideally located pool has a shaded area and is surrounded by indigenous trees. Guests can enjoy a swim or just relax with their books before the afternoon game drives. Optional laundry service is provided and clothes are returned within 4 hours.
Game Viewing /Activities:
Tsavo is known for its herds of "Red Elephants", their skins stained by the local ochre dust and mud. The Park is home to over 5,000 elephant- the largest population in East Africa. Other commonly seen species include Giraffe, Zebra, Eland, Buffalo, Impala, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Wildebeest and many more.
The best time to see game around Finch Hatton's is early morning and late afternoon. Our morning and afternoon game drives and nature walks are not only your best chance to spot game, but to also witness stunning the African dawn and sunset. Tsavo in general and Finch Hatton's in particular are ideal for birdwatchers where over 200 species have been recorded.
An easy hour's drive from the camp are the famous Mzima Springs, where a gushing supply of fresh, crystal clear water has created an oasis for wildlife. It is home to several pods of hippo, crocs and shoals of barbell and catfish. A specially constructed underwater observatory provides visitors with a unique view into the underwater world of Mzima.
Accommodation Rates:- From $395 per person per night sharing. Please contact us for a quote and suggested itinerary