Ithumba Camp

Ithumba Camp, belongs to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and is primarily reserved for DSWT elephant orphan “foster parents.” The camp was designed to facilitate personal, educational visits for foster parents to see their orphans (or ex-orphans) after they leave the Nairobi nursery and come to Tsavo for their reintroduction process into the wild. During their stay, visitors can tour the Ithumba station where the elephants enjoy their midday mud-bath, feedings, and more.

Ithumba Camp is a small, self-serve accommodation in Tsavo East, set amongst the bush and acacia trees surrounding the Galana River. EJ can arrange for all food and drink during your stay. Each of the four thatch-roof safari tents connects to an en-suite, open-air bathroom with shower and small dressing room. Water is solar heated and light is supplied the same way. The large common area pavilion attaches to a spacious kitchen where you can kick back and enjoy the austere beauty of this remote area. The camp is completely fenced, but guests are likely to spot dik dik, lesser kudus and other small game and birds at the small waterhole.

Ithumba is not ultra luxurious; guests should be prepared for comfortable basics without much in the way of polish or amenities. That said, for our elephant enthusiasts, Ithumba is an inspiring opportunity to see the second part of DSWT’s orphan process and appreciate the extensive lengths taken to protect, rehabilitate, and reintegrate these orphans. If you can’t get enough elephants, and don’t mind a no-frills camp, Ithumba is a great addition to your safari. Game drives and bush walks are also available.