Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons lies within a private concession in the heart of Tsavo West National Park, surrounded by natural freshwater springs and overlooked by the distant peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills.

The camp takes its name from Denys Finch Hatton, the famous safari pilot and aristocrat closely associated with the early days of East African safari history. Today the property combines that classic heritage with contemporary luxury while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness.

Because the camp sits within a natural oasis in the otherwise dry Tsavo landscape, wildlife frequently gathers around the springs and wetlands nearby.

Landscape & Setting

Tsavo West is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lava flows and open plains framed by distant hills.

Finch Hattons occupies a particularly beautiful setting where freshwater springs create lush vegetation and attract wildlife throughout the day. Meanwhile, the surrounding landscape opens toward the Chyulu Hills and the vast plains of Tsavo.

As a result, the camp offers a striking contrast between green wetlands around the springs and the wider red-dust wilderness that defines Tsavo.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Finch Hattons consists of spacious luxury tented suites set around the natural springs.

Features include:

Large canvas suites with private decks
Views across the surrounding wetlands
Elegant safari interiors
Ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers

The camp also features a well-known spa, swimming pool and elevated lounge areas overlooking the springs.

Safari Experience / Activities

Staying at Finch Hattons allows travellers to explore the landscapes of Tsavo West in comfort.

Activities may include:

• Game drives across Tsavo West National Park
• Visits to Mzima Springs, one of the park’s most famous water sources
• Exploring the volcanic Shetani Lava Flow
• Birdwatching around the camp’s wetlands
• Scenic drives toward the Chyulu Hills

Because the camp lies within a wildlife corridor, sightings often begin close to the property itself.

Wildlife

Tsavo supports a wide range of wildlife across its varied habitats.

Wildlife encounters may include:

• The famous red elephants of Tsavo
• Lion and spotted hyena
• Buffalo and giraffe
• Zebra and numerous antelope species
• Rich birdlife around the springs and wetlands

Elephants frequently visit the camp’s water sources, creating memorable sightings.

When to Visit

Finch Hattons can be visited throughout the year.

June – October
Dry season conditions usually provide the best wildlife viewing.

January – March
Clear skies often create excellent visibility across the plains.

April – May / November
Seasonal rains bring greener landscapes and dramatic scenery.

Insider Tips

Morning drives toward the Chyulu Hills often provide beautiful light across the volcanic landscapes.

Meanwhile, the wetlands around the camp attract birds and wildlife throughout the day.

Because the camp sits in a natural oasis, wildlife activity near the lodge can sometimes be surprisingly good.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Visit Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water emerging from underground lava flows creates one of Tsavo’s most famous wildlife habitats.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend spending three nights at Finch Hattons, allowing time to explore Tsavo West properly, including Mzima Springs and the volcanic landscapes around the Shetani Lava Flow.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys include:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.