Frequently asked questions

Finch Hattons is open all year-round.

Tsavo National Park has abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes year-round, so your stay at Finch Hattons will be nothing short of extraordinary, no matter when you decide to visit.

You can expect average highs of about 30°C/86°F in the months from December to March, with cooler temperatures around 20°C/68°F from July to September.

You can find out more about when to visit Kenya in our blog - Kenya, a timeless, year-round destination.

Don’t worry if your flight is scheduled before the official check-in time of 12 pm. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll be there to collect you from the private airstrip.

The time to say goodbye is officially 10 am on the day of your departure, but we can look after your luggage at camp if your flight isn’t until later.

Want to sleep in a bit longer? Just swing by the front office the night before you leave, and we’ll do our best to organise a late check-out.

Yes, we want you to feel as relaxed as possible from the moment you arrive. You can see what is included below, and if you have any questions or special requests, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What's included?

• All meals and drinks (including alcohol)
• Twice daily game drives in Tsavo National Park
• Transfers to and from our airstrip
• Visits to the Shetani Lava Flow and the Ol Doinyo, Ololarami Volcano
• Laundry service
• Generously stocked complimentary maxi-bar
• Insect repellent
• Torches
• Extra blankets
• Pair of binoculars
• Hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers
• Bathroom amenities
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Safety deposit box
• Wi-Fi throughout the camp

Additional fees may apply, such as conservancy fees and private vehicle fees. Please ask the reservations team for clarification.

Throughout the year, we have special offers available for direct bookings - you can view these offers here.

Our best available rate is through our website booking engine. 

You can book your safari holiday online here.

Minimum lengths of stay may apply, depending on your selected dates.

You can use our website booking engine to search for your dates - follow this link here.

Any extras during your stay can be paid for using major credit/debit cards or cash.

You can find full details about our cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions here.

For these extraordinary adventures, booking 12 to 18 months in advance is recommended, especially if you want to travel during peak seasons.

Absolutely. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or just a great opportunity to experience a safari with family, friends or colleagues, the Finch Hattons team is on hand to cater for all requests. Contact us to find out more.

Yes! You can visit any of the properties in our Virgin Limited Edition Collection, but we think Finch Hattons is best paired with a stay at Mahali Mzuri for the ultimate Safari Experience.

Stay a minimum of four nights at either the luxurious Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara eco-system or the timeless elegance of Finch Hattons in Kenya's oldest national park, Tsavo, and we’ll treat you to a complimentary night at the other. Two iconic camps.

Two extraordinary landscapes. One unforgettable journey. Start your safari in style, and let the adventure unfold.

You can find out more here.

Nestled in Kenya's southeastern corner lies Tsavo, a lesser-known gem that promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking solace away from the crowds. Split into two sprawling sections - Tsavo East and Tsavo West - this national park is not only one of the largest in the world but also one of Kenya's best-kept secrets.

What sets Tsavo apart from other safari destinations is its raw, untouched beauty. From the iconic red-dust plains of Tsavo East to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West, this region offers a diversity of ecosystems teeming with wildlife. With fewer visitors compared to other parks, Tsavo offers a more intimate and serene luxury Kenya safari experience.

Find out more here.

Kenya is the birthplace of the safari, and it’s not hard to see why. With its vast open plains teeming with wildlife, this country is truly magical, and visitors will often spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffaloes – also known as the Big Five – within the first few days of their stay.

The main international airport in Nairobi is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with daily direct flights from the main European hubs: London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as New York. There are also daily arrivals from Johannesburg in South Africa, as well as from hubs in the Middle East, including Dubai and Doha. Flights from Europe take, on average, just over 8 hours, and direct flights from New York take 15 hours.

Those connecting from any other USA hub will need to travel via one of the cities above. We can also book the Fast Track service for you at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport to speed up your journey. Our reservations team can help organise transfers to and from the airports. 

Wilson Airport is the domestic airport in Nairobi with scheduled flights to the Olare Orok Airstrip. If you booked a transfer to Wilson Airport, a local agent will meet you in the arrivals hall once you’ve collected your baggage and cleared customs. Look for the Mahali Mzuri logo, which will be held up on a board.

There are two airstrips close to Mahali Mzuri that we would recommend guests use. Both airstrips are served by flights operated by SafariLink Aviation and Air Kenya. Olare Orok is also served by the Governor’s Aviation.

Special charter flights can also be arranged on request, and they can land at the private airstrip in the conservancy, roughly a 20-minute drive from camp.

For availability, rates, and to book your flights, you will need to contact your preferred airline directly. There are daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to our private airstrip in Tsavo, operated by our trusted partners, Safarilink and Fly ALS.

The flight takes about 50 minutes. From there, it’s just a quick 10-minute drive to Finch Hattons - our team will be there to pick you up. If you’re travelling from Mombasa, Mombasa Air offers convenient flights to our airstrip as well.

We offer private charter and helicopter flights upon request, giving you the flexibility to arrive at Finch Hattons whenever you wish.

Yes, we can arrange transfers between international and domestic airports for arrivals from outside Kenya.

The luggage limit on the flights from Wilson Airport to Finch Hattons is 15kg, which includes your hand luggage. This is quite strictly enforced as the aircraft used doesn’t have a lot of extra space. It’s advisable to pack in soft-sided or duffel bags as they tend to be more flexible and easier to fit into the aircraft’s limited storage compartments.

If you’re on a longer trip and have additional luggage, you can usually leave this at the terminal free of charge until you return. 

Please check with your airline before departing. At the other end, when you land at the private airstrip, our team will collect you in Finch Hattons vehicles for the 10-minute transfer to the camp.

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling and is readily accepted for both large and small transactions. You may need at least USD 50 in cash per person to pay for your entry visa if you’ve not organised this prior to arrival.

The airport authorities accept payment in Euros and British Pounds however amounts may vary, and they are less likely to have the exact change. Credit cards are not accepted. ATMs are available at the main international airport and in larger towns; however, they can struggle to process non-Kenyan cards.

We recommend obtaining some Shillings before you depart for small purchases while you’re in transit (or if you plan on spending any time in Nairobi).

At Finch Hattons, you will not need any cash. Purchases from the gift shop or spa treatments can be made by credit card.

No vaccinations are required on entry unless you have just arrived from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is still a risk in some areas of Kenya, so it is important to seek medical advice on appropriate precautions during your stay.

Virtually all visitors to Kenya will need a visa to enter the country. UK and Irish citizens travelling to Kenya can apply for their visa in advance online using the Kenyan e-visa portal: www.evisa.go.ke. Visas are generally issued within two working days. Please note that the e-visa system only accepts debit cards and costs roughly USD 51 per person.

From 1st February 2016, visa fees do not apply to children under the age of 16. Visitors are also required to have at least two blank pages in their passport, which must be valid for six months beyond their expected departure date from Kenya.

As advice can change on a regular basis, we recommend you check with the advice issued by your government’s state department or foreign office before you set off on your journey.

Insurance is always the guest’s responsibility. Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers your safari trip to Kenya.

There are 17 tented suites at Finch Hattons. Each suite offers stunning, unobstructed views of the shimmering natural springs, allowing you to wake up immersed in the breathtaking beauty and vibrant wildlife of the wilderness - all from the comfort of your own private sanctuary.

You can find out more about our tents here.

Settle in with luxury home comforts, en-suite bathrooms featuring indoor and outdoor showers, free-standing copper bathtubs, and a complimentary maxi-bar.

Within your tent, you will also find:

• Insect repellent
• Torches
• Extra blankets
• Pair of binoculars
• Hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers
• Bathroom amenities
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Safety deposit box

No, to minimise our impact on our surroundings, sustainably harvested makuti palm leaves have been used for the tent roofs and solar hot water heaters are in use throughout the camp.

Yes, guests can enjoy private, candlelit meals on their own deck, providing an intimate, luxurious dining experience in the bush.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely swim or simply a moment of relaxation by the water’s edge, our pool provides the perfect setting to immerse yourself, to cool off and to relax.

Our spa offers a haven for rejuvenation and relaxation. Immerse yourself in luxurious treatments inspired by the natural surroundings, designed to restore balance to mind, body, and soul.

You can find out more about the spa here.

Step into our gym, where fitness meets adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, our gym offers a space to sweat, stretch, and find your strength.

Tsavo National Park has abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes year-round, so your stay at Finch Hattons will be nothing short of extraordinary, no matter when you decide to visit. You can expect average highs of about 30°C/86°F in the months from December to March, with cooler temperatures around 20°C/68°F from July to September.

You can find out more about when to visit Kenya in our blog - Kenya, a timeless, year-round destination

Included in your stay, twice-daily game drives take you through open plains, volcanic hills, and lush springs, with expert guides leading the way and stops to enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

You can find out more about our game drives here.

Kenya is an excellent year-round travel destination.

Each season brings a new and exciting environment for viewing the animals, so no matter the weather, there will always be something to see.

For game drives, you should wear pale or neutral colours. In the warmer months from December to March, these should be lightweight, but take a windbreaker or light jacket for evenings. For the cooler and wetter months, take a jumper/sweater, fleece or warm jacket too.

Trainers/sneakers are fine for safari walks, and it’s a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for all seasons.

 Around the camp, you can wear whatever you like. Formal wear is at your discretion. Make sure you don’t forget your swimsuit.

If you’ve caught the safari bug or simply want to explore more of the Tsavo’s spectacular, unspoilt landscapes, you can always book additional game drives directly at camp. Additional charges apply.

Absolutely, Finch Hattons is the perfect spot for families, providing exciting activities and facilities to suit every generation!

Young Explorers (that’s the kids!) aged six years or older are welcome at Finch Hattons and can join in the fun on game drives with their parents. When not on game drives, we ask parents to keep an eye on their young explorers at all times. We’re also happy to arrange special menus for the younger ones on request. 

Because we know each ‘Young Explorer’ (as we call them) is different, we do not operate a set kids programme. Instead, we offer a range of activities that we tailor to each child or group, depending on their ages and interests. Parents may choose to join their kids in these activities or take time for themselves.

We’re one of the few camps in Kenya offering two-bedroom tents connected by a cosy lounge – perfect for families! Our spacious Family Suites, over 200 sqm, provide luxurious comfort and are conveniently close to the public areas and the pool.

Kids under 12 must share a tent with their parents, and while 12-15-year-olds can have their own tent, we recommend they bunk with their parents for added safety.

Children aged six and over are welcome to join their parents on thrilling game drives, turning each wildlife encounter into a shared, unforgettable moment.

To keep the magic alive and ensure a safe experience for all, little ones are gently encouraged to stay quiet while spotting animals in the wild. If you’re travelling with very young children, one parent can relax back at camp while the rest of the family sets off into the bush for the day’s adventure.

With Tsavo’s roads kicking up a little dust, we recommend bringing sunglasses to keep small eyes comfortable and protected. It’s all part of the fun in the wild!

At Finch Hattons, every day is a new adventure for kids, so much so that they may never want to leave! Our Young Explorers can dive into the wonders of Tsavo National Park with engaging bush walks, mini safaris around camp, and interactive wildlife-spotting adventures. From colourful lizards and dazzling birds to fascinating insects, nature becomes their playground.

Led by our resident Conservation Manager and special guest experts, children can enjoy storytelling sessions and captivating talks that bring to life Tsavo’s rich history, vibrant cultures, and the deep connection between local communities and the wild.

As night falls, the magic continues with outdoor movie nights featuring classics like The Lion King and Madagascar. The next day, they’ll have the chance to spot their favourite animal stars - this time in real life, out on the savannah.

You can find out more about kids at Finch Hattons here.

While we don’t offer babysitting, our friendly camp guides are always happy to keep a gentle watch over tents with kids at night.

All meals and drinks are included, and each meal is accompanied by delicious homemade bread.

Inspired by the flavours, textures and aromas of the Tsavo region, our seasoned Kenyan chefs create delectable safari dishes paired with stunning views for a truly unforgettable world-class dining experience at Finch Hattons.

You can find out more about dining at Finch Hattons here.

Yes, all drinks and alcohol are included. 

As the night draws to a close, retire to our inviting bars and lounges that cater to every mood and occasion, offering a cosy atmosphere to unwind, relax and forget about the world beyond Finch Hattons.

We know that little appetites can be a big deal, so we’ve created delicious, kid-friendly meals and snacks made just for them. Whether it’s a familiar favourite or something new to try, our chefs happily tailor every dish to suit your child’s tastes and dietary needs.

Finch Hattons offers a range of exciting, hands-on activities designed to immerse you in the wilderness and challenge your sense of adventure.

Whether it’s hiking, camp walks, sundowners, or a Chyulu sunrise, there’s plenty to explore.

For those looking for something more unique, we also offer warrior training and survival skills sessions for young explorers, teaching essential techniques for thriving in the wild. It’s the perfect chance to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the adventurous spirit of the Maasai.

You can find out more here.

We do. We can create bespoke experiences that cater to your taste, expectations and interests.

Say “I do” surrounded by the awe-inspiring wilderness of Tsavo National Park, with the iconic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop. Finch Hattons offers a truly magical safari wedding experience - where nature’s grandeur meets intimate luxury.

Perfectly designed for exclusivity and charm, our camp accommodates up to 38 guests, making it the ultimate destination for couples seeking an unforgettable, personalised celebration immersed in the wild. From elegant ceremonies under acacia trees to festive receptions beneath the African stars, Finch Hattons transforms your special day into a breathtaking memory that lasts a lifetime.

You can find out more here.

Yes! Our dedicated team is committed to crafting a personalised experience tailored to your vision, ensuring every detail is perfect in this spectacular Tsavo wilderness retreat.

Experience unparalleled privacy and breathtaking scenery at Tsavo West National Park, the perfect destination to celebrate milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, or unforgettable gatherings with friends. With its unique blend of wild adventure and luxurious comfort, Finch Hattons offers a truly extraordinary setting where your special moments become unforgettable memories.

Packing for a safari is really very simple: neutral colours, breathable layers, and comfortable shoes. Practicality matters far more than variety.

At Finch Hattons, laundry services mean guests can travel lightly and focus on the experience rather than their wardrobe. What matters most isn’t what’s worn, but what’s noticed.

For game drives, you should wear neutral colours that will blend in with the landscape. In summer, these should be lightweight, but take a windbreaker or light jacket for evenings and early mornings. In winter, take a jumper (sweater), fleece or warm jacket too. Trainers (sneakers) are fine for safari walks, and it’s a good idea to bring a hat, sunglasses and suncream for all seasons. Colours to avoid include red, black, dark blue and white. Some predators identify red with wounded animals and Masai warriors. Dark colours like black and blue, in addition to absorbing heat, attract insects and biting flies. White clothing is noticeable and gets dirty quite easily outdoors.

Back at camp, you can wear whatever you like around the lodge and dining rooms. Whilst there’s no dress code at camp, it is always best to be mindful of the team’s local culture and customs. Formal wear isn’t always practical, but if you want to dress up for the evening, that’s absolutely fine.

Still need some tips? Check out our What to Pack for Safari Blog.

If any of our guests have health concerns, we have team members trained in first aid to attend to emergencies.

In case of necessity, Rescue offers air evacuation andambulance services across East Africa. Their planes are equipped with medical facilities and transport you to a modern private hospital in Nairobi. To access these facilities, a subscription to their insurance is required. If you already have travel or health insurance, please check if air evacuation is included. Note that flights cannot take off after 5 pm due to government regulations. For more information or to purchase Rescue insurance, visit www.rescue.co.

Before your arrival, please inform us if anyone in yourparty has a pre-existing medical condition, allergy, specific medical requirements, or is pregnant. We strongly recommend bringing sunscreen for your protection.

The nearest hospital is located in Mtito Andei, approximately an hour and a half drive away.

Tipping is discretionary and entirely up to you. If you have any questions about tipping, you can discuss this with the camp manager.