Elephant Safari: Day-by-day

Of the limited number of accommodation options in Tsavo West, Severin Safari Camp is one of just three tented camps and unusual in being built on a flat plain that usually teems with wildlife. German owned, and run with enthusiastic devotion by a German couple, it is very centrally located for Mzima Springs, the Tsavo River and Tsavo West’s spectacular volcanic landscapes. The camp has an Eco-Tourism Kenya Silver Award and our impression is that it’s run on strong eco-tourism principles.

"We loved our time at Severin and they were most friendly and accommodating"

Mrs Jfromkakira

Arrived 10 Mar 2019, 2 nights

Severin Safari Camp’s combination of excellent, hands-on management, harmonious design and architecture and a terrific natural environment has produced a winning safari camp that seems to tick every box without making you feel part of a tourism machine, and the bush walks to Mzima Springs are a huge bonus. If we had one bone to pick it would be that the tents and cottages could be spaced further apart for added privacy. See our full report on Severin Safari Camp

Spread out among tamarind and acacia trees near the seasonal Voi River, Satao Camp is the only camp in this area of Tsavo East National Park. Fairly large by safari standards, it is owned and managed by one of Kenya’s most respected safari companies, and is regularly visited by baboons, impalas, giraffe and hippo, while the central area is an oasis for birdlife and various nocturnal creatures, including genets: in the bar, one regular genet drapes himself on an overhead rafter.

"The staff were very pleasant with our waiter and the barman very good."

Mr & Mrs LNfromLondon

Arrived 18 Jan 2020, 3 nights

In the two decades since it was built, Satao Camp has matured into one of the most welcoming camps in southern Kenya. The herds of impala, the bull giraffe that wanders around camp, frequent elephants and lions at the waterhole, and a riot of birdlife together create a magical impact on first-time visitors – and one which doesn’t disappoint experienced travellers. The food at Satao isn’t a stand-out feature, and the high-voltage overhead power lines that run close to the camp detract slightly from the bush feel of the area, but many visitors are so captivated with the place that they barely notice them. See our full report on Satao Camp

Perfectly placed on Diani Beach, WaterLovers offers peace, tranquility and very good food with comfortable suites and attentive, friendly service. Truly a “toes in the sand” spot, WaterLovers has a casual ambience that’s in tune with its Indian Ocean setting. Turquoise highlights define this intimate boutique hotel, from beach towels to day beds, menus to cushions, and of course the turquoise waters beyond. From the grounds, the “walls” onto the beach seem to be of infinity sand: the whole blending almost seamlessly together. Coconut palms sway above comfortable sun loungers, swing chairs and hammocks, with thatched parasols and an attractive turtle-shaped pool whose bronze tiles tone with the whole.

When the wind is light, climb the look-out tower to get the best of the breeze – or lounge in a day bed while the occasional colobus monkey swings in the trees overhead. Indulge in a spot of snorkelling and you may spot striking red starfish among the seagrass, or paddle a kayak out to the reef at low tide and land on what feels like your own desert island. Small fishing boats and outriggers bob around in the waves, perfect perching spots for swift terns and sooty gulls.

"Staff were very friendly and helpful. "

Ms P.fromCambs

Arrived 24 Oct 2022, 5 nights

Back on dry land, it’s time for a cool drink, snacks at hand, before settling down to dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean. If relaxation is taken seriously here, so is the food! See our full report on Water Lovers Beach Resort