Severin Safari Camp

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Severin Safari Camp

Tsavo West National Park is one of Kenya's largest and wildest protected areas, and Severin Safari Camp is one of its best-known luxury tented camps. Unlike many safari destinations that focus on high tourist numbers, Severin offers a quieter, more intimate wilderness experience where wildlife often wanders directly through the camp. 

Location

The camp is located in the Kitani Wildlife Area on the edge of Tsavo West National Park, between the famous Mzima Springs and the Tsavo River.

Key distances include:

  • Approximately 250 km from Nairobi

  • Approximately 250 km from Mombasa

  • Around 30 minutes from Finch Hattons and Kilaguni airstrips

  • Easily reached by road, scheduled flights, or the Madaraka Express train to Mtito Andei followed by a transfer. 

Accommodation

The camp has 27 luxury tents and suites, designed to blend into the surrounding bush.

Luxury Tents

  • Approximately 34 m²

  • King-size or twin beds

  • En-suite bathroom

  • Hot and cold running water

  • Private veranda overlooking the bush

  • African handcrafted wooden furniture

  • Maximum occupancy of three adults

Junior Suites

  • Approximately 61 m²

  • Separate sitting area

  • Outdoor shower

  • Large bathroom with double basins

  • Private sun deck

  • Suitable for families (up to two adults and two children)

The camp is unfenced, allowing wildlife to move naturally through the property. Guests are escorted after dark by Maasai guards for safety. 

Wildlife

Tsavo West is famous for:

  • African elephants (especially the "red elephants," coated in the park's red volcanic dust)

  • Lions

  • Leopards

  • Buffalo

  • Giraffes

  • Hippos

  • Crocodiles

  • Zebras

  • Hyenas

  • Numerous antelope species

  • More than 400 bird species

Animals frequently seen from camp include elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, baboons, and many bird species visiting nearby waterholes. 

Safari Activities

Guests can participate in:

  • Morning game drives

  • Afternoon game drives

  • Full-day safaris

  • Sundowner excursions

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Maasai-guided nature walks

  • Guided bush walks with Kenya Wildlife Service rangers

  • Bird watching

  • Photography safaris

The Maasai guides share traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, animal tracks, and local ecology, adding a cultural dimension to the wildlife experience. 

Dining

The camp's Out of Africa Restaurant overlooks a waterhole, making wildlife viewing possible during meals.

Cuisine features:

  • Fresh local ingredients

  • International and Kenyan dishes

  • Vegetarian options

  • Hot-stone grilled meats

  • Fondue specialties

  • Buffet breakfast

  • À la carte lunch and dinner

Dining often includes sightings of elephants, zebras, and antelope just beyond the terrace. 

Wellness

Facilities include:

  • Kenbali Spa

  • Massage treatments

  • Swimming pool

  • Fitness tent/gym

  • Relaxation areas overlooking the wilderness

These amenities make the camp suitable for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. 

Sustainability

Severin Safari Camp has a strong environmental focus. Its initiatives include:

  • Solar-powered water heating

  • Heat recovery from generators

  • A private pipeline supplying water from Mzima Springs

  • An on-site wastewater treatment plant (one of the first safari camps in Kenya to install one)

  • Ecotourism education through behind-the-scenes sustainability tours

The camp also supports local employment and skills development through the Severin Craftsman Training Center in Mombasa. 

Atmosphere

The camp emphasizes:

  • Small-scale luxury

  • Personalized service

  • Quiet surroundings

  • Close contact with nature

  • Authentic African architecture

  • Minimal environmental impact

Because it is located in Tsavo rather than the busier Maasai Mara, visitors often enjoy game drives with far fewer vehicles, making wildlife encounters feel more exclusive. 

Best Time to Visit

The camp operates year-round.

  • June to October: Dry season with excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.

  • January to February: Another dry period with good visibility.

  • March to May: Long rains bring lush scenery and excellent birdlife.

  • November to December: Short rains with greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

Each season offers different photographic opportunities, though the dry months are generally preferred for game viewing.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors often combine a stay with excursions to:

  • Mzima Springs

  • Shetani Lava Flow

  • Chaimu Crater

  • Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

  • Lake Jipe

These sites showcase Tsavo's volcanic landscapes, freshwater ecosystems, and conservation efforts.

Who It's Best For

Severin Safari Camp is particularly well suited to:

  • Couples and honeymooners

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Families seeking a luxury safari

  • Birdwatchers

  • Travelers interested in sustainable tourism

  • Visitors who prefer a quieter alternative to Kenya's busier safari circuits

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