Customize one of our recommended trips or design your own from scratch
Umani Springs, nestled at the foot of Chyulu hills in the often drought ridden Makueni County in southeast Kenya, is a tranquil little wellspring a 3 hour drive off the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service this forested area has an oasis of underground water that supplies not only the 500,000 residents of surrounding towns, but the rescued and orphaned elephants that are released into the reserve from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. A brilliant, neat little Eco lodge, Umani springs is a must for bird and wildlife lovers, a biodiversity haven tucked under the forest canopy.
From $250 person/night
Watching the daily activities of the gorgeous rescued baby elephants at the centre is a once in a lifetime experience.
Hiking up to the Umani Hill lookout point with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The quiet remoteness of the lodge making you feel like the only people in the world.
A central main building that houses a large communal dining-come-bar area leads out onto manicured lawns and an inviting spring fed swimming pool. Built in the style of a Balinese an expansive wooden deck runs the length of the french sliding doors, overlooking the encircling forest surrounds.The camp is self catering, but food can be prepared by the staff on hand. The surrounds are like being in your own oasis, remote and tranquil overlooking the waterholes fed by the springs.
Three well appointed bungalows sleeping a total of ten people are spread around the property, A -frame thatch roofs and raised ever so slightly off the ground, with large fold back windows and doors to take advantage of the wild outdoors. Each of the bungalows are modern equipped and subtly decorated with natural, earthy colours highlighted by local fabrics and traditional artifacts to add atmosphere. Charming cobbled stone outdoor showers make you feel immersed into the bush in style and comfort.
Not only does the funds from the lodge go directly back into the conservation efforts of David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Rescued Elephants Centre, all the chefs, guides and house staff and chefs are employed from the local community. Tsetse files can be an issue in the area, bring bug spray and stay covered up.
The main attraction of being at the camp is the close proximity to the rescued elephants daily activities. Although there is not much else in terms of larger wildlife in the area watching the little elephants take their daily mud baths. A simple safari is also possible in the Kibwezi Forest and Chyulu Hills. Guided walks are also possible and do watch out of the different bird species in the area.
Show all wildlife
The Amboseli and Chyulu Hills region enjoy a diverse landscape of open savannah, acacia thicket and riverine forest, characterised by sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. It's a place of extreme scenic beauty, with wildlife to match. Witness lions, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, cheetah, giraffe, warthog, a diverse range of antelope and more than 300 species of bird. However the true highlight is the magnificent herds of elephant containing the last of Africa's big Tuskers.