Severin Safari Camp

Tsavo West National Park presents a dramatic environment of volcanic hills, ancient lava flows, and sparse acacia woodland. Established in 1948, it is one of Kenya's oldest and largest protected areas.

Severin Safari Camp occupies a prime position within this rugged environment, overlooking a permanent, frequently visited waterhole with expansive views across the Tsavo plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Unfenced Camp Design at Severin Safari Camp

The camp is intentionally unfenced, a design that facilitates an authentic and immersive wilderness experience. Elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species roam freely through the camp grounds. Vigilant Maasai askaris manage security and guest safety, patrolling the camp and escorting guests between their tents and the main lodge after dark.

The central lodge area houses the reception, lounge, and main dining space. Its construction combines natural stone and dark wood under a traditional thatched roof, which provides a cool refuge from the midday heat.

Accommodation Options at Severin Safari Camp

The camp features 27 permanent tents, including luxury tents and larger suites, all designed to provide comfort and privacy while maintaining a close connection to the surrounding wilderness. The raised platform construction and thoughtful spacing between units ensure minimal disturbance and excellent views.

Each tent blends comfort with a classic safari aesthetic, featuring heavy-duty canvas walls and zip-up entrances that allow the sounds of the bush to filter through. The camp's layout ensures a high degree of privacy between each tent.

Luxury Tent Specifications

The standard luxury tents are generously proportioned and include an integrated, en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and hot-water shower. Handcrafted wooden furniture completes the interior, creating a functional and comfortable living area.

A private terrace with seating fronts each tent, offering guests a vantage point to observe the waterhole or the surrounding plains. Electricity is provided for lighting and charging personal devices.

Dining, Wellness and Camp Facilities

Beyond the tented accommodation, Severin Safari Camp provides a suite of central facilities designed for guest comfort and relaxation.

These amenities are clustered around the main lodge, offering communal spaces for dining, socialising, and wellness treatments, all while maintaining a view of the active waterhole.

The 'Out of Africa' Restaurant and Thorn Tree Bar

The 'Out of Africa' restaurant serves as the primary dining facility, offering buffet-style breakfasts and à la carte menus for lunch and dinner. The menu features international dishes with Kenyan influences, prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

The adjacent Thorn Tree Bar offers a comprehensive selection of spirits, wines, and cocktails. Its seating is perfectly positioned to capitalise on views of the waterhole.

The Award-Winning Thorn Tree Spa

The camp's award-winning Thorn Tree Spa is a dedicated wellness centre. The spa's design provides an open-air experience while maintaining complete privacy for guests.

The spa offers a curated menu of treatments, including massages and facials, designed to relax and rejuvenate guests after a day of safari activities.

Safari Activities and Guiding from Severin Safari Camp

Severin Safari Camp offers a full suite of safari activities led by experienced, KPSGA-certified local guides. Game drives in custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles are the core activity. These excursions navigate the diverse terrain of Tsavo West in search of resident wildlife, including the park's famous red-dusted elephants.

Australian travellers booking packages must verify specific inclusions. Standard packages typically include game drives, but specialised activities like guided bush walks or night drives often incur an additional cost. Confirming these details directly before booking is strongly recommended.

Guest Logistics and In-Camp Services

The camp is well-equipped to manage the practical needs of international travellers, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay despite its remote location. Key services focus on efficient access, reliable utilities, and clear communication regarding the camp's natural terrain.

Airstrip Access and Road Transfers

The most efficient access is a scheduled flight to Finch Hattons Airstrip, located approximately 15 minutes by road from the camp.

Road transfers from Nairobi, approximately 250 kilometres away, or Mombasa are also possible but require a much longer travel time. The camp staff organise airstrip transfers for all arriving and departing guests.

Power Supply and Internet Connectivity

Severin Safari Camp runs on a 24-hour power system, using solar energy as the primary source with a generator for backup. This system ensures consistent power to all tents. Each tent is equipped with power points suitable for charging cameras, laptops, and phones.

Travellers needing to charge multiple items simultaneously should bring a multi-socket power board or a dedicated USB charging hub. WiFi connectivity is available in the main lodge area and has been extended to certain luxury tents. Bandwidth can be variable, a common characteristic of remote bush locations.

Mobility Considerations and Camp Terrain

Travellers with specific mobility requirements should understand that the camp's terrain is natural and unpaved. Pathways connecting the tents to the main lodge are made of gravel and packed earth, which can be uneven underfoot.

The main lodge and tents include steps and are not fully optimised for wheelchair access, though camp staff provide excellent assistance. Direct communication with camp management before booking is essential to confirm if specific accessibility needs can be met.

Severin Safari Camp Fact Sheet

Who Should Stay at Severin Safari Camp?

Severin Safari Camp is particularly well-suited for couples and experienced safari travellers seeking an authentic bush experience with high-comfort amenities. The unfenced camp design delivers an immersive wildlife experience highly appealing to safari purists.

This blend of a wild setting with comforts like private terraces and the dedicated Thorn Tree Spa creates an ideal balance of adventure and relaxation, distinct from the more structured environment of a fenced lodge.