Is This Kenya’s Best Luxury Safari Experience?

Maiken Fortes
Sep 5
7 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

In partnership with Finch Hattons Safari Camp by Virgin Limited Edition

Kenya had been sitting patiently at the top of our travel list for what felt like forever. Last year was meant to be the year, but life had other plans, and so the dream was pushed back just a little longer. Touching down in Tsavo West this year, though, it became clear that the wait had only made the experience sweeter. From the dramatic landscapes to the quiet moments of watching wildlife at dawn, it all felt like stepping into the pages of a story we’d been imagining for years. And at the heart of it all was Finch Hattons by Virgin Limited Edition, an oasis of understated luxury in the middle of the wild, where every detail felt as thoughtful as it was unforgettable.

💡 Useful tips before heading to a Safari in Kenya

Money & M-PESA - Bring some US dollars in cash, as they’re widely accepted and easy to exchange. M-Pesa (Kenya’s mobile money system) is also incredibly handy for smaller purchases and tips if you’re set up for it.
Entry VISA - Most visitors need an e-visa, which you can apply for online before you travel. Make sure to do this a couple of weeks in advance for peace of mind.
Travel Insurance - An essential for any trip, but especially important when you’re heading out on safari. Double-check your policy covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and all your gadgets.
Vaccines & Malaria tablets - Check in with your travel clinic well ahead of time to make sure you’re up to date with recommended vaccines. Malaria tablets are also strongly advised for travel in Kenya—pack enough for your full trip plus a little extra.Take out some Japanese Yen ¥ (JPY) in cash. Again, some places prefer cash rather than card.
Fly Safarilink - Always check your logistics before booking. We flew with Safarilink, which conveniently took us directly to Tsavo West. The entire journey was an experience in itself.
Best Time to Visit Tsavo – The dry seasons (June to October and January to February) are generally considered the best for wildlife viewing. We visited just after the rains, and the park was lush and teeming with life.

Finch Hattons, Tsavo West

📍Tsavo West National, C103, Kenya

Day One: Champagne Skies & First Glimpses of Tsavo

After an easy 8-hour direct flight from London with Kenya Airways, we landed in Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, buzzing with anticipation. From there, it was a quick transfer across town to Nairobi Wilson Airport where a Safarilink plane whisked us over vast stretches of wilderness straight into Tsavo West. On arrival, we were met by our host Matthew, waiting with a branded Land Cruiser. That first drive through the park set the tone: wild, raw and utterly breathtaking.

Arriving at Finch Hattons felt like stepping into a hidden oasis. The camp is set around natural springs, so from the moment you walk in, you hear the gentle sound of water and spot hippos and crocodiles lazing in the pools. We were shown to the Finch Hattons Suite, complete with its own private pool and sweeping views across the reserve. The tented suites strike that perfect balance of safari authenticity and understated luxury: wide decks to watch the wildlife wander by, a dreamy freestanding copper bath, and thoughtful touches that made it feel indulgent but never over the top.

The Finch Hattons suite with private pool

After a guided walk around the camp, learning about their solar farm, shamba and kitchen, we settled into life at Finch Hattons with a long, lazy lunch overlooking the water. Later, we met Moses, the Conservation Manager, for a fascinating introduction to the hippo monitoring project before heading out on our first evening game drive. By sunset, we were back at the Boma with cocktails in hand, reliving the day under the stars.

Day Two: Scaling a Volcano & Sundowners in the Sky

The next morning began with a hike up Ol Donyo Larami, a dormant volcano rising out of the Chyulu Hills. The climb was challenging in parts, but standing at the crater rim, looking across to Kilimanjaro, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime reward.

Back at camp, the pace shifted into something slower and softer. What struck us most about Finch Hattons was just how secluded and personalised it feels. Almost like a private hideaway designed entirely around you. The team have this incredible way of making it feel like home, from remembering your favourite drink to quietly anticipating what you might need before you’ve even thought of it. The atmosphere is chic yet wonderfully relaxed: polished enough to feel special, but never so formal that you can’t just kick back by the pool with a book.

By late afternoon, we were back in the Land Cruiser for another game drive, finishing with sundowners from the viewing tower and a front-row seat to Tsavo’s fiery sunset with nibbles and cocktails in hand.

Day Three: Chasing Sunrise & Meeting the Maasai

A 4:30am wake-up call might sound a little brutal on holiday, but trust me - it’s worth every bleary-eyed moment. As we climbed into the Chyulu Hills, the sky began to shift through every shade imaginable: soft pinks, fiery oranges, deep purples. At the summit, a mini private breakfast was waiting for us, and there we sat with steaming coffee and pastries, watching Kenya wake up beneath us.

Afterwards, we explored the nearby rainforest. As you can imagine it was a lush, green world that felt worlds away from the savannah. The cool air, tangled canopy, and unexpected bursts of birdsong were such a surprising contrast, and a reminder of just how diverse Tsavo really is.

Later that morning, we had the privilege of visiting a Maasai village. We were welcomed in with warmth and curiosity, learning about their traditions, vibrant arts and crafts, and the way community sits at the heart of daily life. We also stopped by the local school, where children eagerly shared songs, giving us an insight into how the next generation is being raised in this incredible corner of Kenya.

Day Four: Lava Legends & Kilimanjaro’s Glow

By now, the rhythm of safari life felt second nature. We started the morning with a drive deeper into Tsavo National Park, winding through rocky outcrops and riverbeds in search of the elusive leopard. Along the way, we stopped at a towering baobab tree, sacred to the local community, its ancient presence a powerful reminder of the stories and traditions rooted in this land.

Afterwards, we enjoyed an al fresco bush breakfast in the wild. Fresh fruit, pastries, and eggs cooked right there in the open, with nothing but birdsong and the distant rustle of the savannah as our soundtrack.

The afternoon’s game drive brought more incredible wildlife, before the day wrapped up in the most unexpected way: sundowners with Matthew, who led us in a playful mini Maasai Olympics. Between spear-throwing, mock high-jumps, and plenty of laughter, it was the perfect mix of fun, culture, and cocktails... all against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro glowing in the fading light.

Day Five: A Bittersweet Goodbye

Our final morning at Finch Hattons was tinged with that inevitable mix of gratitude and sadness. Over breakfast, we found ourselves already missing Matthew and his stories, his humour, and the way he brought his culture to life during our time together. Moses, too, left a lasting impression, showing us how Finch Hattons works hand in hand with the Kenya Wildlife Service to support conservation and make a real, tangible impact on the surrounding communities. And then, of course, there was Chef Sudie. Every dish he created was cooked to perfection — thoughtful, flavourful, and always with that touch of something special that made each meal feel unforgettable.

As we boarded our flight back to Nairobi, the landscapes of Tsavo stretched out beneath us one last time. Finch Hattons had given us not just a safari, but a connection to the people, to place, and to the wild itself, that we knew we’d carry with us long after leaving.

Final thoughts

Looking back, our time at Finch Hattons with Virgin Limited Edition was so much more than just a safari. It was a journey we’d been dreaming of for years, and every delayed plan and moment of anticipation made it all the sweeter. From the sweeping savannahs to the hidden rainforests, from conservation lessons to Maasai traditions, every day brought something new to treasure. Finch Hattons manages to feel both wildly untamed and deeply personal, a place where luxury doesn’t get in the way of authenticity but enhances it. It was everything we hoped Kenya would be and so much more.

🧳 What to pack for your next Safari

Lightweight neutral coloured clothing

Stick to beige, khaki, olive or tan. Avoid dark blue and black (they attract tsetse flies). Additionally, it's best to bring clothing you can layer. Early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, but midday heats up quickly. A light jacket or fleece is a must.

Comfortable walking shoes or boots Even if you're mostly in a vehicle during game drives, you'll want sturdy shoes for bush walks or exploring camp. Avoid any open toes sandals if you plan to go on a few hikes. Sun protection and insect repellent

Wide-brim hat (preferably one with a chin strap to avoid flying off), sunglasses, and plenty of high-SPF sunscreen. For insect repellent, make sure to choose one with DEET or picaridin for mosquitoes and other bugs.

Portable power bank

Great for charging phones and cameras on the go. Some game drives can be long and you might be out all day. Trust me - you'll want to take plenty of photos as well.

Baggage

Leave the wheeled hard case luggage at home, or you might not be able to take it on board smaller planes since they have restrictions. Instead, opt for a soft duffel bag that you can easily lock. For day-time, it's also great to have a lightweight bag that you can fit snacks or water in.

Other useful essentials

Small first aid kit, sanitiser or handy wipes and electrolyte tablets.

Capturing Kenya with Fujifilm

No safari packing list would be complete without mentioning the kit that helped me capture it all. I travelled with the Fujifilm X-H2 paired with the 100–400mm lens, and honestly, I can never imagine doing a safari without it again. The reach, clarity, and speed meant I could capture everything from the flick of a lion’s tail to elephants moving across the plains, all in incredible detail. If you’re London-based, it’s well worth visiting the 'Fujifilm House of Photography where you can test out different cameras and lenses to find the perfect fit for your next adventure.