GOOD-BYE FINCH HATTONS-WHAT A MAGICAL PLACE

“You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.”
  Karen Blixen - Out of Africa

The birds woke me again early-Egyptian geese apparently.

I had set my alarm for 6.15am and I was officially awoken by an escort at 6.30am. You can here their feet scrunching on the gravel path, but the bush woke me first. It is a welcome noise, the noises of the bush. No matatu horns blaring, no roosters crowing, no dogs barking, just true wilderness noises and I got to see the sunrise from the comfort of my bed.  I was getting collected by the group at 7.30am, as we were going to climb the 11m high Finch Tower which was a look-out, to give you an unbeatable view of the camp. We saw 2 buffalo from up here and after getting a few photos it was time to head back to the main building one last time to have breakfast before hitting the road and heading home. There was talk of getting a group of us to stay another night, but we really didn’t push the issue and at the end of the day, we would have to leave eventually. I guess that fact was everyone’s mind!

After breakfast, we had our park fees to pay, receipts issued and last minute photos to be taken.

So I want to take this opportunity to thank Finch Hattons for their hospitality, their amazing service, incredible food and also to my travel buddies. This will be something that I will not forget, EVER.

To summarise what Finch Hattons offers and sets them apart from other luxury properties:

• 23 years of history, newly refurbished in 2015.
• Voted Best New Safari Camp by Architectural Digest 2015.
• Wild Luxury - personalized tailor made service in the heart of the African wilderness.
• Only luxury camp in Tsavo West, just you and over 2 million acres.
• Multiple dining locations.
• Breath-taking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Chyulu Hills.
• Resident hippos and crocodiles and teaming birdlife in the natural springs.
• Elephant, leopard, herbivores and other animal sightings around camp.
• Spa and wellness centre with a yoga deck
•Hammam, treatment rooms, infinity pool and fully equipped gym.

Located in the Tsavo West National Park, Finch Hattons Luxury Camp is set around natural fresh water springs within 9,065 square kilometers of pure untouched wilderness, surrounded by views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the magnificent Chyulu Hills. Designed to be minimally intrusive, the camp offers guests stunning views from the 17 luxury suites, fusing modern design with rustic charm to provide an experience that seamlessly combines the thrill of a safari adventure with the opulence afforded by contemporary comforts. The open plan design of the tents invites the cooling breeze closer over the water, transporting all the authentic African sounds, tastes and smells right onto your doorstep. Inspired by the life of Denys Finch Hatton, the camp is proud of setting the standards in luxury safaris for over two decades, all driven by preserving the ideals that Denys Finch Hatton lived by; a dedication to elegance and style, coupled with a passionate love of the Kenyan wilderness and a long forgotten way of life.

The vans were packed and after group photos will ALL the staff, my good-byes to the crocodiles, which were around and lastly our final view of the camp was of the staff all lined up near the gate to wave good-bye as we drove out-what a touching memory.

We saw some zebra and giraffes on our way out, and I actually waved to them. I will NEVER get sick of seeing these magnificent animals. We then pretty much worked our way back the way we had come and we were back in Nairobi just before 4pm where Eric was waiting for me in the car park of where we had left. I can’t wait to see my photos and be able to share them with the people I travelled with and also anyone else who maybe thinking of a trip to Finch Hattons. Let me just say that it will something that you will never forget or regret!

A Finch Hatton Motto:

“Here at Finch Hattons, we have preserved the ideals that Denys Finch Hatton 

lived by;

a dedication to elegance and style, coupled with a passionate love 

of the Kenyan wilderness and a long forgotten way of life.”