Ithumba Elephants & More – 7 Days

Overview

At the heart of this 7-day, 6-night safari adventure safari lies a rare and deeply rewarding opportunity — four private visits with older orphans—typically starting around age three or four at Ithumba Reintegration Unit, operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The Ithumba Reintegration Unit serves as a vital bridge between captivity and freedom for these orphaned elephants.

During your four exclusive private sessions, you will have the unforgettable chance to feed these young giants and witness their natural behaviors as they prepare for full reintegration into the wild herds of Tsavo. These privileged, small-group experiences set this safari apart and create memories that last a lifetime. [Must be booked well in advance as availability is limited.]

Following your unforgettable immersion with the orphaned elephants at Ithumba, your journey continues through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, with a strong focus on elephants. You’ll travel from the vast red-earth plains and baobabs of Tsavo, to the dramatic swamps and acacia woodlands of Amboseli National Park beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, and finally the rugged semi-arid beauty of Samburu with its rocky outcrops and doum palms. Across these diverse ecosystems, enjoy exceptional game viewing and birdwatching, with abundant elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and plentiful plains game.

The itinerary blends seamless internal flights for longer distances with scenic road transfers, allowing you to maximize your time in the wild. Daily activities include morning and late afternoon game drives. All meals are on a full-board basis (with selected premium options available), and you will stay in classic luxury tented camps and lodges.

Your journey begins on a Sunday with your arrival in Nairobi and concludes on a Saturday, perfectly aligned with most international flight schedules.

Dates

Departure Years	Departures 2027, Departures 2028
Departure Dates	Jan 2-Jan 8, Jan 3-Jan 9, Jan 30-Feb 5, Jan 31-Feb 6, Feb 27-Mar 4, Feb 28-Mar 6, Mar 26-Apr 1, Mar 28-Apr 3, Apr23-Apr 29, Apr 25-May 1, May 21-May 27, May 30-Jun 12, May 30-Jun 29, Jun 18-Jun 24, Jun 20-Jun 26, Jul 16-Jul 22, Jul 18- Jul 24, Aug 13-Aug 19, Aug 15- Aug 21, Sep 10-Sep 16, Sep 12- Sep 18, Oct 8-Oct 14, Oct 10-Oct 16, Nov 5-Nov 11, Nov 7-Nov 13, Dec 3-Dec 9, Dec 5-Dec 11

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s Capitol City
	Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a warm welcome awaits you. Your dedicated Kalama Safaris representative will greet you personally at the airport, assist with immigration and customs formalities, and provide a smooth private transfer to the elegant Nairobi Serena Hotel. You will spend one night at this iconic hotel, located in the heart of Nairobi. This first evening is yours to relax and recover from your international journey. Settle into your luxurious room, unwind by the pool, or enjoy a welcome drink while absorbing the vibrant energy of Kenya’s capital as you prepare for the exciting safari ahead.
Days 2	Fly to Tsavo National Park East – Ithumba Reintegration Unit
	After breakfast, you will take a charter flight to Tsavo East. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome and delicious lunch at the exclusive Ithumba Camp, operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you will spend two unforgettable nights. After settling into your tented accommodation, you’ll visit the Ithumba Reintegration Unit for the magical evening feeding of the orphaned elephants at the stockades at 5:00 p.m. Return to camp as the sun sets for a superb dinner, prepared to order by your private chefs. One of the park’s most distinctive features is its towering baobab trees (which can live over 2,000 years) and striking red soil—a fine, iron-rich lateritic dust from ancient volcanic activity. The red soil is best known for creating Tsavo East’s iconic “red elephants” (regular African bush elephants coated in the dust, part of one of Kenya’s largest populations).
Day 3	Visit the Ithumba Reintegration Unit
	Early departure to Ithumba Reintegration Stockades for the sunrise feeding of the elephants. Return to camp for breakfast. At 11:00 a.m., drive to the local watering hole where elephants enjoy their daily mud bath; then return to the lodge for lunch. Relax in the afternoon. Return to the stockades for another feeding, then back to camp for happy hour and dinner. Visiting Ithumba offers an intimate, exclusive glimpse into elephant rehabilitation unlike anywhere else in the world. The Ithumba Reintegration Unit serves as a critical transition point for orphaned elephants who have grown in strength and confidence after leaving the Trust’s Nairobi Nursery. Here, older orphans—typically starting around age three or four—learn to live semi-independently, foraging in the bush with their devoted keepers, interacting with wild herds, and gradually spending nights away from the stockades until they fully reintegrate. Each guest must be a foster parent to a Sheldrick orphan elephant to stay at Ithumba. After you make your safari deposit, you need to go to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and click on the Adopt button to select your orphan. The adoption charge of $50 (plus a processing fee) is not included in your safari fee.
Day 4-5	Drive to Amboseli National Park – View of Mount Kilimanjaro
	After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll journey by road to Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most breathtaking destinations. Famous for its dramatic views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind the plains, Amboseli is also home to a healthy population of approximately 1,900–2,000 elephants — offering some of the finest and most iconic elephant viewing in Africa. The park’s shimmering alkaline lakes attract flocks of flamingos and rich birdlife, while lions, cheetahs, and hyenas patrol the open savannah. You will spend the next two nights at the charming Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, one of the few lodges located inside the park. This privileged position allows you to enjoy immersive morning and afternoon game drives with maximum time on the plains. With its warm hospitality, excellent cuisine, and authentic safari atmosphere, Amboseli Serena provides the perfect blend of comfort and unforgettable wildlife experiences right on your doorstep.
Day 6	Take a Morning Game Drive – Flight to Nairobi
	On your last day in Amboseli, enjoy a final morning game drive, followed by breakfast and lunch, before your transfer to the airstrip for an afternoon flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport or the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport for your one-night stay.
Day 7	Visit
	On your final day, you will be transferred to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery, located inside Nairobi National Park, for a private visit at 9 am. This exclusive experience with the youngest rescued elephants (and some rhinos) offers an intimate setting for your group before the orphans move to reintegration units like Ithumba. A senior keeper will guide you through the visit, introducing each elephant as they enjoy their milk bottles and playful mud bath. The tour concludes with a behind-the-scenes look at the nursery compound, including time with the orphaned rhinos. After this memorable experience, you will be transferred back to the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport or the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport. Enjoy a comfortable day room to freshen up, rest, and make full use of the hotel facilities. Savor dinner at the hotel before your evening transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home.

Cost

NOTE: The number of tour days does not include your international travel days to and from Africa.

Per Traveler
2027
Apr-May Nov	$11,625
Jul-Aug, Dec	$13,025
Jan-Mar June-Oct	$15,125
2028
Apr-May Nov	$13,078
Jul-Aug, Dec	$14,653
Jan-Mar June-Oct	$17,015

Adult 18+ Double Occupancy
Single traveler at the same price as double occupancy – no supplements
Youth 75% Per Youth Age 13-17 Double/Triple Occupancy with at least one adult
Child 50% Per Child Age 4-12 Double/Triple Occupancy with at least one adult
Infant/Toddler No Cost – Do not include as a paid traveler.

Discounts

Groups of 4-6	$100 per traveler
Groups of 7-12	$150 per traveler
Groups of 13-18	$200 per traveler

Deposit & Balance

20% Deposit to secure booking – Per person cost for each traveler
Balance due 90 days prior to start date – Invoice for balance due will include deductions for youth, children, and group discounts.

Inclusions

All accommodations and meals
All transfers
All gratuities for porters and servers/hotel staff
Minimum gratuities guide, driver, and hotel staff
Local flights (1) and (1) Chartered flight to Ithumba Camp
All game park entrance and applicable concession fees (3 Parks)
Excursions in itinerary
Water included with meals and in safari vehicles

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Nairobi, Kenya
Gratuities – housekeeping
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (about $500 per person)
Excess baggage fee
Laundry services
ETA or Visa Fee for entrance into Nairobi, Kenya
Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks and water) from the bar
Personal expenses such as travel insurance
Communication charges that include emails and phone calls

Cancellations

▪ Cancellation 90 or more days before start date (100% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 89-60 days before start date (75% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 59-30 days before start date (35% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee p er person)

▪ Cancellation 29-0 days before start date (0% refund of price per person)

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance!

Insurance

Travel worry-free with travel insurance from trusted insurers. Compare and buy online with safe and secure checkout and instant confirmation of coverage at www.travelinsurance.com.

Consider the following:

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Medical Evacuation
Medical Protection
Baggage Loss
Flight Accident
Accidental Death

Review the terms and conditions before deciding whether to purchase travel insurance. At a minimum, consider trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical evacuation, and medical protection.

Extension

Pre-Tour: Gorillas & More 4 Days 3 Nights

This intimate 4-day, 3-night primate safari in Rwanda is built around unforgettable encounters with the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Blending world-class wildlife experiences with authentic cultural immersion, the journey also includes a gentle introduction to Kigali and meaningful visits with local communities.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the safari features guided gorilla treks and immersive village experiences, all supported by luxury accommodations and full-board dining throughout.

This adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda, four days prior to the official start of your Kalama Safari tour. After enjoying these memorable opening days in Rwanda, you will take a short regional flight to either Nairobi, Kenya or Arusha, Tanzania, where your main safari adventure seamlessly begins.

Learn More