Umani Springs

Umani Springs is a stunning property nestled in the Kibwezi Forest overlooking waterholes fed by the Umani Springs. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has a concession to protect and preserve this diverse 16,000 acre ground water Forest, which borders the Chyulu Hills National Park.

At the heart of the SWT’s conservation activities is the Orphans’ Project, which has achieved world-wide acclaim through its hugely successful elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation program. The Orphans’ Project exists to offer hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching for their ivory and horn, and the loss of habitat due to human population pressures and conflict, deforestation and drought.

The Trust has accomplished its long-term conservation priority by effectively reintegrating orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo, claiming many healthy wild-born calves from former-orphaned elephants raised in their care. Umani Springs is one of their reintegration sites and visits here enable people to see, at first hand the young elephants as they are introduced back into the wild. A unique and intimate experience which is only available to people who are sponsoring elephant orphans.

All revenue generated from this facility off-sets the concession fees payable to the Kenya Forest Service and the costs associated with the sustainable protection and preservation of this uniquely beautiful yet essentially fragile ecosystem. By staying at Umani Springs you are directly contributing to the protection of this area.

As a self-catering property we bring all our own food and drink and vehicles, so as to enjoy this magical place as if it was our own home in the bush.