Support the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust this festive season by visiting the Kibwezi Forest and exclusively booking Umani Springs, a stylish new self-catering retreat born from the Trust’s conservation efforts within this unique habitat, offering the epitome of African comfort whilst actively pursuing environmental stability and wildlife preservation.

Gazetted in 1936, The Kibwezi Forest, one of Kenya’s last remaining groundwater woodlands, is now part of the Trust’s network of protected zones within the Tsavo Conservation Area.  The Trust has embarked on this exciting new project in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, having secured a 30 year concession to conserve and sustain the environment and its biodiversity.  The project embraces conservation and protection programs including natural resource management, anti-poaching patrols as well as the construction and maintenance of electrically-fenced boundaries ensuring the steady rehabilitation of the area whilst safeguarding the local communities and their livelihoods from wildlife damage. 

The Kibwezi Forest is a birdwatchers, botanists and entomologist’s delight and is perfectly situated to make the most of all the sites and sojourns on offer within the greater Tsavo Conservation Area.  The highlights to be explored include the hippos at Tsavo West’s Mzima Springs, the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Tsavo East, the Kisula Caves in the Chyulu Hills as well as wilderness walks around Kibwezi’s own springs and forest.  As a Foster Parent you can also take an exclusive day excursion to see the Trust’s Voi elephants during their private afternoon mud-bath; but whatever the day brings the diverse environments to be discovered from the sanctuary of the Kibwezi Forest are endless.

Umani Springs is an exclusive home-from-home boasting three tranquil bedroom areas, a divine pool and sunbathing oasis and a relaxing living room twinned with a stylish ‘bar-come-dining’ area offering the ultimate escape in indoor and outdoor living.    The property sleeps ten people, offering two sleek queen-size rooms and three spacious twin rooms.  Each bedroom is beautifully designed with high thatched ceilings, large netted windows, alfresco showers and a sweeping veranda overlooking the encircling forest. The enticing spring-fed swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens offering plenty of spots to sit-back, relax and enjoy the ambience of the forest.  As a self-catering property Umani Springs operates with a small team of staff including an excellent cook who will prepare sumptuous meals with your guidance and the supplies and ingredients you bring.

By visiting the Kibwezi Forest Reserve and enjoying Umani Springs you are actively supporting the conservation of this unique groundwater ecosystem.  All funds gained from Umani Springs are channelled back into the forest, the preservation of its flora and fauna and the futures of the communities within the area.FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: [email protected]