Galdessa Camp Tsavo East

Galdessa Camp Tsavo East is an exclusive-use, self-catering tented accommodation located in Tsavo East National Park, on the banks of the Galana River. Fringed with doum palms and overlooking the Yatta Plateau, 15 km upstream of Luggard’s Falls.

The camp offers a luxurious and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in a hidden and untouched corner of Tsavo National Park. Enjoying a position on the Galana River, wildlife sightings are frequent, whether guests enjoy a game drive or remain at the camp watching hippos, elephants, and more as they come to cool off in the river.

Known for its privacy, rustic elegance, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, Galdessa offers an exclusive experience that combines comfort with conservation. This camp is especially ideal for discerning travelers seeking tranquility, intimacy with nature, and access to one of Kenya’s wildest ecosystems.

It’s also the flagship base for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Tsavo conservation initiatives, offering guests a rare chance to witness rhino conservation in action.

Exclusivity:

Galdessa Camp Tsavo East is unique in that it is booked exclusively, which means that no other groups will be booked in your property at the same time. This allows your party to customise your trip according to your tastes. Guests have exclusive access to visit the orphaned elephants at the Reintegration Unit located nearby. 

Location & Accessibility

Galdessa Camp lies in a remote section of southern Tsavo East, along the Galana River, just downstream from Lugard Falls and close to the Yatta Plateau — Africa’s longest lava flow.

How to Get There

By Road:

✔ Approx. 6–7 hours from Nairobi via the Manyani or Voi Gates (4×4 strongly recommended)
✔ From Mombasa, around 4–5 hours via Bachuma Gate
✔ The camp is remote and signage is limited — it’s best accessed as part of a guided itinerary

By Air:

✔ Charter flights land at Galdessa Airstrip, located just a few minutes from camp.
✔ Charter services are available from Nairobi Wilson, Diani, or Mombasa.

Accommodation

Galdessa Camp is divided into two areas: the Main Camp and the Private Camp, each offering privacy, exclusivity, and views of the Galana River.

Main Camp:

✔ 11 thatched bandas, each built on wooden decks with canvas walls and open verandas.
✔ En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.
✔ Large beds with mosquito netting, lounge chairs, and natural décor in neutral tones.
✔ Solar lighting, eco-friendly bath products, and private dressing areas.

Private Camp:

✔ Designed for exclusive-use groups or families, with its lounge, dining area, and personal chef
✔ Accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 beautifully appointed bandas
✔ Offers full privacy and personalized service

Dining & Cuisine

Galdessa Camp Tsavo East is self-catering, which allows you to feel at home and customise your trip according to your tastes. Guests are responsible for bringing their groceries and any other essentials they might need for the duration of their stay.

We provide both still and sparkling drinking water, along with toiletries.  The lodge is fully staffed. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will take care of you during your stay, including turn-down, cleaning, laundry, and food and drink service, while our resident chef prepares all your meals.

A comprehensive shopping guide can be provided by our office upon request. We can also handle catering logistics. When booking, please let our Nairobi office know if you are interested in this service.

Activities & Experiences

Galdessa offers a deeply immersive safari experience in one of the wildest and most untouched parts of Kenya:

Game Drives

✔ Explore the Galana River ecosystem and the southern Tsavo plains in custom 4×4 safari vehicles
✔ Exceptional sightings of elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, kudu, and more
✔ Very few other vehicles in the area, enhancing the wilderness feel

Visit the Rhino Sanctuary

✔ Guests have exclusive access to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s fenced black rhino sanctuary, home to a small population of critically endangered black rhinos
✔ Game drives in this area often include escorted patrols with sanctuary rangers

Guided Bush Walks

✔ Led by expert naturalists, learn about tracks, plants, birds, insects, and the smaller details of the Tsavo ecosystem
✔ Walks are usually conducted in the early morning when it’s cool

Wildlife Viewing from Camp

✔ Hippos and crocodiles are frequently spotted in the Galana River right in front of the camp
✔ Elephants often cross at dawn or dusk, providing magical moments from the lounge or tent deck

Orphan Visits

To stay at any of our Ithumba or Umani Springs properties, you must be a current foster parent to one of the orphans in our care. Guests at Galdessa must be foster parents if they wish to visit the Voi orphans. Each Eco Lodge is located near a corresponding Reintegration Unit, where guests have the opportunity to meet the orphaned elephants who are being raised there.

Umani Springs and Ithumba are both a 10-minute drive to their respective Reintegration Units; Galdessa is a scenic one-hour game drive to Voi. There are specific visiting slots at each Reintegration Unit. 

Not Included

✔ Tsavo East National Park entry fees
✔ Conservation levies
✔ Premium alcoholic beverages (unless in an all-inclusive package)
✔ Air transfers to/from Galdessa Airstrip
✔ Tips and gratuities
✔ Items of a personal nature
✔ All meals and snacks
✔ Soft drinks, house wines, beers, and spirits
✔ Shared game drives and walking safaris
✔ Laundry service
✔ Transfers from Galdessa Airstrip
✔ Access to the rhino sanctuary (with prior arrangement)

Wildlife & What to Expect

Galdessa’s remote location offers premium wildlife viewing with very low visitor density. Some of the species you’re likely to see include:

✔ Red-dusted elephants in large herds
✔ Hippos and crocodiles in the Galana River
✔ Big cats such as lions and cheetahs (leopards are less common)
✔ Black rhinos inside the sanctuary
✔ Kudu, waterbuck, oryx, buffalo, giraffes, and plains game
✔ Over 500 bird species, including kingfishers and hornbills
✔ The wildlife comes right to the riverbanks, and sometimes even to camp

Why Choose Galdessa Camp?

✔ One of the most exclusive and luxurious camps in Tsavo East
✔ Unbeatable location on the Galana River with epic views
✔ Gateway to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rhino sanctuary
✔ Very few vehicles and guests in the region — pure wilderness
✔ Outstanding service, cuisine, and attention to detail
✔ Ideal for couples, photographers, conservation enthusiasts, and seasoned safari travelers

If you’re looking for luxury, seclusion, and soul-stirring nature, Galdessa Camp delivers a classic Kenyan safari experience steeped in elegance and conservation. It’s a perfect match for travelers who want more than just a game drive — they want meaning, immersion, and magic.

2025 Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Per Night Include:

Accommodation on a Self Catering basis

Notes

* A trained Cook is also provided
* Galdessa Camp is open all year
* The cost is for the accommodation only
* Check-in is strictly after 10 am. Check-out is strictly before 9:30 am
*  Please note below rates are subject to 14% VAT and 2% Catering Levy
* Wi-Fi is available and mobile phone reception is available intermittently
* Galdessa Camp comes with a trained chef, waiters, room stewards, and guides
* The camp is offered on a self-catering basis. Experienced staff is available as and when required
* The electricity is powered by both solar and generator. There are plug points available throughout the camp
* Guests have exclusive use of the property. No other guest belonging to another group will be booked at the same time
* A well-appointed kitchen is equipped with two fridges, a freezer, a gas cooker and oven, a gas BBQ, and an ice cream machine
* Galdessa Little and its amenities are not accessible for guests staying at the Galdessa Camp unless both are booked together
* Note that each couple and individual in a group will need to be a foster parent in order to be able to visit and stay at Galdessa Camp
* African Spice Safaris provides a safari package that includes (Accommodation, a Safari Vehicle, a Driver guide & Meals. (Kindly inquire)
* Children: Due to the elevated decks, walkways, and platforms children under the age of 5 are not encouraged. Please consult with the camp should you have younger children. An adult should supervise children at all times

Galdessa Safari Camp Accommodation Rates Exclude:

* Laundry
* All drinks
* Game-drives
* Park Entrance Fees
* Local Airstrip Transfers
* Bush Breakfast and Sundowners
* Health Insurance and Gratuities
* Airstrip transfer – one way 200 US Dollars per vehicle
* Extra activities are subject to the KWS ranger’s availability
* Guide hire in guest’s own vehicle 80 US Dollars per game drive
* Full-day game drive vehicle exclusive use 450 US Dollars per vehicle
* Half-day game drive vehicle exclusive use 250 US Dollars per vehicle
* Morning or afternoon nature walk (Minimum 2 Guests) included in the rate

Galdessa Camp Tsavo East  | What to Bring

* Binoculars & camera 
* Swimming costume
* Camera equipment
* Hat and sunglasses
* Personal first aid kit
* Torch (with spare batteries)
* iPod and portable speakers
* Games (cards or board games)
* Sandals/ flip-flops, hat, sunglasses
* Food and drink, including drinking water
* A warm fleece/ jumper for cooler evenings (July/ August)
* High-strength sunscreen, moisturizer, lip salve, mosquito repellent

2025 Residents’ Accommodation Rates Per Night Include;

Accommodation on a Self Catering basis

Notes

* Park entrance fee not included in the rate
*  Please note below rates are subject to 14% VAT and 2% Catering Levy

Galdessa Camp is booked for exclusive use on a self-catering basis, fully staffed with trained chefs, tailored to the individual, and booked exclusively, guests must arrange for their own food and drinks and transport.  

Each tent is elevated and situated under thatch roofs. Take advantage of the breathtaking vistas from your bedroom’s front deck or enjoy a shower under the stars. The rooms are a combination of twin and double beds, and each includes an en suite bathroom. From every room and outdoor space, enjoy uninterrupted views of the Galana River and beyond.

Attentive staff from our chefs to waiters and room attendants ensure you are comfortable and well looked after, with the properties feeling more like a home from home operating to your own rhythm. The well-appointed kitchen is equipped with two generous fridges, a freezer, a gas cooker and oven, a gas BBQ, and an ice cream machine.

Galdessa has been split into 2 camps. Galdessa Little sleeps a maximum of 6 guests in three tents and Galdessa Camp sleeps a maximum of 10 guests. Both properties can be booked together or separately.  Both come with their own kitchen, mess area, and swimming pool.

The central buildings house a spacious dining area, a bar, and a large, comfortable lounge where guest will have their meals and relax during their free time. The thatched roof and Galana stone floors give it a charming coastal atmosphere.

Galdessa Camp Tsavo East activities include; game drives, bush breakfasts, bush picnics, sundowners, and walking safaris along the Galana River. Highlights include special access to visit the orphan elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Voi Reintegration Unit for Foster Parents. Game drives within the unique southern area of Tsavo East.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com