Man Eaters Camp

Man Eaters camp is an exclusive lodge boosting 31 fully furnished en- suite tents all overlooking the Tsavo River in Tsavo West National Park.

The camp has 8 family tents which have 1 double bed and 1 single bed for children of which all the beds are four poster beds fitted with mosquito nets and even the single can accommodate 1 adult.

There is also 1 wheel chair friendly tent which is easily accessible to and next to the bar, restaurant and lounge at the camp.

All the tents are well ventilated, spacious, and comprise of a large king size bed (6ft x 6ft) well as the family tents have one double king size bed and extra single bed.

All the tents overlook the Tsavo River hence offering the guests with a chance to enjoy the uninterrupted views from their own private accommodation.

All tents have locally made furniture that easily blends in well with the great surrounding landscapes.

Guests can also relax in the tent balcony which faces the river whereby each one has 2 sun beds, side table and 2 lounge chairs as guests watch the wildlife across the river coming to drink water such as elephants, gazelles and the resident crocodiles which are always basking on the river banks on the far side.

All the 31 tents feature a ceiling fan, luxury king size double beds with mosquito nets, 1 covered balcony, drinking water, premium beddings, toiletries are en-suite with a separate shower.

Guests can enjoy a bottle of wine, assorted drinks or a fruit basket in their rooms which could be requested at an extra cost.

The camp also features; a swimming pool, bar/lounge, and a restaurant (dining room) with stunning views of the Tsavo River (home to Nile crocodiles and a variety of other wildlife species such as elephants which go there to drink water).

Brief and amazing history about the camp;

During the construction of the Railway Bridge over the Tsavo River in 1898 by the British for what was then known as the Ugandan Railway, almost 140 workers were killed by two Mane less male lions, over a period of 3 months. After repeated unsuccessful endeavors, the first lion was finally killed on 9th December 1898 during a night hunt.

The second lion was also killed three weeks later during a morning hunt, which almost cost Paterson his life.

These lions were huge in size and the first of the two measured Nine feet and six inches from tip of the nose to the tip of his tail and stood three feet eleven and a half inches high.

The chief engineer of the bridge was John Henry Paterson who became a local hero for killing the famous Man Eaters of Tsavo, news of the event even reached the House of Lords and parliament, during the tenure of Prime Minister Lord Salisbury.

Paterson became a local hero to the same worker who threatened his life months earlier when the ordeal began and was presented a symbolic silver bowl together with prayers of thanks. Engraved on the bowl were the following words:

“SIR, — We, your Overseer, Timekeepers, Mistrals and Workmen, present you with this bowl as a token of our gratitude to you for your bravery in killing two man-eating lions at great risk to your own life, thereby saving us from the fate of being devoured by these terrible monsters who nightly broke into our tents and took our fellow-workers from our side.

In presenting you with this bowl, we all add our prayers for your long life, happiness and prosperity.

We shall ever remain, Sir, Your grateful servants,” Baboo PURSHOTAM HURJEE PURMAR, Overseer and Clerk of Works, on behalf of your Workmen. Date at Tsavo on 30th January1899.”