Our Story
The story of Man Eaters Camp is forever linked to one of the most fascinating tales in Africa’s history—the Man-Eaters of Tsavo. In the late 1800s, as the Uganda Railway was being built, two lions gained infamy for preying on the workers. Their thrilling legacy lives on in the very landscape that surrounds us today. Though their tale is filled with intrigue and suspense, Man Eaters Camp offers a peaceful, intimate experience in the heart of Tsavo—where the wild whispers of history still echo in the air.
The Tannery
Nestled on the Man Eaters Camp property, the old tannery stands as a testament to the area’s rich and complex history. Operating from the 1940s through the 1970s, the tannery once overlooked the Tsavo River, playing a key role in the local economy. In the 1970s, as Kenya implemented a hunting ban, the tannery closed, marking the end of the era.
A woman, who managed the tannery for many years, is commemorated by a nearby tombstone, marking her connection to this unique chapter of the camp’s past. The remnants of the tannery’s tanks still stand, offering a glimpse into the area’s industrial history.
Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo
The Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo are infamous for their role in one of the most unusual and terrifying wildlife encounters in history. Between March and December 1898, the construction of the Uganda Railway through Tsavo, Kenya, was threatened by the relentless attacks of two large male lions. They killed and carried off at least 32 railway workers, with some reports suggesting the number could be as high as 135.
“For months they came, silently, relentlessly, dragging their victims into the dark of the night”
John Henry Patterson