Voi Safari Lodge

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Voi Safari Lodge image 2

Voi Safari Lodge

Voi Safari Lodge is one of Kenya's classic safari lodges, located inside Tsavo East National Park near the Voi Gate. Established in 1967, it is among the oldest safari lodges in the country and is known for its elevated position overlooking the Tsavo plains and a busy wildlife waterhole. It is managed by Kenya Safari Lodges & Hotels. 

Location

  • National Park: Tsavo East National Park

  • Nearest town: Voi

  • Distance from Nairobi: Approximately 330 km (5–6 hours by road)

  • Distance from Mombasa: Approximately 160 km (2–3 hours by road)

  • Nearest railway station: Voi SGR Station (about 15–20 minutes away by vehicle)

  • Nearest airstrip: Tsavo East Airstrip for charter flights. 

Accommodation

The lodge has 53 spacious park-facing rooms, many with balconies overlooking the savannah and waterhole.

Room features include:

  • En-suite bathrooms

  • Wi-Fi

  • Ceiling or electric fans

  • Hair dryers

  • Work desk

  • Lounge area

  • Complimentary bottled water

  • Toiletries

The rooms are designed in a classic safari style rather than ultra-luxury, with the emphasis on views and wildlife rather than lavish interiors. 

Wildlife Viewing

This is the lodge's biggest attraction.

A natural waterhole directly below the lodge attracts:

  • African elephants

  • Cape buffalo

  • Zebras

  • Giraffes

  • Impalas

  • Waterbucks

  • Warthogs

  • Hyenas

  • Lions (occasionally)

  • Leopards (rarely)

  • Numerous bird species

Guests often spend hours on the viewing terrace watching wildlife without leaving the lodge. 

Underground Observation Hide

One of the lodge's most distinctive features is its underground photographic hide.

It allows visitors to:

  • Observe wildlife at eye level.

  • Photograph animals safely.

  • Watch elephants drinking only a few metres away.

  • Experience close wildlife encounters without disturbing the animals.

This feature is considered one of the best wildlife hides in Kenya. 

Dining

The lodge offers:

  • Large panoramic restaurant

  • Buffet meals

  • À la carte options

  • Outdoor terrace overlooking the waterhole

There are also three bars:

  • Main Terrace Bar

  • Pool Bar

  • Hyrax Bar (private functions)

Guests frequently mention enjoying breakfast or dinner while elephants gather below the restaurant. 

Facilities

Facilities include:

  • Swimming pool overlooking the park

  • Conference hall (30–50 people)

  • Gift shop

  • Bonfire area

  • Wi-Fi

  • Nature walks (where permitted)

  • Traditional dance performances

  • Live entertainment on selected evenings

  • Children's activities

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Sundowner dinners

 

Nearby Attractions

Popular excursions include:

Mudanda Rock

A massive rock outcrop overlooking a seasonal dam that attracts large elephant herds.

Lugard Falls

A series of rapids on the Galana River with unusual rock formations.

Yatta Plateau

One of the world's longest lava flows, stretching more than 300 km.

Aruba Dam

One of Tsavo East's premier wildlife-viewing locations.

These sites are commonly included in game drives based from the lodge. 

Safari Activities

Guests can arrange:

  • Morning game drives

  • Evening game drives

  • Full-day safaris

  • Birdwatching

  • Wildlife photography

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Sundowner experiences

  • Night entertainment at the lodge

Wildlife You May See

Tsavo East is famous for:

  • Red elephants (their reddish appearance comes from rolling in the park's iron-rich soil)

  • Lions

  • Cheetahs

  • Leopards

  • African buffalo

  • Giraffes

  • Zebras

  • Hippos

  • Crocodiles

  • Over 500 bird species

Wildlife sightings vary by season and water availability. 

Best Time to Visit

June–October

  • Dry season

  • Easier wildlife viewing

  • Pleasant temperatures

January–March

  • Warm and dry

  • Excellent photography

  • Fewer mosquitoes

April–May

  • Long rains

  • Lush scenery

  • Some roads may become difficult

November–December

  • Short rains

  • Good birdwatching

  • Fewer visitors

Who It's Best For

Voi Safari Lodge is well suited to:

  • First-time safari visitors

  • Families

  • Birdwatchers

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Couples

  • Travelers combining a safari with Kenya's coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu)

Advantages

  • Excellent views over Tsavo East.

  • Reliable wildlife viewing from the lodge itself.

  • Unique underground observation hide.

  • Convenient access by road and SGR train.

  • Historic safari atmosphere.

  • Good value compared with many luxury lodges.

Considerations

  • Rooms are comfortable but more traditional than ultra-luxury safari camps.

  • Wi-Fi can be inconsistent because of the remote location.

  • The lodge's popularity means common areas may be busy during peak holiday periods. 

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