Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s most expansive and wildlife-rich parks, offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every travel style and budget. Whether you’re seeking luxury lodges with views over waterholes or rustic tented camps in the wild, Tsavo East has something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most notable camps, lodges, hotels, and resorts located within or near the park.
🌿 LUXURY & MID-RANGE LODGES AND CAMPS
1. Ashnil Aruba Lodge
- Location: Overlooks Aruba Dam in the heart of Tsavo East
- Accommodation: 40 deluxe en-suite rooms with private terraces
- Amenities: Swimming pool, restaurant, bar, conference room
- Why Stay: Ideal for viewing wildlife gathering at the dam year-round. Centrally located for game drives.
2. Satao Camp
- Location: Deep within Tsavo East, near a natural waterhole
- Accommodation: 20 luxury en-suite tents with private verandas
- Amenities: Open-air dining area, bush bar, lounge
- Why Stay: Excellent for elephant sightings and immersive bush experiences
3. Voi Safari Lodge
- Location: Hilltop position near Voi Gate, inside the park
- Accommodation: 53 en-suite rooms with panoramic balconies
- Amenities: Restaurant, pool, rock-cut viewing hide, bar
- Why Stay: One of the oldest and most iconic lodges in Tsavo East, with unbeatable views of the plains
4. Voi Wildlife Lodge
- Location: Adjacent to Tsavo East, near Voi Gate
- Accommodation: 178 rooms (standard, deluxe, and suites)
- Amenities: Spa, gym, swimming pool, conference facilities, kids’ area
- Why Stay: Perfect for families or larger groups seeking resort-style comfort close to the park
5. Sentrim Tsavo Lodge
- Location: Inside Tsavo East, near Voi Gate
- Accommodation: 25 tents and cottages with verandas
- Amenities: Pool, restaurant, bar, nature trails
- Why Stay: Affordable and accessible with essential safari comforts
6. Galdessa Camp
- Location: Remote riverine location on the Galana River
- Accommodation: Stylish thatched bandas with open-air bathrooms
- Amenities: Lounge, bar, fine dining area
- Why Stay: Secluded, intimate experience and superb for river wildlife sightings
7. Red Elephant Safari Lodge
- Location: Just outside Voi Gate
- Accommodation: Comfortable en-suite rooms
- Amenities: Pool, restaurant, game-viewing platform
- Why Stay: Budget-friendly base for easy park access and day excursions
8. Doa Doa Safari Club
- Location: On the Galana River, southeast Tsavo East
- Accommodation: Safari tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Amenities: Pool, bar, river-view dining area
- Why Stay: Offers a peaceful setting and a chance to spot hippos and crocodiles
9. Galana Crocodile Camp
- Location: Along the Galana River
- Accommodation: Tents and simple cottages
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar, guided safaris
- Why Stay: Rustic camp experience with close encounters along the river
10. Patterson’s Safari Camp
- Location: Along the Athi River, near Tsavo East
- Accommodation: En-suite tents under acacia trees
- Amenities: Restaurant, lounge tent, storytelling evenings
- Why Stay: Built on the historic grounds where the infamous Man-Eaters of Tsavo roamed
11. Ndololo Safari Camp
- Location: Near Voi Gate
- Accommodation: 20 furnished tents (single, double, and family)
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar
- Why Stay: Good for travelers looking for a comfortable camp close to main game viewing areas
12. Tsavo Safari Camp (Kitaani Kya Ndundu)
- Location: Banks of the Athi River, remote northern Tsavo East
- Accommodation: Thatched en-suite bandas and safari tents
- Amenities: Dining area, bar, guided bush walks
- Why Stay: Ideal for off-the-beaten-path safaris with great access to less-visited areas of the park
🏕️ BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS
13. Manyatta Camp
- Location: Just outside Voi town, with views into the park
- Accommodation: Self-contained tents
- Amenities: Pool, bar, restaurant
- Why Stay: Excellent for travelers combining comfort with affordability
14. Impala Safari Lodge
- Location: Voi town
- Accommodation: Cottages and standard rooms
- Amenities: Pool, garden restaurant, bar
- Why Stay: Great for families or groups needing quick park access without staying inside the reserve
15. Desert Rose Eco Camp
- Location: Border of Tsavo East
- Accommodation: Basic eco-friendly huts
- Amenities: Shared bathrooms, solar lighting
- Why Stay: Sustainable camping experience for nature-focused travelers
✨ Tips for Choosing Where to Stay
- Inside the park: For uninterrupted game-viewing and early access to wildlife drives
- Near Voi Gate: Ideal for travelers arriving by SGR train or combining with Amboseli/Chyulu
- Along Galana/Athi Rivers: Great for secluded, scenic settings with unique ecosystems
- For families: Lodges with pools and child-friendly amenities (e.g., Voi Wildlife Lodge)
This list covers the most established and unique properties, but new camps and lodges are constantly being developed in the greater Tsavo ecosystem. Let me know if you’d like help choosing accommodations for a specific route or custom itinerary!