When planning a safari to Tsavo National Park in Kenya, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right accommodation. Tsavo offers a diverse range of options to suit every type of traveler, from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly camps. Whether you are looking for an exclusive, high-end safari experience or a comfortable base to explore the parks, Tsavo has something for everyone.
To simplify your accommodation choice, consider using a tiered system that evaluates lodges and camps based on factors like food quality, rooms, service, location, amenities, and guides. This helps you select lodging that fits your personal tour style.
As you consider a Tsavo accommodation for your dream trip to Kenya, choose from premium Safari Tier 1, deluxe Safari Tier 2 and economical value Safari Tier 3.
Here's a breakdown of some of the best accommodation options in Tsavo East and West National Parks:
Kenya Safari Adventure: Explore Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo National Parks!
Tsavo East National Park Accommodation
Tsavo East National Park offers a range of accommodations, each with its unique charm and appeal.
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Tier 1: Premium Safari Experience
Tier 1 accommodations offer exclusive and luxurious Kenya safari experiences. At Tsavo East Park, this level is represented by Galdessa Camp.
Galdessa Camp: The camp is placed along the banks of the Galana River amidst doum palm trees and indigenous flora. Natural elements, such as stone, branches and raw, reclaimed trees, bring the incredible beauty of the wilderness indoors. Because the camp is not enclosed by a fence, wildlife roams freely, giving you a front row seat to spectacular game viewing without leaving the property. Eleven guest tents are strategically situated on the property to maximize your wilderness experience and privacy.
Tier 2: Deluxe Safari Experience
AfricanMecca’s mid-range Tier 2 recommendations at Tsavo East offer a good balance between quality and cost.
Satao Camp: Satao Camp is nestled within a stand of tamarind trees, and the camp structures are strategically arranged in a semi-circle around a watering hole. Gazelles, elephants, zebras, baboons, impalas and many other animals come to the water each day and wander the unfenced property in search of food. Lions have been seen too many times at the waterhole. The camp features sixteen standard tents and four suites, giving every guest a perfectly comfortable East African bush vacation “home away from home”.
Ashnil Aruba Lodge: If you prefer to stay in a Tier 2 brick and mortar accommodation, the alternate Ashnil Aruba Lodge next to the Aruba Dam on the Voi River is a fitting option but expect double the number of guests when compared to Satao Camp. Choose from forty guest rooms, including eight interconnected rooms that fit the unique needs of large groups and families; though, for those wanting a canvas experience with a tiled roofing, they also have six tents.
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Tier 3: Economical Value Safari
Budget-conscious guests may opt for a Tier 3 accommodation that offers basic, non-frill lodging and necessities.
Ngutuni Lodge: At this tier, we recommend Ngutuni Lodge. Although this is a wallet-friendly lodging, you are surrounded by 10,000 acres of private game sanctuary, and the lodge is situated next to a watering hole for accessible wildlife viewing at your doorstep. The subtle African design immerses you in the native culture ambience, and its simple facilities and amenities give you a comfortable place to relax in between your bush activities.
Tsavo West National Park Accommodation
Tsavo West National Park offers a broad spectrum of accommodation choices, primarily consisting of luxury lodges, tented camps, and eco-lodges, reflecting the park’s focus on providing immersive, high-end safari experiences.
Here are some of the top accommodations in Tsavo West:
- Finch Hattons: Finch Hattons is the epitome of luxury in Tsavo West, offering 17 high-end tents with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Chyulu Hills. The camp is ideal for those seeking an exclusive, high-end safari experience, with activities including game drives, bush walks, and gourmet dining.
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: One of Kenya’s most historic lodges, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, was among the first to be built inside a national park. It offers 58 rooms with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills, as well as a nearby waterhole that attracts elephants and other wildlife. The lodge’s location makes it perfect for exploring Tsavo West’s key attractions, such as Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flow, and the Chaimu Crater.
- Severin Safari Camp: Severin Safari Camp offers a high-end tented camp experience with eco-friendly credentials. Located within Tsavo West, the camp features 27 luxurious tents and suites, blending comfort with nature.
- Voyager Ziwani: Located near the western edge of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani offers an exclusive safari experience with luxury tented accommodation. The camp boasts only six tents, ensuring a private and intimate stay.
- Man-Eaters Lodge: Located on the banks of the Tsavo River, Man-Eaters Lodge provides a luxury tented camp experience with a historical twist. Named after the infamous lions that terrorized railway workers in the late 19th century, the camp offers 31 spacious tented suites with en suite bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the river.
- Lions Bluff Lodge: Lions Bluff Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge perched on a hill within the Lumo Conservancy, offering sweeping views of Tsavo West and beyond, including Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge is eco-conscious, constructed from sustainable materials, and features six exclusive rooms.
- H12 Kipalo Hills: Set in the private 12,000-acre Mbulia Conservancy bordering Tsavo West National Park, H12 Kipalo Hills offers an eco-friendly, mid-range tented camp experience. With just eight luxurious tents, Kipalo Hills offers seclusion, intimacy, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
- Salt Lick Safari Lodge: Salt Lick Safari Lodge is one of Kenya’s most iconic lodges, known for its stilted structures above a waterhole frequented by elephants and other wildlife. Located in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary near Tsavo West, the lodge provides unparalleled wildlife viewing right from your room.
- Leopards Lair Cottages: Located near Lions Bluff Lodge, Leopards Lair Cottages offer budget-friendly accommodation with a rustic touch. With only four rooms, it ensures a quiet, wilderness-focused stay.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa: Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is located at the entrance to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, which is adjacent to Tsavo West. This resort offers 61 modern rooms, a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant, making it a great retreat for travelers seeking relaxation after a day of game drives.
- Sagala Lodge: Located between Tsavo East and Tsavo West, Sagala Lodge is an affordable option for travelers seeking proximity to both parks. It offers 24 simple but comfortable rooms with modern amenities, making it a perfect base for budget travelers who want to explore the parks.
While these options cater to travelers seeking comfort and unique wildlife experiences, they come at a relatively high cost, making Tsavo West a premium destination. Budget-friendly options are more limited.
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| Accommodation | Approximate Price per Night (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hunters Lodge | $76 |
| Lake Jipe Eco Lodge | $76 |
| Salt Lick Safari Lodge | $225 - $231 |
| Man Eaters Camp | $225 - $231 |
| Voyager Ziwani Camp | $216 - $221 |
| Ashnil Aruba Lodge | $216 - $221 |
| Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp | Not Publicly Listed |
| Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge | Not Publicly Listed |
Types of Accommodation in Tsavo
When choosing accommodation in Tsavo, you'll encounter several types of establishments:
- Hotels: Hotels tend to be more structured with enclosed buildings and offer amenities like room service, laundry, and sometimes spa services.
- Tented Camps: A tented camp offers accommodation in large, canvas tents that are often semi-permanent or permanent structures. These tents are fully furnished with beds, en suite bathrooms, and sometimes private verandas. They provide a close-to-nature experience, often blending luxury with the wild surroundings.
- Eco-lodges: Eco-lodges are designed with sustainability in mind. They are usually built using local, eco-friendly materials and strive to minimize their environmental impact. These lodges often utilize solar energy, have water conservation systems, and promote eco-friendly practices.
- Lodges/Luxury Lodges: A lodge provides accommodation in solid structures, usually offering a higher level of comfort compared to tented camps. Luxury lodges go a step further, offering high-end services such as gourmet dining, spa facilities, and exclusive game-viewing opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Tsavo
Any time between June and February is great for Tsavo (though it gets very hot by late February). The middle of the dry seasons (Sept-Oct and Jan-early March) sees wildlife congregating around water sources and consequently these are the best periods to be here. Park tracks can be washed away and many camps close during heavy March-June rains.
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