🌍 Introduction
Lake Jipe Eco Lodge is a peaceful hideaway located near the shores of Lake Jipe, a cross-border lake shared by Kenya and Tanzania. Nestled between the Pare Mountains and the vast plains of Tsavo West, this eco-friendly lodge offers a unique blend of wetland and savannah wildlife, stunning mountain backdrops, and rich birdlife.
Ideal for travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, Lake Jipe Eco Lodge provides a relaxing safari experience that centers on sustainability, serenity, and natural beauty — all within reach of Tsavo West’s major attractions.
📍 Location & Accessibility
The lodge is located near Lake Jipe, in the far south of Tsavo West National Park, close to the Kenya–Tanzania border. It lies inside a protected conservation area bordering the lake and is managed with community support to preserve the ecosystem and local livelihoods.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Voi: Approx. 3–3.5 hours via Taveta Road to the Jipe Gate.
- From Taita Hills / Mwatate: Approx. 2 hours.
- From Amboseli (via Loitoktok and Taveta): Approx. 3 hours.
- A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, especially during the rainy season.
- By Rail:
- Nearest SGR station is Voi, followed by road transfer.
- By Air:
- Light aircraft can land at Jipe Airstrip or Taveta Airstrip with prior arrangement.
- Lodge can coordinate transfers from airstrips.
🛏️ Accommodation
Lake Jipe Eco Lodge offers rustic yet charming cottages and tents, all designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing guest comfort and immersion in nature.
Accommodation Types:
- Eco Cottages:
Simple stone and thatch structures with en-suite bathrooms, ideal for couples or families. Each cottage offers views of the lake or surrounding bush. - Safari Tents:
Elevated tents with private verandas, canvas windows, and close proximity to the lake shore. Perfect for guests seeking a classic safari feel. - Family Units:
Multi-room cottages or tents for families or small groups.
Room Features:
- Comfortable double or twin beds with mosquito nets
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers (solar heated)
- Private outdoor seating or verandas
- Solar lighting and basic charging facilities
- Organic and local décor with handcrafted furniture
💰 Accommodation Rates (Estimated)
Rates are per person per night (Full Board basis):
- Residents: KES 7,000–10,000
- Non-Residents: $90–$140
- Children under 5: Stay free
- Children 5–12: 50% of adult rate when sharing with adults
- Group and extended stay discounts available
All rates include accommodation, meals, and access to the private conservation area (park fees for Tsavo West are separate if entering the park).
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Dining at Lake Jipe Eco Lodge is informal, wholesome, and served with a view — whether that’s overlooking the lake or under the stars.
- Breakfast: Fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, tea/coffee, and local touches like mandazi or chapati.
- Lunch: Light meals like salads, pasta, stews, and grilled meats.
- Dinner: Three-course meals served in the central dining banda or at a bush dining site on request.
- Special requests: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available with prior notice.
Ingredients are locally sourced from nearby farms and fishing villages where possible, with a focus on sustainability and freshness.
🦓 Activities & Experiences
Lake Jipe Eco Lodge offers unique lake-based and land-based safari experiences not commonly found in other Kenyan lodges.
🚣 Boat Safaris on Lake Jipe
- Glide through papyrus swamps and open water with a guide
- Spot hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, and rich birdlife
- Opportunity to view Mt. Kilimanjaro and Pare Mountains from the lake
🚙 Game Drives
- Drive into Tsavo West National Park through Jipe Gate
- Wildlife includes elephants, zebras, buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, and big cats (especially near the springs)
- Combine with visits to Shetani Lava Flow, Mzima Springs, or Chyulu Hills (if coming from inside the park)
🦜 Birdwatching
- Lake Jipe is a birding hotspot, especially for wetland and migratory species
- Common sightings include jacanas, herons, storks, kingfishers, ibises, pelicans, and African fish eagles
- Birding walks and canoe rides available
🐾 Nature Walks
- Take guided walks along the lake edge and woodland areas
- Learn about local plants, animal tracks, insects, and ecological interactions
- Sunrise or sunset walks are particularly scenic
🌍 Cultural Visits
- Meet the local Taveta and Pare communities
- Visit traditional homesteads, farming areas, or fishing villages
- Learn about sustainable coexistence and conservation efforts
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in selected unit
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Boat safari on Lake Jipe (in some packages)
- Guided nature walks within the conservancy
- Bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the day
- Use of communal lounge, viewing deck, and dining banda
❌ Not Included
- Tsavo West National Park entry fees (if visiting the park)
- Transport to/from the lodge (can be arranged)
- Additional drinks (sodas, wines, spirits)
- Tips, laundry, and personal expenses
- Park entry for extended game drives
🐘 Wildlife & What to Expect
Lake Jipe offers a rare combination of aquatic and savannah wildlife:
- Hippos and crocodiles in and around the lake
- Elephants, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and buffalo in the surrounding plains
- Rich birdlife, including flamingos and African fish eagles
- Bush babies, genets, and other nocturnal species around the camp
- Possible sightings of leopards, hyenas, and lions deeper inside Tsavo West
👪 Family & Group Friendly
- Family units available with additional beds
- Activities like birding, boat rides, and walks are suitable for all ages
- Quiet, non-commercial environment with safety and comfort in mind
- Great for school groups, nature clubs, and eco-conscious families
🌟 Why Choose Lake Jipe Eco Lodge?
- Located at one of Kenya’s most scenic and tranquil lakes
- Access to unique lake safaris, rare birds, and wetland wildlife
- Operates with a strong eco-tourism and community development mission
- Perfect for slow travel, romantic escapes, birdwatching, and photography
- Gateway to lesser-explored corners of Tsavo West and southern Kenya
- Offers privacy, personalized service, and authentic local charm
Lake Jipe Eco Lodge is a hidden gem for travelers seeking more than a typical game drive. It invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover a peaceful side of Kenya that few tourists ever reach. Whether you’re canoeing past hippos or listening to birdsong from your veranda, your time at Jipe will be quiet, wild, and unforgettable.