🌍 Introduction
Ashnil Aruba Lodge is one of the most well-established safari lodges in Tsavo East National Park, positioned on the edge of the Aruba Dam — a seasonal water reservoir that attracts animals all year round. This tranquil and picturesque setting offers guests the rare opportunity to view wildlife without even leaving the lodge.
With well-designed facilities, warm hospitality, and proximity to some of Tsavo East’s most iconic landscapes, Ashnil Aruba is ideal for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers looking for a great base for game drives.
📍 Location & Accessibility
The lodge is located within Tsavo East National Park, approximately 30 km from the Voi Gate, and overlooks the Aruba Dam in the heart of the park.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approx. 5–6 hours (330 km) via the Nairobi–Mombasa highway through Voi Gate.
- From Mombasa: Approx. 3 hours (150 km) through Bachuma Gate.
- Accessible by 2WD in dry season, though 4WD is advisable during the rains.
- By Rail:
- The SGR (Madaraka Express) stops at Voi Station. The lodge can arrange transfers (around 45–60 minutes by road).
- By Air:
- The nearest airstrip is Aruba Airstrip, located about 8 minutes away. Charter flights from Nairobi or Mombasa can be arranged.
🛏️ Accommodation
Ashnil Aruba Lodge offers 46 rooms, including deluxe rooms, family rooms, and luxury tents — all designed with comfort, space, and views in mind.
Room Types:
- Deluxe Rooms: Twin or double occupancy, with private terraces.
- Triple Rooms: Suitable for small families or groups of friends.
- Family Rooms: Spacious and interconnecting, ideal for families with children.
- Luxury Tents: For those who want the canvas safari experience without sacrificing comfort.
In-Room Features:
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
- Comfortable beds with mosquito nets
- Private terraces or balconies
- Ceiling fans and large windows for natural ventilation
- Writing desk, closet, and secure luggage storage
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer and toiletries provided
💰 Accommodation Rates (Estimated)
These are average per-person sharing rates and may vary by season:
- Residents: $100–$150 (Full Board)
- Non-Residents: $120–$180 (Full Board)
- Children under 5: Stay free
- Children 5–12: 50% of adult rate when sharing
Discounts may apply for groups or long stays. Game package options are also available.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Meals are served in the main restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating facing the dam. The cuisine blends local Kenyan and international dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients.
- Buffet breakfast: Fruits, pastries, hot items, and made-to-order eggs
- Lunch: Light buffet or plated options with salad and main course variety
- Dinner: Three-course meals with meat, vegetarian, and dessert options
- Bar & Lounge: Offers local beers, wines, cocktails, and spirits
- Bush dining and sundowners can be arranged with advance notice
🦓 Activities & Experiences
Ashnil Aruba is perfectly placed for access to game-rich areas in Tsavo East, and also offers experiences from the lodge itself:
🚙 Game Drives
- Morning and evening game drives in the surrounding plains and along the Galana River.
- Frequent sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, waterbuck, and hippos.
- Birdwatching drives available on request.
🐘 Wildlife Viewing from Lodge
- Watch animals gathering at the Aruba Dam throughout the day from the comfort of your room, terrace, or pool area.
🦉 Nature Walks & Birding
- Take guided nature walks within the lodge’s safe perimeters.
- Over 500 bird species can be spotted in Tsavo East, including hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, and secretary birds.
🌅 Sundowners & Bush Meals
- Enjoy sundowner drinks at scenic viewpoints arranged by the lodge.
- Private bush breakfasts or dinners can be arranged for special occasions.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation as booked (bed & breakfast, half board, or full board)
- Daily housekeeping
- Use of lodge facilities: swimming pool, bar, lounge, and gardens
- Wildlife viewing from lodge grounds
❌ What’s Not Included
- Tsavo East National Park entry fees
- Game drives (unless booked as part of a game package)
- Premium drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Airport/rail transfers (can be arranged)
- Tips, laundry, and personal expenses
🐘 Wildlife & What to Expect
Tsavo East is famous for its “red elephants”, which cover themselves in the region’s iron-rich dust. From Aruba, guests frequently spot:
- Elephants
- Lions and cheetahs
- Giraffes, zebras, buffalo
- Hippos and crocodiles near the dam
- Lesser kudu and waterbuck
- A huge variety of birdlife
The proximity of Aruba Dam means animals are drawn to water year-round, making game viewing excellent even during hotter months.
👪 Family & Group Friendly
- Family rooms and triple occupancy options available
- Swimming pool with shaded loungers for downtime between drives
- Flexible dining for young children
- Great for small group safaris or incentive travel groups
🌟 Why Choose Ashnil Aruba Lodge?
- Prime location overlooking Aruba Dam — constant wildlife action
- Comfortable, modern rooms with rustic safari touches
- Great value for money in a scenic and quiet part of the park
- Easy access via road, rail, or air
- Friendly staff and well-rated guest service
- Ideal for first-timers, families, photographers, and even honeymooners
If you’re looking for a well-equipped, centrally located lodge inside Tsavo East that offers both convenience and amazing views, Ashnil Aruba Lodge is a fantastic option. Whether you’re in search of game drives,