🌍 Introduction
Nestled just 1.5 kilometers from the Tsavo East National Park gate, Boma Simba Safari Lodge provides a serene escape for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. This newly established lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts, offering guests an authentic African safari experience. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Tsavo’s wilderness, Boma Simba serves as an ideal base for exploring the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Boma Simba Safari Lodge is strategically located in Voi, a short distance from the main entrance of Tsavo East National Park.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approximately 330 kilometers (about a 5-hour drive) via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
- From Mombasa: Approximately 160 kilometers (about a 3-hour drive) along the same highway.
- The lodge is conveniently located just 1.5 kilometers off the main road, ensuring easy access for self-driving guests.
- By Rail:
- Guests can take the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Voi Station. The lodge offers transfers from the station to the property, providing a seamless travel experience.
- By Air:
- The nearest airstrip is Voi Airstrip, suitable for chartered flights. Transfers from the airstrip to the lodge can be arranged upon request.
🛏️ Accommodation
Boma Simba Safari Lodge offers a selection of A-frame cabins, designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment while providing modern comforts.
Cabin Features:
- Design: The cabins feature sleek, sloping roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for ample natural light and panoramic views of the wilderness.
- Interior: Each cabin is tastefully furnished with earthy tones, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Amenities:
- Comfortable beds with quality linens.
- Private en-suite bathrooms with hot showers.
- Private decks for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
- Mosquito nets and ceiling fans.
The intimate setup of the lodge, with a limited number of cabins, ensures personalized service and a tranquil environment for all guests.
💰 Accommodation Rates (2023)
Rates are per cabin per night and vary based on the season and board basis:
Residents (Kenyan Citizens)
- Low Season (April to June):
- Single Cabin:
- Full Board: KES 7,500
- Half Board: KES 6,000
- Double Cabin:
- Full Board: KES 10,500
- Half Board: KES 8,250
- Triple Cabin:
- Full Board: KES 13,000
- Half Board: KES 10,500
- Single Cabin:
- High Season (July to March):
- Single Cabin:
- Full Board: KES 9,000
- Half Board: KES 6,750
- Double Cabin:
- Full Board: KES 12,000
- Half Board: KES 9,000
- Triple Cabin:
- Full Board: KES 15,000
- Half Board: KES 11,250
- Single Cabin:
Non-Residents
- Low Season (April to June):
- Single Cabin:
- Full Board: $80
- Half Board: $60
- Double Cabin:
- Full Board: $120
- Half Board: $90
- Triple Cabin:
- Full Board: $140
- Half Board: $105
- Single Cabin:
- High Season (July to March):
- Single Cabin:
- Full Board: $100
- Half Board: $75
- Double Cabin:
- Full Board: $140
- Half Board: $105
- Triple Cabin:
- Full Board: $160
- Half Board: $120
- Single Cabin:
Additional Charges:
- Extra Bed:
- Residents:
- Low Season: Full Board: KES 3,750; Half Board: KES 2,850
- High Season: Full Board: KES 4,500; Half Board: KES 3,375
- Non-Residents:
- Low Season: Full Board: $40; Half Board: $30
- High Season: Full Board: $50; Half Board: $40
- Residents:
- Lunch (Per Person): KES 2,250
⛺ Camping & Overlanding
For guests seeking a closer connection to nature, Boma Simba Safari Lodge offers well-equipped camping grounds suitable for traditional campers and overlanders.
Camping Features:
- Flat, shaded areas for pitching tents
- Clean shared ablution blocks with hot showers and flushing toilets
- Designated spaces for overland trucks, campervans, and rooftop tents
- Access to lodge facilities such as the restaurant, bar, and lounge area
- Optional meals available for campers (breakfast, lunch, dinner on request)
- Security and 24-hour staff presence for safety and peace of mind
This setup provides a perfect balance between wild immersion and comfort, just minutes from Tsavo East’s main gate.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Boma Simba features an open-air restaurant and lounge, offering delicious meals in a relaxed bush setting.
Meals Include:
- Breakfast: Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, sausages, Kenyan tea/coffee
- Lunch: Light buffet or à la carte with salads, grilled items, and traditional Kenyan dishes
- Dinner: Three-course meals featuring regional and international options, served with candlelight ambiance
Special Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly meals are available with advance notice.
Bar & Lounge:
- Serves a curated selection of local beers, international wines, spirits, soft drinks, and fresh juices
- Ideal for unwinding after a day of game drives or soaking in the sunset from the deck
🌿 Facilities & Amenities
- Lush natural gardens with walking paths
- Fireplace lounge area for chilly evenings
- Outdoor bar and dining deck overlooking the plains
- Free Wi-Fi in common areas
- Safari planning desk to help guests coordinate park visits and other excursions
- 24-hour reception
- Secure parking
🐘 Activities & Experiences
Boma Simba offers access to a wide range of wildlife and cultural experiences in and around Tsavo East National Park.
🚙 Game Drives
- Full-day or half-day game drives into Tsavo East (game drives can be self-driven or arranged through lodge partners)
- Highlights include sightings of:
- Red elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, lesser kudu, and leopards
- Nearby attractions:
- Aruba Dam for birdlife and hippos
- Mudanda Rock, a natural viewing platform for elephants
- Lugard Falls and Galana River excursions
🌅 Sundowners
- Enjoy magical sunsets from the lodge’s lounge deck with drinks and snacks
- Can be paired with short nature walks around the property
🔭 Stargazing
- With minimal light pollution, Boma Simba is perfect for clear views of the night sky
- Stargazing sessions can be arranged, especially during moonless nights
✅ What’s Included (Depending on Package)
- Accommodation in selected cabin or campsite
- Meals (for Full Board or Half Board packages)
- Access to lodge amenities
- Bottled drinking water in cabins
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
❌ Not Included
- Tsavo East National Park entry fees
- Guided game drives (can be arranged at an additional cost)
- Drinks and snacks from the bar
- Transport to/from the lodge (available on request)
- Laundry, tips, and personal expenses
👨👩👧👦 Family & Group Friendly
Boma Simba is a great base for families and groups:
- Triple cabins and extra beds available
- Open spaces for kids to explore (supervised)
- Educational safari talks can be arranged for young explorers
- Full lodge bookings available for retreats, photography groups, or special events
Reviews of Boma Simba:
Based on recent guest reviews, here’s a detailed list of the pros and cons of Boma Simba Safari Lodge:
Pros:
- Proximity to Tsavo East National Park: The lodge is located just 1.5 kilometers from the park’s gate, offering guests convenient access to wildlife viewing and safari activities.
- Scenic and Serene Environment: Guests appreciate the lodge’s peaceful atmosphere, describing it as a “garden of paradise” with beautiful surroundings.
- Comfortable Accommodations: The A-frame cabins are noted for their rustic charm and modern elegance, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.
- Friendly and Hospitable Staff: Reviews frequently highlight the welcoming nature of the staff, with the owner, James, often mentioned for his exceptional hospitality and assistance in organizing safaris and transfers.
- Quality Dining Experience: The lodge offers abundant and well-prepared meals, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that guests have found satisfying.
- Amenities for Campers and Overlanders: For those preferring a more rustic experience, the lodge provides camping grounds with ample parking, clean washrooms, and Wi-Fi accessibility.
Cons:
- Limited Number of Reviews: As a relatively new establishment, there are fewer guest reviews available, which may make it challenging for potential visitors to gauge consistent service quality.
- Potential for Wildlife Encounters: While proximity to wildlife is a draw for many, some guests have noted the possibility of animals coming close to the campsite, which could be a concern for those unaccustomed to such experiences.
- Developing Infrastructure: Being a newer lodge, certain facilities and services may still be in the process of being fully established or refined.
Overall, Boma Simba Safari Lodge offers a tranquil and intimate safari experience with commendable hospitality and close access to Tsavo East National Park. Prospective guests may want to consider the limited number of reviews and ongoing developments when planning their stay.
📝 Final Thoughts – Why Choose Boma Simba?
- 🦁 Unbeatable Proximity to Tsavo East – Just 1.5 km from the main park gate, making early game drives effortless
- 🌿 Eco-friendly & Intimate – Small-scale, low-impact accommodation ideal for conscious travelers
- 🏕️ Flexible Options – From comfortable cabins to affordable camping, it suits all budgets
- 🌄 Peaceful Natural Setting – Surrounded by wildlife sounds and starlit skies
- 🐘 Great for Independent Travelers – Especially self-drivers and SGR passengers seeking safari access without crowds
Whether you’re just stopping over en route to the coast or planning a multi-day wildlife adventure in Tsavo East, Boma Simba Safari Lodge delivers comfort, access, and authenticity in equal measure.