🌍 Introduction
Doa Doa Safari Camp is an intimate, eco-friendly camp tucked away on the banks of the Galana River, just a short distance from Sala Gate in Tsavo East National Park. Known for its breathtaking location, direct views of wildlife, and warm, personalized service, this camp is ideal for travelers looking for a serene and immersive safari experience far from the crowds.
With a strong emphasis on privacy, comfort, and a close connection to nature, Doa Doa provides a one-of-a-kind bush escape in one of Kenya’s largest and wildest reserves.
📍 Location & Accessibility
The camp is located on the eastern edge of Tsavo East National Park, close to Sala Gate, and sits directly along the Galana River, one of the park’s most vital lifelines for wildlife.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Malindi: Approx. 3 hours (130 km), making it one of the best safari getaways from the coast.
- From Nairobi: Approx. 6–7 hours via Sala Gate (not the usual Voi entry), recommended only with a 4×4 vehicle.
- From Mombasa: Around 5 hours depending on road conditions and route taken.
- By Air:
- The nearest airstrip is Sala Airstrip, a short 10–15 minute drive from the camp.
- Charter flights can be arranged from Nairobi or Mombasa. Camp staff provide pickup and drop-off services upon request.
🛏️ Accommodation
Doa Doa Safari Camp is intentionally small and exclusive, with just a handful of well-spaced safari tents, ensuring peace, privacy, and personalized service.
Tent Features:
- Spacious canvas tents on elevated wooden decks
- En-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
- Comfortable king or twin beds with quality linen
- Private verandas with chairs and sweeping views of the Galana River
- Mosquito nets, solar lighting, and eco-conscious toiletries
The tents are designed to be open to the sounds of nature while maintaining guest comfort and safety, creating an authentic safari atmosphere.
💰 Estimated Rates (Per Person Per Night)
- Full Board (meals included): $150 – $250 depending on season and resident status
- Children under 5: Usually stay free
- Children 5–12: Typically 50% of adult rate when sharing with parents
- Group and long-stay discounts may be available on request
Note: Rates exclude park entry fees and extra activities unless part of a custom package.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Dining at Doa Doa is a highlight in itself. Meals are freshly prepared by in-house chefs and served in scenic spots around camp — whether overlooking the river, under a tree, or beside the campfire.
- Breakfast: Continental and hot options, served with a view of the sunrise over the river
- Lunch: Light yet hearty — pastas, fresh salads, grilled meats, or vegetarian options
- Dinner: Multi-course meals under the stars, often featuring traditional Kenyan and Swahili influences
- Drinks: Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a selection of local and imported wines and beers available
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
🦁 Activities & Experiences
Doa Doa Camp offers an excellent variety of tailored wildlife and nature-based activities, with a strong focus on personalization:
🛻 Game Drives
- Explore the vast and wild eastern sector of Tsavo East with expert driver-guides
- Highlights include elephant herds, lions, giraffes, buffalo, waterbuck, and rare sightings of lesser kudu or cheetah
- Private drives are available, with both half-day and full-day options
🌿 Guided Nature Walks
- Walk along the Galana River with experienced local guides
- Learn about animal tracks, birds, and traditional plant uses
📸 Bird Watching
- The riverside location is ideal for spotting kingfishers, hornbills, bee-eaters, herons, eagles, and more
- A birdwatcher’s paradise, especially between November and April
🌅 Sundowners & Bush Dinners
- Enjoy drinks at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the savannah
- Private bush dinners can be arranged for special occasions
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in a luxury tent
- All meals (Full Board)
- Bottled drinking water
- Use of camp facilities
- Wi-Fi in common areas (limited signal due to remote location)
- Personal hosting and safari planning assistance
❌ What’s Not Included
- Park entry fees to Tsavo East National Park
- Game drives and activities (unless pre-packaged)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and personal expenses
- Airport/airstrip transfers (available on request)
🐘 Wildlife & What to Expect
Doa Doa’s riverside location gives it a constant parade of wildlife:
- Elephants regularly come to drink from the Galana River
- Crocodiles and hippos are visible from camp
- You may also see giraffes, antelope, and predators nearby on game drives
- Birdlife is rich and visible all day long, including colorful bee-eaters and raptors
🌟 Why Stay at Doa Doa Safari Camp?
- Stunning location right on the Galana River — wildlife at your doorstep
- Intimate, eco-conscious design with exceptional service
- Proximity to Sala Gate makes it ideal for travelers from the coast
- Less crowded part of the park — you may have entire game drive areas to yourself
- Personalized safaris, nature walks, and riverfront relaxation