🌍 Introduction
Ndololo Safari Camp is a classic tented safari camp located deep within Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve. Set near the banks of the Voi River, this eco-friendly camp offers a laid-back, immersive bush experience at a great value. With easy access to key game-viewing areas and stunning landscapes, Ndololo provides an ideal base for both budget-conscious travelers and seasoned safari lovers looking for authenticity and proximity to nature.
📍 Location & Access
Ndololo Safari Camp is located approximately 7 km from the Voi Gate of Tsavo East and is close to Aruba Dam, one of the best wildlife viewing spots in the park.
🛣️ By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approx. 360 km, 6 to 7 hours by private 4×4 vehicle or transfer van.
- From Mombasa: Approx. 160 km, 3.5 to 4 hours via the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
- Voi SGR Station: Transfers from the Standard Gauge Railway are available.
✈️ By Air:
- Charter flights can land at Voi Airstrip, just 4 km from the camp.
- Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take about 1 hour.
🛏️ Accommodation
Ndololo Camp offers 20 spacious safari tents set under acacia trees, each designed to blend with the natural surroundings while offering home comforts.
Tent Types:
- Single, Double, and Triple occupancy tents available
- Rustic safari-style with locally carved hardwood furniture
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and basin
- Verandas with safari chairs for private wildlife viewing
- Lighting provided by solar power or generator
💰 Rates (2025)
Non-Resident Rates (Per Night):
- Single Tent: $150
- Double Tent: $200
- Triple Tent: $270
Resident Rates (Per Night):
- Single Tent: KES 6,500
- Double Tent: KES 10,500
- Triple Tent: KES 16,000
Children Policy:
- Children under 12 years: 50% of adult rate when sharing with adults
Supplements:
- Easter & Christmas: $15 or KES 1,000 per person per night
- Extra Lunch: $15 or KES 1,000 per person
Park entry fees are not included and must be paid separately at the gate.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
- Restaurant: Buffet-style meals served in an open-air dining banda
- Bush Barbeques: The camp can arrange outdoor dinners by the fire
- Bush Breakfasts: Served during full-day game drives or at scenic spots
- Bar: Stocked with local and international beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks
Special dietary requirements are accommodated with prior notice.
🌿 Facilities & Amenities
- Lounge & campfire area
- 24-hour security and reception
- Curio shop with local crafts and safari essentials
- Laundry service (on request)
- Wi-Fi access is limited but available in common areas
🐘 Safari Activities
- Game Drives: Explore Tsavo’s wide open plains, seasonal rivers, and waterholes in search of red elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Birdwatching: Over 500 bird species, including hornbills, eagles, bee-eaters, and kingfishers.
- Nature Walks: Short walks around the camp with guides to learn about flora, tracks, and insects.
- Cultural Visits: Interact with local communities in nearby villages.
🧭 Sample Itinerary – 3-Day Road Safari to Ndololo Camp
Day 1 – Nairobi to Tsavo East (via Voi Gate)
- Depart Nairobi at 6:30 AM by private 4×4 or tour van
- Drive via Mombasa Highway with a stop at Mtito Andei or Voi for lunch
- Arrive at Ndololo Safari Camp by 2:00 PM, welcome drink, check-in
- Afternoon game drive near Aruba Dam and Voi River
- Return for dinner and overnight
Day 2 – Full-Day Safari in Tsavo East
- Early breakfast, then depart with packed lunch for a full-day game drive
- Explore landscapes such as Lugard Falls, Mudanda Rock, and the Galana River
- Optional bush lunch or return to camp for a hot meal
- Sunset drive followed by campfire dinner and stargazing
Day 3 – Sunrise Game Drive & Departure
- Early morning drive to spot predators before the heat sets in
- Return for breakfast, check out
- Begin road transfer back to Nairobi or onward to Mombasa or Diani Beach
🧭 Sample Itinerary – 3-Day Flying Safari to Ndololo Camp
Day 1 – Nairobi to Tsavo East (by air)
- Depart Wilson Airport on a morning charter flight to Voi Airstrip
- Pick-up and transfer to camp (~15 minutes)
- Settle in, lunch served
- Afternoon game drive in Tsavo East
- Evening sundowners and dinner at camp
Day 2 – Full-Day Exploration
- Morning and afternoon game drives exploring key Tsavo landscapes
- Optional visit to Lugard Falls or Yatta Plateau (additional cost)
- Birding walk or relaxation at camp between drives
- Dinner by the campfire under starry skies
Day 3 – Breakfast & Departure
- Short morning game drive or nature walk
- Breakfast and check-out
- Transfer to Voi Airstrip for return flight to Nairobi
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in safari tent
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water, tea, and coffee
- Guided game drives in Tsavo East
- Park transfer (from Voi Gate or airstrip)
- Campfire entertainment
❌ What’s Not Included
- Tsavo East park entry fees
- Flights or long-distance road transfers
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
🐾 Wildlife to Expect
- Mammals: Red elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, waterbuck, hippos
- Birds: Secretary bird, martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, herons, ostrich, hornbills
- Reptiles: Nile crocodiles (Galana River), monitor lizards, pythons (occasionally spotted)
🌟 Why Choose Ndololo Safari Camp?
- 📍 Prime location inside Tsavo East, near key attractions
- 💸 Affordable rates for a full-board experience
- 🦁 Excellent wildlife viewing near Aruba Dam and the Voi River
- 🏕️ Authentic bush feel with rustic charm
- 🔥 Campfire evenings and personalized hosting
- 🧭 Great for families, groups, and photographers
Ndololo Safari Camp is ideal for those who want to experience Tsavo’s wild heart without sacrificing comfort or blowing their safari budget. Whether arriving by road or by air, it delivers memorable wildlife moments, sweeping landscapes, and warm Kenyan hospitality.