🌍 Introduction
Tucked away on the banks of the Sante River near the western boundary of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp offers a serene and uncrowded safari experience. Its lush riverine setting and wide-open plains make it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful, nature-filled escape.
Ideal for couples, families, and small groups, Voyager Ziwani stands out for its intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and day and night safari experiences — all without the crowds found in more trafficked parts of Kenya.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Voyager Ziwani is located on a private conservancy just outside the western edge of Tsavo West, close to the Tanzania border near Lake Jipe. It is a great stopover point between Amboseli and Tsavo or as a destination on its own.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approx. 5.5 hours (280 km) via Emali, Loitoktok, and Taveta.
- From Mombasa: Approx. 4.5–5 hours via Voi and Taveta.
- From Amboseli: Around 2.5–3 hours via Oloitokitok, making it an excellent add-on for an Amboseli–Tsavo circuit.
- By Rail:
- The closest SGR station is Voi, around 2.5 hours away by road. Transfers can be arranged in advance.
- By Air:
- Charter flights can land at nearby Ziwani Airstrip or at Taita Hills Airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the camp.
🛏️ Accommodation
Voyager Ziwani Camp offers 25 spacious safari tents, each facing the Sante River and spread out across the riverbank for privacy and immersion in nature.
Tent Features:
- Large canvas tents on raised wooden decks
- En-suite bathrooms with solar-heated hot showers
- Comfortable twin or double beds with high-quality linen
- Dressing area, writing desk, luggage rack
- Private veranda with safari chairs and river views
- Lantern lighting (with backup solar power) and charging points
The camp design is rustic but comfortable, reflecting a classic safari ambiance.
💰 Accommodation Rates (Per Person Per Night)
Rates vary by season and resident status, but typically fall within:
- Residents: Approx. KES 12,000–15,000 per adult (Full Board)
- Non-Residents: $130–$180 per adult (Full Board)
- Children under 5: Stay free
- Children 5–12: 50% of adult rate when sharing with adults
Rates include meals and selected camp activities, but exclude park fees.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
The camp’s riverfront dining area serves well-prepared meals with an emphasis on local produce and international flair. Dining is a relaxed, communal affair, often under the stars or in the open-air restaurant.
- Breakfast: Continental and full English-style options
- Lunch: Light and fresh options like grilled meats, salads, and sandwiches
- Dinner: Multi-course meals including vegetarian and meat-based selections
- Specials: Bush dinners or riverside candlelit meals can be arranged
- Bar: Offers a selection of wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks
🐘 Activities & Experiences
What sets Voyager Ziwani apart is its mix of traditional game viewing and unique nature-based activities — most of which are done within the private conservancy.
🚙 Day & Night Game Drives
- Day drives explore the surrounding plains and lake region for elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope.
- Night game drives are a highlight here, offering the chance to spot nocturnal species like bush babies, genets, and civets.
🌿 Guided Nature Walks
- Knowledgeable naturalists lead walks around the camp, pointing out birds, plants, and tracks — ideal for kids and photographers.
🐦 Bird Watching
- Over 250 species have been recorded in the area. You’ll see kingfishers, weavers, bee-eaters, hornbills, and more.
🌍 Cultural Visits
- Visit local communities for insight into Taita and Pare cultures.
- Learn about traditional practices, crafts, and community conservation efforts.
🚣 Canoeing (Seasonal)
- Canoeing on the Sante River may be possible when water levels allow — a unique perspective for viewing hippos and waterbirds.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in luxury tent
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Guided nature walks
- Night game drives in the conservancy
- Bird watching excursions
- Bottled water in rooms
- Use of camp facilities (lounge, bar, gift shop)
❌ What’s Not Included
- Entry fees for Tsavo West (if venturing into the park)
- Transport to/from the lodge (can be arranged)
- Drinks from the bar
- Gratuities and personal items
- External excursions outside the conservancy
🦓 Wildlife & What to Expect
Although the camp is on a conservancy and not inside Tsavo West proper, wildlife sightings are still excellent, particularly in the early morning and at the water’s edge.
Common sightings include:
- Hippos and crocodiles in the Sante River
- Elephants, especially in the evening
- Giraffes, zebras, eland, waterbuck, and impala
- Nocturnal species like genets, bush babies, civets, and porcupines
- Rich birdlife including herons, kingfishers, sunbirds, and owls
For full big game drives, guests can combine their stay with a day excursion into Tsavo West National Park.
👪 Family & Group Friendly
- Family tents available
- Educational nature walks and activities for children
- Safe, enclosed environment with attentive staff
- Ideal for multigenerational travel or small group bookings
🌟 Why Choose Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp?
- One of the few camps in the region offering night game drives
- Peaceful, uncrowded, and remote — perfect for relaxation
- Great for slow safari travel, nature immersion, and birdwatching
- Perfect connection point between Amboseli and Tsavo
- Strong conservation and community ethos
- Unique riverside setting with wildlife viewable from your tent
Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp is a hidden gem — perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, eco-friendly, and personal safari experience with the charm of classic tented camps. It’s a great addition to a longer itinerary or as a restful standalone retreat. Let me know if you’d like help including it in your custom Tsavo or southern Kenya safari!