Overview
Tsavo East National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and largest game reserves, renowned for its vast red-earth plains, iconic “red elephants,” palm-fringed Galana River, Yatta Plateau, and spectacular wildlife. Accommodations range from high-end, riverside lodges to budget camps, eco-conscious retreats, and classic bush camps—many located near park gates for convenience, or deep inside for a true wilderness feel.
1. Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
For those seeking top-tier comfort, personalized service, and immersive bush experiences, these options deliver the best of Tsavo East.
- Satao Camp (Central Tsavo): Classic tented camp, luxury tents with private verandas facing a busy waterhole, superb guiding, bush dining.
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Near Aruba Dam): Modern, spacious chalets and luxury tents, pool, riverside restaurant, wildlife views, family-friendly.
- Sentrim Tsavo East (Voi Gate area): Comfortable tented suites, pool, open-air bar, guided walks.
- Voi Wildlife Lodge (Near Voi Gate): Large lodge, spacious rooms, conference facilities, spa, pool, popular with groups and families.
- Galdessa Camp (Galana River): Upscale bush camp with thatched villas, private decks, riverside dining, conservation focus, exclusive game drives.
- Man Eaters Camp (Tsavo River): Riverside luxury tents, hippo and crocodile viewing, gourmet meals, Maasai-led walks.
- Lions Bluff Lodge (Lumo Conservancy, close to Tsavo East): Panoramic views, boutique eco-luxury, excellent food and service.
- Red Elephant Safari Lodge (Near Voi Gate): Traditional African lodge, luxury rooms and cottages, private verandas.
- Satao Elerai (sister camp, near Amboseli): Luxury, stunning views, conservation-focused.
- Ithumba Camp & Ithumba Hill Camp (North Tsavo): Exclusive-use, self-catered, for elephant lovers—booked via Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
2. Mid-Range Lodges & Camps
Solid comfort, good food, prime locations, and value for money—these are great for couples, families, or groups:
- Voi Safari Lodge (Inside Park, near Voi Gate): Classic stone-built lodge, panoramic views over a waterhole, large pool, bar, and restaurant.
- Manyatta Camp (Near Voi): Tented cottages with private plunge pools, good food, game drives arranged.
- Ngutuni Safari Lodge (Private Conservancy): Overlooks a waterhole, spacious rooms, good birding, night drives.
- Ndololo Safari Camp (Near Voi Gate): Comfortable tents, bush dining, great guiding, close to main attractions.
- Tarhi Eco Camp (Inside Park): Classic safari tents, eco-friendly, relaxed vibe, communal meals.
- Sentrim Tsavo Camp: Tents and cottages, pool, family-friendly, reliable service.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort (Lumo Conservancy, close to Tsavo East): Modern, spacious, with a pool and game drives.
- Galana Crocodile Camp (Galana River): Simple bandas and tents, restaurant, riverside setting.
- Voi Lutheran Guest House (Voi Town): Comfortable, friendly, value-for-money.
3. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Camps
These properties focus on environmental responsibility, community involvement, and authentic experiences:
- Galdessa Camp (also luxury): Leading conservation efforts with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
- Lions Bluff Lodge: Solar power, community-owned, excellent guiding.
- Tarhi Eco Camp: Solar, low-impact, run by conservationists.
- Manyatta Camp: Water conservation, eco-initiatives.
- Ithumba Camps (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust): Direct support of elephant rescue and rewilding.
- Red Elephant Safari Lodge: Environmental focus, uses local materials.
- Galana Crocodile Camp: Nature-based, supports local guides.
4. Family-Friendly & Group Options
Spacious grounds, pools, family rooms, flexible dining—these are best for families or larger groups:
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge: Large rooms/tents, pool, kids’ menu, playground.
- Voi Wildlife Lodge: Family rooms, conference/events, pool, safe for kids.
- Voi Safari Lodge: Pool, gardens, viewing decks, connecting rooms.
- Manyatta Camp: Private pools, family tents, open spaces.
- Sentrim Tsavo East: Family cottages, pool, children’s play area.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort: Family suites, pool, guided kids’ walks.
- Galana Crocodile Camp: Simple, fun for groups, river activities.
- Voi Lutheran Guest House: Safe, homely, central.
- Red Elephant Safari Lodge: Family rooms, guided game drives.
5. Budget Camps, Bandas & Guesthouses
For affordable, basic yet comfortable stays—ideal for backpackers, self-drivers, and overlanders:
- Ndololo Safari Camp: Budget tents, meals, guided walks.
- Tarhi Eco Camp: Basic tents, shared facilities, value rates.
- Galana Crocodile Camp: Budget bandas, restaurant.
- Voi Lutheran Guest House: Clean, simple, safe, close to town.
- Manyatta Camp: Budget tent options.
- Sentrim Tsavo East: Standard tents available.
- Voi Town Hotels & Guesthouses: Several budget hotels in Voi with good access to park.
- KWS Public Campsites: Inside the park, bring your own gear, basic facilities.
6. Self-Catering & Special Interest
For independent travelers, overlanders, or those wanting a longer stay:
- Ithumba Camp & Ithumba Hill Camp: Exclusive-use, self-catering, for elephant conservation enthusiasts.
- Satao Camp: Some packages allow for flexible meal plans or private dining.
- Red Elephant Safari Lodge: Cottages with kitchenettes.
- Ngutuni Safari Lodge: Offers self-catering on request for long stays.
- Voi Lutheran Guest House: Can arrange meal packages for groups.
- Private Airbnbs/Villas: Available in Voi and bordering communities.
7. Camping & Public Campsites
For adventure seekers and overlanders who want to pitch a tent:
- KWS Public Campsites: (e.g., Ndololo, Aruba Dam, Sala Gate) inside park, pit latrines, water points, basic security.
- Tarhi Eco Camp: Offers camping spaces and tents to rent.
- Galana Crocodile Camp: Riverside pitches, showers.
- Manyatta Camp: Budget camping options.
- Voi Lutheran Guest House: Camping in gardens for overlanders.
Tsavo East Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Inside Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satao Camp | Central Tsavo | Luxury Tented Camp | $250–$400 | Waterhole, classic safari, guides | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Aruba Dam | Luxury Lodge | $220–$350 | Pool, riverside, modern rooms | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Galdessa Camp | Galana River | Upscale Bush Camp | $350–$700 | Riverside, conservation focus | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Man Eaters Camp | Tsavo River | Riverside Tented | $150–$250 | Hippos, crocs, Maasai walks | Yes | No | Some | Near |
| Voi Wildlife Lodge | Voi Gate | Large Safari Lodge | $150–$250 | Big pool, events, spa, group rates | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Voi Safari Lodge | Inside Park | Stone Lodge | $120–$180 | Views, waterhole, classic lodge | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Manyatta Camp | Near Voi | Tented/Budget | $80–$150 | Plunge pools, family tents | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Ndololo Safari Camp | Near Voi Gate | Budget Tented | $60–$120 | Guided walks, bush dining | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Tarhi Eco Camp | Inside Park | Eco-Budget | $40–$100 | Solar, simple tents, communal | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sentrim Tsavo East | Voi Gate | Tented Camp | $120–$200 | Pool, family cottages, bar | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Ngutuni Safari Lodge | Ngutuni Conservancy | Mid-Range Lodge | $100–$180 | Waterhole, birding, night drives | Yes | No | Some | No |
| Red Elephant Safari Lodge | Near Voi Gate | Traditional Lodge | $80–$160 | Family rooms, eco-materials | Yes | No | Yes | Near |
| Galana Crocodile Camp | Galana River | Budget Riverside | $30–$70 | Bandas, camping, river views | Yes | No | Some | Near |
| Lions Bluff Lodge | Lumo Conservancy | Eco-Luxury | $250–$400 | Panoramic views, community owned | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Voi Lutheran Guest House | Voi Town | Guesthouse/Budget | $30–$60 | Homely, value, camping available | Yes | No | No | No |
| KWS Public Campsites | Various | Camping | $10–$30 | BYO gear, basic, wild | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Ithumba Camps | North Tsavo | Self-Catering/Eco | $200–$350 (group) | Elephant focus, exclusive use | Groups | No | Yes | Yes |
*pppn = per person per night, estimates only, varies with season and package.