Ashnil Aruba Lodge

The Ashnil Aruba Lodge is set up right next to a source of water in a park where water is a rare commodity. It lies overlooking the Aruba Dam in southern Tsavo East National Park, where during the dry season the dam functions like a magnet, attracting elephants which go there to drink and buffalo that wallow in the shallow waters, often seen from your veranda.

Aruba is a comfortable mid-range lodge operated by the Ashnil Hotels group, and the true luxury it offers is its location, since you wake up deep in the park with the wildlife right outside your door.

Even if you are going on safari for the first time, Aruba will be suitable for you. It is also a good choice for couples who would prefer a quiet veranda to one that is crowded with people, for photographers, families, and beach holidaymakers who are leaving Diani or Mombasa for a short stay. However, if you want plunge pools or a spa, then you should select a different luxury lodge.

Getting to the lodge

The lodge is situated approximately 30 km east of Voi Gate, the principal entrance onto the Nairobi to Mombasa highway, and the one-hour drive from the gate marks the start of your first game drive. A road trip of 330 km from Nairobi to Voi Gate takes between five and six hours, whereas the Madaraka Express train gets you to Voi station in about five hours, at which point your guide will be there to drive you into the park. For those coming from Mombasa, the distance is roughly 160 km, or 2.5 to 3 hours by road, and when starting from Diani Beach it takes about four hours via either Mombasa or the Kwale route. If you are short on time, you can take charter flights to the park airstrips as part of our fly safari.

Rooms and accommodation

The rooms are spread across the grounds, with many of them facing the dam or the open bush. Each room has a shower that is en-suite, mosquito nets, and a private veranda which is suitable for slow mornings enjoyed with binoculars.

Facilities and dining

The pool provides a cool break from the heat during the drives, and since the restaurant and bar are situated over the water, you usually get to have lunch with the elephants. Wi-Fi is available in the main areas but doesn't reach the rooms. Although there is a small shop selling curiosities, neither a gym nor a spa is available.

Buffet meals combine Kenyan favourites with international dishes and provide for vegetarian, halal, and special diets if asked.

Activities and wildlife

Morning and Afternoon Game Drives

Head out into the cool morning air right as the park wakes up, or venture back out in the late afternoon when the light turns gold. Guided by local experts who know the land like the back of their hand, you’ll track Tsavo’s famous brick-red elephants, prides of lions, grazing giraffes, and sneaky big cats.

Front seat at Aruba Dam

You don't even have to leave the camp to witness the magic. Grab a cold drink and relax on your private veranda, the dining deck, or by the pool as elephants, buffaloes, and endless bird species stroll right up to the water’s edge for a drink.

Sundowners at Golden Hour

As the day winds down, stop at a scenic overlook to watch the sunset paint the sky in deep oranges and purples, enjoying light bites and a refreshing drink in hand.

Birdwatching Sessions

With the permanent water source drawing hundreds of bird species. A slow walk with a camp naturalist becomes a quiet and fascinating deep dive into the local birdlife, from colorful kingfishers to majestic storks.

Unwinding at the pool

Between game drives, life moves at a peaceful pace. Take a cooling dip in the pool, pick up a handcrafted memory at the curio shop, or simply lean back with a book as the African breeze passes through.

Bush Breakfasts & Open-Air Dining

Swap the dining room for the open savanna. Enjoy a hot breakfast in the middle of the wilderness after an early morning drive or dine under a canopy of stars with the sound of the wild around you for an unforgettable experience.

Sundowners at Golden Hour

As the day winds down, stop at a scenic overlook to watch the sunset paint the sky in deep oranges and purples, enjoying light bites and a refreshing drink in hand

When to visit

To ensure reliable game viewing, you should go during the dry seasons, that is, from late June to October and in January and February. At these times, the animals gather around the dam and the river. The rains, which occur from March to May and also in November and December, make the bush turn green and result in reduced traffic and quieter roads, although the tracks may become muddy and the wildlife disperses. Please ask us about any seasonal closures before you decide.

Children policy

Children are allowed at the Ashnil Aruba Lodge. The following points should be known by families:

Practical information

• The electricity here is 240 volts and uses UK-style three-pin plugs, so make sure you have your adapter with you it will allow you to charge your gadgets.
• Mobile signal is patchy across the park
• The ground is generally level, but the paths are not. If you are using shared mobility, please let us know in advance so that easy access to the park is possible.
• Since Tsavo is a region where malaria is found, you should visit a travel clinic and make sure you have insurance that includes evacuation coverage because the nearest hospital is in Voi.
• The peak months are July and August, so if you want to book with us it's best to reserve your room as early as possible before they are all taken.

Length of stay

With two nights you have three or four drives; with three nights you can fit in a full-day drive to Lugard Falls and the Galana River; and with four nights or more you have the opportunity to use the pool and go on a day trip to Tsavo West.

Combining with other destinations

Located between Nairobi and the coast, Tsavo East fits well into a longer trip. You could combine it with Amboseli Park to have the elephants set against the background of Kilimanjaro, go with Tsavo West to see the volcanic hills and the springs, or end your journey with a week spent on sand and sea at Diani Beach. We will be able to arrange a tailored itinerary for you so that you can link your visit to Aruba with other destinations.

Plan your Tsavo East safari with us

Willing to turn your dreams of a Kenya safari into reality without having to deal with all the planning? We will take care of all the details, including arranging your private transport and guided game drives, and booking your best room with a view of the dam at Ashnil Aruba Lodge in the middle of the wildlife area, right from the campgrounds.