Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy

Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy is a 10,000-acre private game sanctuary strategically positioned between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, surrounded on three sides by Tsavo East.

This historic area, once home to the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo, now offers safe wildlife viewing with lions regularly seen drinking from the waterhole near Ngutuni Safari Lodge. The conservancy provides spectacular views of the Sagala Hills and is uniquely the only location within the greater Tsavo East ecosystem where night game drives are permitted.

Located just 2.5 hours from Mombasa and its international airport, Ngutuni offers convenient access to one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations, combining the accessibility of a private conservancy with the vast wilderness experience of the adjoining Tsavo National Parks.

How to get there

✓ By Road: Ngutuni Lodge & Game Sanctuary is located north of Voi on the A109 highway, the main Mombasa-Nairobi road. From Mombasa, it’s approximately 175 km (110 miles), taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car. From Nairobi, the journey is roughly 322 km (200 miles), approximately a 4-hour and 30-minute drive.

✓ By Rail: Train travel to Ngutuni is the quickest and most convenient option, using modern Chinese-built trains on the recently modernized railway. The nearest station is Voi, less than 20 minutes from the sanctuary entrance. Multiple daily services operate between Nairobi and Mombasa, with journey times ranging from 1 hour 36 minutes (Mombasa Express) to 4 hours 2 minutes (Nairobi Inter-County), all stopping at Voi station.

Wildlife in Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy

Ngutuni is known for its birdlife and large mammals, especially elephants and short-maned lions. The conservancy is also home to zebras, giraffes, and waterbucks, making it a rewarding safari destination. Besides the lions, Ngutuni has a large concentration of herbivores and predators, and other animals. These include warthogs, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, and antelopes.

Over 500 bird species have been recorded in Ngutuni, including African Woolly-necked Stork, Brown Snake-Eagle, Martial Eagle, House Crow, and Red-faced Crombec. Vegetation ranges from open savannahs to scattered woodlands.

This scenic area is ideal for birdwatching, but spotting the Big Five across the plains and enjoying sweeping views of the Sagala Hills offers an unforgettable safari experience. One of the highlights is the expansive view over the savannahs stretching into Tsavo.

Activities Include:

✓ Game Drives: Ngutuni offers both day and night game drives, providing excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in different settings. During the day, guests can spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, cheetahs, and the region’s well-known short-maned lions.

At night, guided drives using spotlights reveal nocturnal animals such as hyenas, civets, genets, owls, and occasionally leopards. Ngutuni is the only place in Tsavo that allows night game drives.

✓ Bush dining: A unique experience where guests enjoy meals in the open wilderness. Breakfasts or dinners are served in scenic, safe locations within the conservancy, allowing guests to dine while surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.

✓ Birdwatching: Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the area. Notable birds include the African Woolly-necked Stork, Brown Snake-Eagle, Martial Eagle, House Crow, and Red-faced Crombec. The variety of habitats supports both rare and common species.

✓ Sundowners: Guests enjoy drinks and light refreshments at a viewpoint, often with stunning views over the Sagala Hills and the surrounding savannahs. It is a peaceful and scenic way to reflect on the day’s adventures.

View some of our safaris to Ngutuni and nearby parks below:

2-Day Ngutuni Lodge Safari: Click Here
2 Days Ngutuni Ngangao Forest Taita Hills Safari: Click Here
Ngutuni Safari Lodge Tsavo East Wedding Package: Click Here
3-Day Ngutuni Lodge & Ziwani Voyager Camp Safari: Click Here
6 Days 5 Nights Ngutuni Taita Tsavo West Amboseli Safari: Click Here
6 Days Kenya Ngutuni Taita Tsavo West Amboseli Wildlife Safari: Click Here

Accommodation:

Ngutuni Safari Lodge is the only accommodation option in the conservancy. It offers comfortable and well-situated lodging within the sanctuary. The lodge is conveniently located just 15 kilometers from Voi town on the route to Mombasa, and only a short 15-minute drive from the Tsavo East Main Gate. It is accessible via Voi Airstrip or by road—approximately 2½ hours from Mombasa and 335 kilometers from Nairobi.

Set against the striking backdrop of the Sagala Hills, the lodge provides guests with uninterrupted views of the surrounding savannah. A key feature is the central waterhole, which attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the day and night. The open-plan restaurant and bar are positioned to overlook this waterhole, allowing guests to enjoy meals and drinks while observing animals in their natural habitat.

The lodge comprises 48 well-appointed rooms, all built from stone blocks and facing directly toward the waterhole and the sweeping plains of Tsavo. Each room includes a bathroom with a shower, one double and one single bed, and a private balcony, offering both comfort and a close connection to the wilderness.

Additional guest facilities include a spacious lounge, a fully equipped dining area, a bar, a viewing deck, and a beautifully maintained swimming pool. These amenities ensure a relaxing and immersive stay, combining modern convenience with the charm of the African bush.