Things To Do
in Voi
Voi is a town located in southeastern Kenya, near the coast. It serves as a gateway to popular wildlife reserves such as Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Voi is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalo.
The town offers a range of accommodations and services for tourists exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Sawa" - Okay
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Tsavo East National Park for a morning safari. Look out for elephants and the beautiful landscape as the sun rises.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness or at a scenic viewpoint inside the park. Spend your afternoon game driving to catch glimpses of lions and zebras.
Return to your accommodation as the day winds down. Relax and share stories of the wildlife encounters you've had.
Head to the Taita Hills for breathtaking views and cooler temperatures. Engage in a guided nature walk to discover unique flora and fauna.
Have lunch at a local lodge with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring the area or visiting Taita Taveta exhibits.
Enjoy dinner at a lodge overlooking the valley. Relax by the fireplace or embark on a brief night walk to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Voi is strategically located near Tsavo National Park, making it a hub for tourism and wildlife activities.
- The town has a diverse cultural heritage, with various ethnic groups contributing to its rich traditions and festivals.
- Voi has a growing economy, benefitting from agriculture, trade, and tourism.
- The town's climate is generally favorable, with warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall conducive to farming.
- Infrastructure in Voi, including roads and public services, can be underdeveloped compared to larger cities.
- Access to healthcare and education may be limited, particularly in rural areas surrounding the town.
- The area experiences occasional wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants, which can pose risks to local communities.
- Job opportunities may be limited, leading to unemployment or underemployment for some residents.
Best Activities in Voi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the wildlife and beautiful landscape on a safari in Tsavo National Park.
Visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary to see and learn about the conservation of endangered rhinos.
Embark on a game drive or nature walk to spot a variety of wildlife in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hike or trek in the scenic Sagala Hills for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Voi with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Voi
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking views and diverse wildlife for photo opportunities
Elevated vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
Scenic spot with vistas of the natural beauty of the area
Food in Voi
Voi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, marinated meat, and often served with kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad. Must-try at Al-Yusra Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A popular dish of succulent charcoal-grilled meat, usually goat or beef, served with ugali (maize meal) and a side of spicy kachumbari. Head to Voi Wildlife Lodge for an authentic nyama choma experience.
Delicious sweet fried bread often served as a breakfast dish or snack. Visit local bakeries like First Choice Bakery for freshly made mahamri.
A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat, onions, and a blend of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sample this at Pioneer Restaurant for an authentic taste.
Refreshing coconut water served in its natural husk, providing a perfect tropical treat especially during sunny days. Available at local markets and street food stalls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Voi better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant Voi Main Market to discover an array of fresh produce, local snacks, and authentic street food such as samosas, bhajias, and roasted maize.
Mazeras Town Market is a bustling hub offering a diverse range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of street food including cassava-based dishes and grilled meats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Voi, Kenya, it is important to show respect for elders by using proper titles and greetings. Elders are highly esteemed and their wisdom and experience are valued.
Greetings are an important part of the cultural norms in Voi. It is customary to greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. Using respectful language and greetings is key to creating a positive interaction.
When visiting Voi, it is important to be culturally sensitive and respectful of local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly and being mindful of local taboos and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Voi with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Voi
Ensure a smooth experience
In Voi, Kenya, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated in the service industry, particularly in restaurants and for excellent service. A typical tip may range from 5-10% of the total bill.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Voi, Kenya. Credit and debit cards are not as widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It's important to have cash on hand for transactions. Mobile payment platforms such as M-Pesa are also popular for various transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Voi.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Voi, Kenya as the weather is cooler and the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it ideal for safari tours.
During this period, Voi experiences brief showers, and the landscape is lush and green, providing a beautiful backdrop for wildlife viewing.
This is the low season as heavy rains can make some areas inaccessible, but it's a good time for birdwatching and the scenery is vibrant and colorful.
Voi at Night
Hiking in Voi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the largest national parks in Kenya, featuring diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, offering numerous hiking opportunities along with safari experiences.
Located just across the border in Tanzania, Mkomazi offers scenic trails and an opportunity to hike in a less crowded environment, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Known for its rolling hills and volcanic landscapes, Chyulu Hills provides various hiking trails with amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
A shorter but steep hike with beautiful views, Mount Taita offers an escape into nature and encounters with local wildlife.
A coastal forest that is home to unique flora and fauna, Shimba Hills provides several hiking trails that showcase its biodiversity and serene landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Voi through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Voi by plane.
Located in Mombasa, approximately 120 kilometers from Voi, this is the nearest major international airport serving flights to various global destinations.
Located in Nairobi, it is about 400 kilometers from Voi and is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya, serving a wide range of international flights.
Located in Uganda, approximately 500 kilometers from Voi. It serves as a major hub in East Africa for international flights.
Located in Tanzania, around 600 kilometers from Voi, this airport serves as a key gateway to East Africa, especially for flights to and from international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A prominent ethnic group in the region, known for their agricultural practices and cultural heritage.
Known for their vibrant culture and traditional crafts, the Kamba community contributes significantly to local commerce.
A smaller ethnic group in Voi, often involved in pastoralism and agriculture.
Various communities such as the Swahili who have cultural ties to the coastal region of Kenya.
A pastoral community whose members often migrate for grazing land.
A minority group in Voi, known for their fishing and agricultural practices from Lake Victoria.
The Soul of Voi
Discover the essence of Voi through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Voi, with a strong local following and numerous teams participating in community leagues.
Rugby has gained popularity in Voi, with local clubs and schools encouraging participation in the sport.
Voi is known for its athletics programs, with many young athletes participating in track and field events at local and national levels.
Basketball is played in schools and community centers, attracting many youth in Voi who enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game.
Cricket has a niche following in Voi, with a few teams and leagues promoting the sport among enthusiasts.
Volleyball is a popular sport enjoyed in schools and community gatherings, fostering teamwork and physical fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Voi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Kenyan cuisine often features meat-based dishes, many restaurants in Voi now offer an array of vegetarian and vegan options, including delicious lentil stews, coconut-based curries, and fresh vegetable salads.
It is feasible to find gluten-free options in Voi, particularly at international hotels and resorts which cater to a diverse range of dietary requirements. Additionally, dishes based on cassava and millet can be suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Voi with these cultural adventures.
