Things To Do
in Voi
Voi is a busy gateway town in Taita-Taveta County in southeastern Kenya, sitting close to the Voi River and the main entrance to Tsavo East National Park. It functions as a transport hub on the Nairobi–Mombasa corridor and a service center for lodges, ranches and communities in the region. The town blends rural lowland savannah life with coastal Swahili influences, and it’s a practical base for safaris, birding and short hikes into the nearby Taita Hills.
Visitors find an unpretentious town with markets, simple restaurants and easy access to big-game and birding opportunities in surrounding protected areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with an early morning drive into Tsavo East National Park, where the air is crisp and wildlife is most active. As the sun rises, look out for elephants, giraffes, and lions on the prowl. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the scenic views of the savannah, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Continue your safari adventure by visiting the picturesque Aruba Dam, a popular watering hole for wildlife. Take time to relax while observing various animals that come to quench their thirst, and capture memorable photographs. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch at one of the designated spots while taking in the breathtaking landscape.
As dusk approaches, embark on a night game drive to experience the park's nocturnal wildlife. With the help of a guide, spot animals like leopards or hyenas that thrive in the night. Return to your lodge for a fantastic dinner under the stars, reminiscing about the day's adventures.
Begin your day by exploring the vibrant streets of Voi Town, where local markets bustle with energy and color. Interact with friendly vendors selling fruits, spices, and handmade crafts while enjoying the aroma of local delicacies. Stop by a local café for a traditional Kenyan breakfast that includes chai and mandazi.
After lunch, visit the Voi Railway Station, a historical landmark that dates back to the British colonial period. Learn about the significance of the railway in the development of the region while appreciating the colonial architecture. Spend the afternoon at the local museum, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of the Taita people.
As the sun sets, gather with locals for an evening of traditional music and dance. Participate in a cultural exchange, learning dances and songs that have been passed down through generations. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Kenyan cuisine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi / boda-boda ride | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $30-60 |
| 🛍️Local market groceries / produce | $3-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to Tsavo East — excellent safari access close to town
- Lower costs and fewer crowds compared with major safari hubs
- Contrasting landscapes (savannah, riverine, and nearby forested hills) for varied experiences
- Strong local markets and authentic cultural interactions
- Basic infrastructure and limited upscale amenities compared with larger tourist centers
- Town nightlife and dining scene are modest; many comforts are lodge-dependent
- Roads can be rough in rainy season and some attractions require 4x4 access
- Health services for serious emergencies require transfer to larger cities
- "Habari / Hujambo" - Hello / How are you?
- "Asante / Asante sana" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Maji tafadhali" - Water, please
- "Kuna choo wapi?" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Voi
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic savannah game country with wide plains, acacia trees and abundant large mammals; excellent for early-morning and late-afternoon light.
Scenic river spots and seasonal rapids with lush riverine vegetation — good for close-up nature and bird photography.
A contrasting landscape of forested escarpments and endemic flora; rich for birding and misty morning shots.
Photo-friendly scenes of railway architecture, working trains and the dynamic life around the transport hub — evocative of Kenya’s rail history.
Wide-angle landscape opportunities at sunrise and sunset with dramatic skies over the plains and distant hills.
Food in Voi
Voi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled meat (usually goat or beef) served with kachumbari (tomato-onion salad) and ugali; widely available at roadside grills and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal staple (ugali) with sautéed collard greens (sukuma wiki) — cheap, filling and typically served in homes and simple restaurants.
Spiced rice dishes influenced by coastal Swahili cuisine; available at hotel restaurants and during special occasions.
Popular street snacks — samosas (fried pastry) and mishkaki (skewered grilled meat) sold at market stalls and bus-stand vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling daytime market where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, roasted maize and hot local snacks; great for photography and tasting real local flavors.
Small stalls and kiosks near the matatu/bus station selling chips, samosas, mandazi and boiled maize — handy for quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start conversations with a greeting (Swahili 'Habari' or 'Hujambo') — it’s polite and opens interactions positively.
Dress modestly in town and rural villages, particularly if visiting religious sites or community homes; beachwear is fine only on the coast and at resort pools.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities, and be sensitive around cultural events.
Do not approach or feed wild animals, and follow guide instructions in parks for safety and conservation reasons.
Safety
Tipping in Voi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: expect to tip guides and drivers (approx. $5–$20 per day depending on service), 10% in restaurants if no service charge is included, and small tips for hotel staff and porters.
Kenyan shilling (KES) is the local currency; cash is essential for markets, small purchases and some lodges. M-Pesa (mobile money) is widely used throughout Kenya and accepted at many businesses. Credit/debit cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants, but do not rely on cards alone outside major establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers, muddy tracks and intermittent park access; wildlife viewing can still be good as new vegetation attracts grazers, but some camps may close or require 4x4 access.
Generally drier and cooler nights, excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources; roads and trails are more reliable for game drives and hikes.
Shorter, patchy rains that may refresh the landscape and bring out migratory birds; afternoon showers are common but generally less disruptive than the long rains.
Hotter temperatures and dustier conditions with clear skies — good for early-morning safaris to avoid midday heat and for dramatic golden-hour photography.
Voi at Night
Hiking in Voi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A biodiversity-rich, shaded trail in the Taita Hills known for endemic plants and birds; good for half-day hikes with a local guide.
Scenic escarpment routes around Wundanyi offering panoramic views, terraced farmland and opportunities to meet local communities.
Short, scenic riverside walk near Lugard Falls — ideal for birdwatching and river photography, best done in the dry season or with a guide.
Guided nature walks and short treks within protected pockets of forest and woodland, showcasing endemic species and local conservation efforts.
Airports
How to reach Voi by plane.
Small airstrip serving charter flights and private aircraft; convenient for lodge transfers but with limited scheduled services.
Main international gateway for the region, about a 2–3 hour drive (depending on route and traffic). Most international arrivals for the coast and southern safari areas go through Mombasa, then connect by road or charter to Voi.
Regional airport serving Diani and south-coast resorts; useful if combining a coastal stay with a visit to Voi, though road transfer times can be several hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous Bantu group of the Taita Hills region with strong local cultural presence, language and traditions.
Cultural and culinary influences from coastal groups bring Swahili language, cuisine and trade links into town life.
People from across Kenya (Kamba, Kikuyu, Luo and others) and workers in transport, tourism and agriculture contribute to a diverse, multiethnic population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town with informal matches and community teams playing on open fields and school grounds.
Long-distance running and athletics are widely practiced in the region, and locals often train on rural roads and trails.
Local tournaments and informal games of volleyball, netball and traditional games are common, especially during school and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Voi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (ugali, sukuma wiki, chapati, some rice dishes and vegetable stews) but protein-heavy menus mean you should request vegetable-based plates or rely on hotel restaurants which are likeliest to accommodate special requests.
Vegan options exist but are limited; explain restrictions clearly in Swahili/English, and expect cross-contamination due to shared kitchen practices. Gluten-free travelers should avoid certain breads and ask about ingredients used in sauces and fried items.
Use bottled water for drinking and tooth brushing, eat freshly cooked hot food, and prefer established lodges for more rigorous hygiene if you have a sensitive stomach.