Ashnil Aruba Lodge

Ashnil Aruba Lodge was the final lodge we stayed at on our 19 night safari through Kenya and Tanzania, booked through Tapestry of Africa. The lodge is located a long way into Tsavo East National Park and is accessed through the Voi gate. As we drove up to the lodge there were elephants all around us - they were beside the road, under a copse of trees near the entry gates, and out across the flood plain. We stayed in bungalow 15, I think, maybe 14. Whatever it was, it had a view straight across to a waterhole that was right against the fence. And elephants were in and around that waterhole constantly! Although the bungalow was a bit tired, it was spacious and comfortable and the bathroom was newly renovated. Really nice eco products in the bathroom. A very comfy bed. We slept with the glass doors open so that we could listen to the sounds of elephants around the lodge. Plenty of power points to charge our devices and we even managed to get some wifi. The lodge has a large separate bar next to the restaurant and a deck that looks out to the flood/river plain. There’s also a nice pool. Look out for snakes. The buffet for lunch, dinner and breakfast was extensive. The staff who looked after us at our table were excellent but some of the other staff - reception and main bar - seemed disinterested. There are different styles of accommodation at the lodge. The tents looked amazing and some new ‘club’ rooms opened the day we arrived. Even if it could do with an update, our bungalow was great, especially its proximity to the waterhole. We’d definitely recommend Ashnil Aruba Lodge if you’re visiting Tsavo East as either an independent traveller or as part of a safari booking. Great facilities, a variety of accommodation styles, very good food, and on the whole, great staff.

This was part of a three day safari to three national parks from mombasa. This was the first lodge which was very nice seen lots of different animals on the way and at the lodge at the water hole at the back of the lodges. Camp was very nice and clean drinks prices in bar was cheap. Hotel staff were friendly food was good like it when we came back after dinner the room was nicely set up with mosquito net all around bed and low lighting. Then onto next lodge.

We came on safari for two weeks and had booked 5 different places to stay. The first 4 were amazing in every way. Unfortunately Ashnil Aruba Lodge was our last stay of two nights. What a disappointing way to end our trip. The room was so hot we couldn’t sleep. The bed was small and very uncomfortable The food was so bad, that we lived on pineapple ( which tasted like canned) for the entire time we were there But the worst part of all was the staff Almost to the point of being openly rude, very unfriendly and dismissive. The only friendly happy person was the man at the gate. Loved him We were counting the hours until we could leave We do not recommend this place