Major city · Kenya
Voi
Spend a half‑day in Voi to see Tsavo parks; add a night if you need a rest stop on the Nairobi‑Mombasa road.
Voi is a small market town on the Nairobi‑Mombasa corridor, a gateway to Tsavo East and West National Parks. With a train stop, bus links and a few budget lodges, it works as a quick stopover or a base for a day‑trip into the parks.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- KES
- Best months
- Jun–Oct (dry, good wildlife viewing)
- avoid Apr–May (rainy, roads can be muddy)
- Airport
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Kenya ↗Apply for the Kenya eTA only on the official portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least 3 working days before you fly; lookalike sites charge double. Most African passports have been exempt since 2025.
- Kenya ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and check whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for your route, including transits.
- Kenya ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned; leave shop and duty-free plastic bags behind before you fly in.
- Kenya ↗Light aircraft to the parks have strict baggage limits, usually soft-sided bags only and a low total weight (often around 15 kg); confirm the limit with your operator and leave a hard case in Nairobi.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Voi999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Voi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).Kenya-wide
- SIM or eSIMSafaricom (best park coverage) and Airtel sell SIMs at JKIA arrivals; registration needs your passport.Kenya-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Kenya-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% if no service charge.Kenya-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 240 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Kenya-wide
- SafetyVoi is generally safe for day visitors; watch personal belongings on buses and negotiate taxi fares.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and lodges; long-drop toilets at some park gates and bush stops.Kenya-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police · 999 fire & ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysGovernment offices close on public holidays; parks and lodges open every day.Kenya-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIkanga Air Strip (Small airstrip, limited scheduled service).
- Getting aroundTaxis in town centre negotiate fares; matatus and buses stop at Voi Bus Park; walk to nearby park entrances is not feasible.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (negotiated, 5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (negotiated, 3.1 mi (5 km))agree before boardingKSh 500–800
- Budget bedThe Joy Hotel – double room (incl. breakfast), a night, per roomKES 2,000
- Mid-range bedThe Joy Hotel – double room (incl. breakfast), a night, per roomKES 2,000
- High-end bedThe Joy Hotel – double room (incl. breakfast), a night, per roomKES 2,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget KES 1,200 · Mid KES 3,500 · High KES 6,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- Ikanga Air Strip (Small airstrip, limited scheduled service)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Jun–Oct. Avoid: Apr–May. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest May (15 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Voi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
15 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis in town centre negotiate fares; matatus and buses stop at Voi Bus Park; walk to nearby park entrances is not feasible.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tsavo East National Park
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Hire a 4×4 from Voi (≈30 km (19 mi)); about 45 min driveHire a 4×4 from Voi (≈19 mi (30 km)); about 45 min drive
Main wildlife viewing; entry KSh 1,200 per adult (check).
Tsavo West National Park
goDoor to door: ≈2 h total
Hire a 4×4; ≈70 km (43 mi), 1 h 15 min driveHire a 4×4; ≈43 mi (70 km), 1 h 15 min drive
Scenic gorge and Mzima Springs; same entry fee as East.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Afrika Lodges – Voi Lodge
Budget rooms on Mombasa Road, close to train station
The Joy Hotel
Double rooms ~2,000 KES incl. breakfast; basic but clean
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- KSh 1,200–2,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- KSh 2,500–4,500 excl. bed
- High
- KSh 5,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| The Joy Hotel – double room (incl. breakfast)1 × 1 night × KES 2,000 | KES 2,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × KES 1,200 | KES 1,200 |
| SGR train Voi ↔ Nairobi (one way)1 × KES 1,350 · check | KES 1,350 |
| 4×4 hire (full day, driver)1 × KES 10,000 · check | KES 10,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | KES 1,460 |
| Trip total≈ KES 16,010 per person per day, bed included | KES 16,010 |
check
2026 estimate in KES; park entry and transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Taxi (negotiated, 5 km)agree before boarding | KSh 500–800 |
| 4×4 hire (day)check with operator | KSh 8,000–12,000 |
| Meal at Red Elephant Bistro | KSh 300–600 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taxi fares are not regulated – agree on price before boarding.
- Train schedules can change; check Kenya Railways website for latest times.
- Roads to park gates may be rough in rainy season – plan extra travel time.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 999
- Fire & ambulance
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
VoiVoi
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tafadhali nenda hapaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police999
- Fire & ambulance999
Embassy
US consulate in Nairobi; Kenyan embassy in Washington, D.C.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Voi ↔ Nairobi SGR: about KSh 1,200–1,500 one way (check schedule)
- Taxi town centre (5 km): KSh 500–800, negotiate
Say or show
- Jambo — Hello (jambo)
- Ni kiasi? — How much? (ni kiasi?)
- Asante — Thank you (asante)
- Kituo cha basi kiko wapi? — Where is the bus stop? (kituo cha basi kiko wapi?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Voi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct (dry, good wildlife viewing) · avoid Apr–May (rainy, roads can be muddy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night at The Joy Hotel for a relaxed start to park trips.
- Use Kenya Railways SGR tickets for fast Nairobi‑Voi connections.
Sources
- officialKenya Railways
- secondaryWikivoyage: Voi, revision 5194744 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Voi
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