Things to do in Kenya

Tsavo after dark: stargazing and night drives

When night falls at Voyager Ziwani, you get incredible views of the smog-free sky and all kinds of nocturnal wildlife …

By Stephen Lekatoo

Naturalist and guide, Voyager Ziwani Camp

Discover the wonders of Tsavo after dark with our stargazing sessions and nocturnal game drives. When night falls at Voyager Ziwani, you get incredible views of the smog-free sky. After dinner, we have a telescope which you can use to spot constellations and planets; I’m always amazed to see Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings. Many guests have never experienced such clear night skies and are awed by views of the Milky Way.

As a camp guide and naturalist, I also love to take guests out on game drives after dark. Since Voyager Ziwani is set in a conservancy just outside of Tsavo, we can offer activities not allowed in the National Park, including bush walks and night drives. You’ll get to see all kinds of nocturnal creatures, from bush babies to white-tailed mongoose. Yesterday, we were lucky enough to see lions feeding on a wildebeest kill.

Encountering leopards is a real highlight on the night drive. Right now, we have a leopard with a tiny baby who we spotted out by the river one night having a drink. There’s also a chance to see rare nocturnal animals including aardvarks, honey badgers, tree hyraxes and porcupines. It’s a completely different experience from a day-time game drive and one not to be missed.

Alfred & Stephen Lekatoo

Stephen Lekatoo is a Maasai Kenyan who has been a naturalist and guide at Voyager Ziwani Camp since 2004. He hails from a village 10 kilometres from the camp and is an expert on the local wildlife, plants and landscape. Stephen loves to stargaze and lead game drives and guided bush walks, showcasing Tsavo’s natural wonders for guests.

Stephen Lekatoo, Naturalist and guide, Voyager Ziwani Camp

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