The night vision goggles viewing opportunity is a scheduled activity. As you enter the lodge, there's a bulletin board/easel just to one side (I think it was on the left near Zawadi Marketplace last time we were there) that lists the times for scheduled activities. The night vision goggles are with a CM out at Arusha Rock, which is the viewing area a previous poster mentioned... straight through the lobby, down the stairs, and out through the wall of glass. Chances to see zebras, giraffes, eland, pelicans, wildebeest....
Also, if you're going to Jiko, the viewing areas off the pool are good because that's close to Jiko. Go out to the pool and head away from the buildings till you hit a fence. Follow along the fence and you will find the flamingo pool (distinct from the people pool! There are African flamingoes in it and no people). You can also see lots of cool horned beasts (Ankole cattle, bongo, Thompson's gazelle...) and giraffes on the savannah beyond the flamingo pool. Just follow the fence for good viewing.
And another place with a glass wall, in case you don't want to be outside... there's a little lounge just past the checkin desks (on your left as you walk into the lodge). You look down on a small savanna. You might see ostrich, vultures, Ankole cattle, red river hogs (they are really cute!), giraffes....
But I don't know about the construction. I'm sure they'll have information posted if any of the savannas are temporarily de-animaled when you go.
