The Tsavo East and Taita Hills Nature Reserve is home to the BIG FIVE, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino.
The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a private nature reserve in Kenya. The nature reserve covers an area of 110 km2 and borders the Tsavo West National Park and the LUMO Community Nature Reserve. The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 1972 by Hilton International in which two lodges are located. Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge and Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge. Dinner, breakfast and overnight stay are at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge. Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge is one of the most famous lodges in Kenya. As this is a private reserve, guided night game drives can be booked directly at the lodge upon arrival.
Tsavo East National Park
With an area of 11,747 square kilometres, the eastern part is about 2,000 km² larger than the western part. The areas to the north of the Galana River, which is a permanent water source, about two thirds of the park, are inaccessible to visitors.
The park is characterised by grass and bush savannahs and semi-desert steppes. These alternate with acacia forests, gorges, individual rock groups and island mountains. Seasonal rivers in the southern part are the Voi River and the Mbololo River. The Athi River and the Galana River are permanent waterways. The Galana River is formed above the Lugard Falls by the confluence of the Athi and Tsavo Rivers. Along the rivers there are narrow gallery forests. Standing waters can be found at Mundanda Rock (natural damming through rock face) and at Aruba Dam, in addition to smaller water holes, often created by elephants. Parts of the park are of volcanic origin. A flat and extensive lava ridge, the Yatta Plateau, runs along the western boundary in the east of the Athi River. It is the longest lava field in the world.
We shall commence our journey before sun rise from the Kenya coast beach resorts/Airport/Mombasa port/residence .Drive along the Mombasa- Nairobi road to Bachuma gate. There shall be a short stop over before we enter the Tsavo East national park. Embark on your first game viewing exercise after entry.
We will traverse this vast national park in search of the red colored Elephants, lions nicknamed the “Man eaters of Tsavo”, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Antelopes etc. Visit the famous Aruba dam where lots of wildlife can be seen and especially during the dry season.
Later proceed to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch we shall have a relaxed drive to Taita Saltlick game lodge. The sanctuary is located 45 kms from Voi town.
After check-in we shall proceed for the afternoon game viewing . Important to note is that the water holes below Saltlick lodge provide a wonderful opportunity to view animals at very close range.
The lobby and terraced bar offer excellent views and photographic opportunities. while an underground tunnel and bunker with ground level windows provides unbelievably close, yet safe access to variety of animals as they drink water.
Early morning game drive before breakfast. Thereafter we shall have another game run before our buffet lunch at Taita Hills Lodge & Spa. After lunch check-out and drive back to the Kenya coast with a drop off at your resident point.
