2 Days Kenya Safari special Tsavo East and Taita hills Saltlick from Mombasa

Exploring the 2 Days Kenya Safari: Tsavo East & Taita Hills Saltlick from Mombasa

If you’re considering a safari adventure that balances wildlife encounters with manageable travel time, this 2-day Kenya safari focusing on Tsavo East National Park and Taita Hills Saltlick offers just that. It’s praised for its intimate group size, experienced guides, and the chance to see a wide range of animals without the exhaustion of long drives.

What we love about this experience is the emphasis on short, well-paced game drives, the opportunity to visit two distinct parks in a limited timeframe, and the personalized service from guides like Jem, Ali, and the team. Plus, it’s great value considering the inclusions—costing $520 per person—and the convenience of hotel pickup.

One thing to keep in mind is that, due to the tightly packed schedule, this safari is best suited for those eager for a focused, high-quality wildlife experience without the long hours of travel often associated with longer safaris. If you’re after stunning animal sightings, knowledgeable guides, and the comfort of a small group, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Ideal for travelers wanting a short, impactful safari experience close to Mombasa
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and better wildlife sightings
• Expert guides like Ali and Jem add depth and fun to the adventure
• Visiting Tsavo East National Park offers a chance to see large herds, big cats, and prolific birdlife
• Taita Hills Saltlick provides a different landscape and wildlife experience
• Value for money with included meals, park entry, and door-to-door pickup

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Discovering Tsavo East National Park

The adventure begins early, with a pickup from your Mombasa hotel around 05:25 AM. This early start is perfect for maximizing wildlife sightings when animals are most active. The drive to Tsavo East takes you through scenic landscapes, and the anticipation builds as you approach the park, one of Kenya’s largest and most famous.

Your first stop is Kanderi Swamp, a magnet for wildlife especially during dry seasons, and the Galana River, where you’ll see hippos and crocodiles basking. The Aruba Dam is another highlight, attracting animals for water. Expect to spot large herds of dust elephants, often seen crossing open plains, along with buffalo, giraffes, waterbucks, and perhaps a lion or leopard on the prowl. The birdlife is impressive—over 500 species recorded—so binoculars are recommended.

The core of your first day is a game drive that lasts about 6 hours. You’ll enjoy a break at the lodge for lunch, with time to relax and reflect on the morning’s sightings. The afternoon game drive continues, giving you a second chance to spot animals and capture photos of the scenery.

One of the valued elements here, based on reviews, is the expert guidance from guides like Jem and her team, who are praised for their professionalism and keen wildlife spotting skills. This means you’re more likely to see elusive animals and get insightful explanations about their behavior and environment.

Day 2: Taita Hills Saltlick and Final Game Drive

Early pre-breakfast, you’ll head out for another game drive in Tsavo East, which allows you to catch more animals before leaving the park. After a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, you’ll check out and proceed to Taita Hills Saltlick, a different ecosystem offering varied wildlife and scenery.

The park’s unique saltlicks attract herds of animals like elephants, buffalo, and potentially predators, making the last game drive a thrilling experience. The guides respond flexibly to animal movements, ensuring you don’t miss key sightings—something echoed in reviews praising the guide Ali’s responsiveness and personalized approach.

Post-lunch, you’ll enjoy a final game drive before departing the park, heading back to your beach hotel by evening. The entire experience is about 6 hours of safari, giving you a satisfying taste of Kenya’s wildlife in just two days.

Why This Safari Offers Great Value

Price-wise, $520 covers all the essentials: park entry, meals, transport, and the expertise of guides. While it might seem a bit steep for just two days, the value becomes clear when you realize how much wildlife you’ll see in a short period without the hassle of long travel days or complicated logistics.

The small group limit of six travelers ensures that everyone gets plenty of attention, which is especially helpful for wildlife spotting and photography. Guests consistently mention how guides like Ali and Jem are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience not just informative but genuinely enjoyable.

The comfort of a private vehicle and the timing of early departures maximize your chances of seeing animals at their most active. The itinerary’s focus on key attractions like Kanderi Swamp and Aruba Dam means you won’t miss the highlights of Tsavo East, and the visit to Taita Hills Saltlick adds variety with its different landscape and animal congregations.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress in neutral colors to blend into the environment and avoid spooking animals.
• Bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for the best wildlife photos.
• Prepare for early mornings—starting at 05:25 AM—so pack a flashlight, warm clothing, and snacks if needed.
• The small group size means you’ll get a more intimate experience, but also be prepared for shared vehicle arrangements.
• Confirm pickup details with Jem’s team beforehand, especially if you have specific hotel locations or timing considerations.
• Since meals are included, you may want to inform guides of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Reviewers highlight the professionalism of guides like Jem and Ali, with one mentioning, “Ali responds to our wishes and ideas,” illustrating the flexibility and personal touch. Others appreciated the comfortable 4×4 vehicles, which made the game drives smooth and enjoyable, even for those prone to motion sickness.

Many noted how early starts and flexible routes allowed them to spot a variety of wildlife, including elusive predators. The impressive birdlife and elephants were standout moments, often described with enthusiasm—“plenty of animals,” “beautiful experiences,” and “fantastic views.”

Who Would This Tour Suit Best?

This safari is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see Kenya’s wildlife. It caters well to those who prefer small, intimate groups and value guides who are both knowledgeable and personable.

If you’re after a relaxed pace, excellent wildlife sightings, and a mix of Tsavo East’s vast plains and Taita Hills’ unique landscape, this is a strong choice. It’s also ideal for those who want a no-fuss, well-organized tour that covers key highlights without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Kenya safari strikes a smart balance between cost, comfort, and wildlife experience. Its focus on short travel times and expert guides makes it particularly appealing for visitors staying in Mombasa who want a concentrated, memorable safari adventure.

The carefully curated itinerary, combined with positive reviews about guides like Jem and Ali, suggests this tour offers a value-packed, authentic Kenyans safari. Expect a good mix of majestic elephants, elusive big cats, vibrant birdlife, and scenic landscapes—all within a manageable schedule.

If you’re seeking a focused wildlife fix with friendly guides and comfortable transportation, this safari will likely exceed your expectations.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The $520 fee covers park entry, meals (breakfast and lunch), transportation, and the guidance of experienced guides. It’s a comprehensive package for a two-day safari.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of six travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and better wildlife sightings.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel in Mombasa, making the start of your adventure smooth and convenient.

What are the meal arrangements?
You’ll receive breakfast on the second day and lunch on both days, with the schedule aligned around game drives.

How early do we start?
The tour begins around 05:25 AM, so be prepared for early mornings—an advantage for seeing animals when they’re most active.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, it’s best suited for those comfortable with early mornings and outdoor activities. Confirm with the provider if traveling with young children.

What about cancellation policies?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

This safari offers a nicely paced, wildlife-rich experience tailored for those who want to make the most of a short visit to Kenya. With knowledgeable guides, a small group setting, and diverse landscapes, it’s a solid choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari lovers.