2 Days Salt Lick Safari Tour

2 Days Salt Lick Safari Tour Review

Imagine waking up in a lodge perched on stilts, overlooking a bustling water hole, with the chance to spot elephants, lions, and giraffes just a few yards away. That’s what the Salt Lick Safari Tour offers—an adventure packed with wildlife viewing, comfortable lodges, and the chance to connect with Kenya’s iconic animals. While we haven’t done this trip ourselves, we’ve gathered insights from travelers who have, and it’s clear this safari is a hit among wildlife enthusiasts.

What we love most? The expert guides, the stunning waterhole views, and the value for money. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the age restriction at the salt lick lodge, which might require families with very young children to opt for the Taita Hills accommodation. This tour suits those seeking a well-rounded, authentic safari experience—especially if you appreciate a mix of game viewing and comfortable lodge stays.

Key Points

• Well-structured itinerary covering Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and the salt lick waterhole.
• Experienced multilingual guides enrich the experience with insights.
• Affordable price point considering the inclusions like meals, park fees, and transport.
• Stunning waterhole views from the lodges offer close-up wildlife sightings.
• Early morning game drives maximize wildlife encounters.
• Limited children’s access at the salt lick lodge for safety reasons.

Overview of the Salt Lick Safari Tour

This two-day adventure is designed for those wanting a taste of Kenya’s wildlife without the lengthy time commitment or hefty price tag. Starting in Mombasa, the tour takes you into the heart of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a private reserve that’s famous for its scenic landscapes and abundant animals. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the Salt Lick Lodge, built on stilts with a panoramic view of a water hole teeming with wildlife. For travelers, that means easy, almost guaranteed animal sightings—perfect for photo ops.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of game drives, relaxing lodge stays, and local wildlife. Plus, with private transportation and a guided experience, you’re set for a smooth, personalized adventure. The tour offers excellent value, especially with all the meals, park fees, and water included. It’s a package that promises convenience, comfort, and genuine wildlife encounters.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: From Mombasa to Taita Hills

The journey begins early, with pickup at your hotel around 6:30 am. This ensures you arrive at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary by late morning, just in time for a safari briefing from your multilingual driver guide. The sanctuary covers about 100 square km and is home to animals like cape buffalo, elephants, zebras, waterbucks, Thomsons gazelles, lesser kudu, dik-dik, and leopards. We appreciate how guides like Pascal, mentioned in reviews, make the game drives lively and informative, sharing interesting facts about the animals and their behaviors.

After the briefing, you’ll head to Taita Lodge for lunch. It’s a good time to relax and soak in the scenery before the afternoon game drive. Expect to see lions, cheetahs, baboons, giraffes, and elephants. The afternoon game drives are often the best, as animals are generally more active, and the scenery becomes even more captivating under the late afternoon light. The Salt Lick Lodge, perched on stilts and looking over the waterhole, is where you’ll spend the night if booked at this location. Here, the elevated design offers unobstructed views of wildlife gathering at the waterhole—a true highlight.

Reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, with one mentioning how Pascal’s passion made the journey even more memorable. The lodge’s unique design and great vantage point make it a favorite among visitors.

Day 2: More Wildlife and Return to Mombasa

The second day starts early with another game drive, giving you a second chance to spot animals like lions or cheetahs. After breakfast, you’ll head back into the sanctuary for a final safari session. The return trip to Mombasa includes an en route game drive, making sure no wildlife sighting opportunity is missed.

Travelers consistently mention the stunning views, with one noting they got up close with lions, baboons, and elephants, and enjoyed the beautiful topography of Tsavo. The journey back is relaxed, and most are dropped off at their hotel by late afternoon or evening.

Accommodation: Salt Lick Lodge vs. Taita Hills

The Salt Lick Lodge is a major draw, with its stilted design and waterhole views. Guests rave about how close you can get to wildlife without leaving your balcony, especially during the dawn and dusk hours. The lodge’s elevated position and walkways give a unique perspective on the animals’ daily routines.

However, children under five are not allowed at Salt Lick for safety reasons, which might be a consideration for families. Luckily, the tour offers alternative accommodation at the Taita Hills Lodge, which is still within the sanctuary and suitable for families with young children. Both options are designed to maximize wildlife sightings and comfort.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour offers good value, with key inclusions such as meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), private transportation, sanctuary entry fees, and water. The private transport allows flexibility and comfort, moving you smoothly between locations.

On the flip side, travelers should be aware that tips, personal expenses, and accommodation in Mombasa are not included. The tour is designed as a focused wildlife experience, so you might want to budget a little extra for souvenirs or additional activities.

Authentic Experiences & Guides

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with Pascal receiving special mention. One reviewer noted that the guides’ enthusiasm made the animals’ behaviors more understandable and rewarding. Knowing that guides are multilingual also helps international travelers feel more comfortable and engaged.

Guests also appreciated the early start time (6:30 am), which, although early, is essential for catching the animals when they’re most active. The game drives are carefully timed, and the waterhole views from the lodges make this tour ideal for photography and wildlife observation.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early: The early start helps maximize wildlife sightings.
• Bring layers: Mornings and evenings can be cool; daytime can be warm.
• Camera gear: A good zoom lens is recommended for wildlife photography.
• Water bottles: The tour includes 1 liter per day, but bringing extra is smart.
• Children: Families with very young kids should opt for Taita Hills Lodge; Salt Lick Lodge has age restrictions.
• Comfort: The lodges are on stilts with walkways; good walking shoes are advised.
• Weather: The tour requires good weather; poor weather might lead to cancellations or schedule adjustments.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $450 per person, the tour offers solid value, especially given the all-inclusive nature—meals, park fees, private transfers, and expert guides. The stunning views and close wildlife encounters are what many travelers remember most. The safari is ideal for those wanting a compact but rich experience, especially if they’re staying in Mombasa and seeking an accessible wildlife fix.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This safari works well for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and families (if children are over five). It’s suited for travelers who want to explore Kenya’s iconic animals without a multi-day commitment. If you’re looking for a comfortable yet adventurous experience with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It for You?

The 2 Days Salt Lick Safari Tour offers an excellent introduction to Kenya’s wildlife within a manageable timeframe. The combination of game drives, comfortable lodges, and waterhole views provides a balanced safari experience that feels both authentic and relaxing. With reviews praising the guides’ expertise and the breathtaking scenery, it’s clear this tour is well-loved.

While some might find the early mornings a challenge, most agree it’s worth the effort for the sightings and memories created. The value for money is hard to beat, making it a smart choice for first-time safari-goers or those short on time.

If you’re seeking a safari that emphasizes close wildlife encounters, expert guidance, and picturesque lodges, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $450 per person, which includes meals, park fees, private transportation, and a water bottle per day.

How long is the tour?
It spans approximately 2 days, with roughly one full day of game drives and lodge stays.

What is included in the package?
Included are breakfast, lunch, dinner, sanctuary fees, private transportation, and 1 liter of mineral water per day while on safari.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 5 are not permitted at Salt Lick Lodge for safety reasons, but families with older children can stay at Taita Hills.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 6:30 am, making it an early start but one that maximizes wildlife sightings.

What type of accommodation is provided?
Guests stay at Salt Lick Lodge, built on stilts with waterhole views, or at Taita Hills Lodge, depending on the booking option.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, it is a private tour designed for individual groups, providing a personalized experience.

How do I get to Mombasa for the tour?
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Mombasa; transportation is included from the point of departure.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for variable weather, a good zoom camera, and personal items; water is provided, but extra snacks or souvenirs are optional.

This safari is a smart pick for anyone wanting a memorable, wildlife-rich experience without the hassle of a multi-day trip. With knowledgeable guides, breathtaking scenery, and excellent value, it’s a way to enjoy Kenya’s wildlife at its best.