Planning a safari in Kenya is an exciting adventure, and this 3-day excursion covering Tsavo East National Park and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fantastic mix of wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and comfort. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews suggest it’s a well-rounded choice for those seeking a glimpse into Kenya’s iconic safari landscapes.
What makes this tour appealing? First, it combines large herds of elephants and Big Cats with visits to famous waterholes like Aruba Dam. Second, the luxury lodges such as Saltlick offer spectacular views and quality amenities. Lastly, the experience is designed to be both flexible and educational, with knowledgeable guides and well-planned game drives.
However, one thing to consider is that Taita Hills may not always deliver the same level of animal sightings as Tsavo East, as some reviewers noted. It’s a reminder that wildlife viewing can sometimes depend on luck. This tour suits travelers eager for a blend of adventure and comfort, particularly those new to safari or interested in a guided, all-inclusive experience.
Key Points
- Wildlife Variety: Expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, buffaloes, and more.
- Luxury Lodges: Comfortable accommodations at Saltlick and Voi Safari Lodge provide excellent views and full-board meals.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Julius, enhance your understanding and increase your chances to spot animals.
- Iconic Waterholes: Aruba Dam is a highlight for witnessing animals coming to drink in a historic setting.
- Balanced Itinerary: The mix of game drives, scenic stops, and relaxation accommodates different interests.
- Value for Money: At $895 per person, the tour includes transport, park fees, all meals, and hotel transfers, making it a convenient package.
An In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Safari Experience
Looking for more options in Tsavo East National Park? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Starting Point and Day 1: From Diani or Mombasa to Tsavo East
The adventure kicks off early, with pickup around 6:30 am, ensuring you beat the crowds and catch the animals when they’re most active. The drive along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway is approximately 3.5 hours, but the scenic views and anticipation make the journey part of the experience.
Arriving at Buchuma Gate around 10 am, your first game drive begins. The highlight here is Aruba Dam, a waterhole built by the British Army in 1952, which remains a magnet for wildlife. From elephants to buffaloes, and the infamous man-eating lions mentioned in reviews, this spot promises a lively start.
The game drive continues until lunchtime, after which you check into your lodge (options include Lion Hills Lodge, Voi Safari Lodge, Ngutuni Lodge, or Voi Wildlife Lodge). These lodges are praised for their full-board options and scenic locations. Guests often mention the tasty buffets and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a morning of adventure.
In the afternoon, a second game drive takes you deeper into Tsavo East, where the landscape opens into vast savannas dotted with giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, and other classic African wildlife. As the sun sets, expect to see animals settling down, with many reviewers noting the thrill of spotting lions and other predators at dusk.
Day 2: From Tsavo East to Taita Hills
Early breakfast sets the pace for a morning game drive. Many guests appreciated the attentiveness and knowledge of guides like Julius, who helped spot most of the animals in the savanna, making the experience more engaging. The park’s landscape here offers sweeping views of the wilderness, with chances to see big cats, herds of elephants, and ostriches.
Around 11 am, you leave Tsavo East and head towards Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, arriving for lunch at Taita Hills Resort. The resort is praised for its breathtaking vistas and prime location overlooking the sanctuary, offering a peaceful, scenic environment to relax.
Later in the afternoon, you visit Saltlick Lodge, a standout spot for wildlife viewing in a more private setting. The lodge’s elevated position offers outstanding views of animals gathering at the salt lick, especially during evening drives. Reviewers emphasize the “breathtaking landscape” and the chance to see animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of the lodge.
Day 3: Final Game Drive and Return to Diani/Mombasa
After an early breakfast, your guide takes you on a final morning game drive through Taita Hills. The goal is to spot any animals you may have missed, with many guests citing excellent sightings of lions, giraffes, and gazelles.
By 11 am, you leave the sanctuary and start the journey back, arriving in Diani or Mombasa around 4 pm. It’s a well-paced schedule that balances wildlife viewing with travel time, ensuring you’re not rushed.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat the Tour Includes and Excludes
This package offers full-board accommodation at the two key lodges, all park entrance fees, and transport in a proper safari car equipped with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography. The guides are described as very attentive and knowledgeable, which greatly enhances the experience.
It also includes hotel pickup and drop-off—a huge plus for busy travelers or those unfamiliar with local logistics. Drinking water is provided, but extra drinks like beer or champagne are not included, so plan accordingly.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Pack your passport for park entry.
- The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 at Saltlick Lodge, but younger kids may enjoy the drive.
- The experience is conducted in English, which is useful to know for international travelers.
- Keep in mind, cancellation policies allow you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The tour is not recommended for people over 95 or children under 5, ensuring a comfortable environment for most travelers.
Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers
Guests have praised the guides for their attentiveness and knowledge, with some describing guides like Julius as “kind, caring, and very patient”. The lodges receive mixed but generally positive reviews, with Saltlick Lodge being especially lauded for its spectacular wilderness setting, while Lion Hills Lodge gets complimented for its beautiful location and good food.
Taita Hills’ wildlife sightings might vary, but visitors acknowledge the “breathtaking views” and relaxing atmosphere, making it a worthwhile addition to the safari.
The Sum Up
This 3-day safari from Diani or Mombasa offers a well-rounded introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes, blending game drives, scenic vistas, and comfortable lodges. The package delivers excellent value by including all park fees, meals, and transfers, making it a hassle-free option for first-timers or those short on time.
If you’re eager to see elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat while enjoying quality accommodations and expert guides, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guided experience with guaranteed wildlife sightings, balanced with some relaxation in stunning settings.
However, keep your expectations flexible—Taita Hills’ sightings may not always be as prolific, but the experience of being in the wilderness is rewarding nonetheless.
FAQ
Is transportation in a safari vehicle included? Yes, all transport is provided in a proper safari car with a pop-up roof, ideal for game viewing and photography.
What’s the average schedule during the trip? The tour starts early around 6:30 am, with game drives in the morning and late afternoon, allowing for optimal wildlife viewing times.
Are meals included? Full-board meals are included at the lodges, featuring buffets that reviewers describe as tasty and plentiful.
Can I see the Big Five? While sightings depend on conditions, the tour’s game drives increase your chances of seeing elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
What should I bring? A valid passport is essential, along with some comfortable clothes, sun protection, and enough film or camera memory for wildlife photography.
Is this tour suitable for families? It’s suitable for children over 6 years, especially considering Saltlick Lodge’s restrictions on kids under 6.
How flexible are the cancellation policies? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.
In essence, this 3-day safari offers a great mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters, ideal for those wanting a memorable Kenyan safari without sacrificing convenience.
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