Mombasa: 2-Day Safari to Taita Hills Game Sanctuary

If you’re looking to escape the bustling beaches of Mombasa for a taste of true African wilderness, a 2-day safari to Taita Hills Game Sanctuary might be just what you need. This trip promises a combination of spectacular wildlife sightings, luxurious yet uniquely designed accommodation, and a chance to connect with the landscape of Kenya’s coast in an authentic way.

What makes this experience stand out? Many travelers love the opportunity to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat, the panoramic views from Salt Lick Lodge, and the guided game drives that increase your chances of spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. However, it’s worth noting that the itinerary involves early mornings and shared vehicles, which might not suit everyone. This tour feels ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a quick but memorable safari experience close to Mombasa.

Key Points:

• Wildlife-rich game drives in Taita Hills Sanctuary offer chances to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
• Unique accommodation at Salt Lick Lodge provides stunning views and immersive African scenery.
• All-inclusive pricing covers transportation, park fees, meals, and accommodations, offering good value.
• Early mornings and shared game drives are part of the experience, which can be exciting but tiring.
• Flexible booking options with pay later and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance add peace of mind.
• Authentic experience with knowledgeable guides that enhance wildlife spotting and understanding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the 2-Day Safari Experience

This safari is designed to be a mini escape into nature, leaving the coast behind for a taste of wildlife adventure. Starting from Mombasa, the journey takes roughly three to four hours by road, depending on traffic, with a scenic drive that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. The highlight? The game drives within Taita Hills Game Sanctuary, a lesser-known but incredibly rich wildlife area compared to Kenya’s national parks, making it a quieter and more intimate experience.

The Journey from Mombasa to Taita Hills

The trip kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, with transportation provided in a proper safari vehicle equipped with a pop-up roof—a feature that makes game viewing and photography much easier. The drive itself is part of the fun; you’ll travel through rural landscapes, getting a glimpse of local life and the changing scenery as you leave the coast behind.

Some reviews mention early morning pickups, so expect an early start—be sure to have your camera and binoculars ready. The transfer is smooth, and the provided vehicles are designed with wildlife viewing in mind, helping you maximize your chances of spotting animals during the drives.

Day 1: The Wildlife Safari Begins

Upon arrival at Salt Lick Lodge or Taita Hills Resort, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch and some relaxation before stepping out for your first game drive. The lodge itself is a standout feature—imagine a complex of rondavels built on stilts over water holes, connected by open-air bridges, giving it a fairy-tale feel. Many reviewers rave about the panoramic views from the lodge, where animals often come to drink and cool off, especially in the early morning or at dusk.

The afternoon game drive is where the true excitement starts. You’ll be searching for iconic African animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and ostriches. One reviewer, Laurie De, describes the experience as “magical,” emphasizing the chance to see numerous animals both by day and night from the lodge’s vantage point. Guides are knowledgeable, helping you identify species and share insights into their behaviors.

The landscape here is open and sprawling, with water holes attracting many animals, making game viewing highly rewarding. The lodge’s structure enhances this experience, offering a 360-degree view of the sanctuary, which is perfect for wildlife photography, especially during sunset when the lighting adds a golden glow.

Dinner and Night at Salt Lick Lodge

After your game drive, you’ll settle into your room, many of which overlook the waterholes. The lodge’s design is more than aesthetic—it’s functional, allowing guests to observe animals without leaving their rooms or the balcony. As Laurie De shares, “The rooms have a view of the water and animals coming to drink, which is mesmerizing.” Many guests find this immersion into nature very special.

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Day 2: A Morning of More Wildlife & Return to Mombasa

Early mornings are typically the best time for game viewing, so you’ll wake up with the dawn chorus. After breakfast, another game drive offers the opportunity to catch animals in the cooler, more active part of the day. Some might see lions resting on the plains or elephants bathing in water holes, adding to the diversity of wildlife encounters.

Around noon, you’ll start heading back to Mombasa, with a stop for lunch and a final game drive along the way. This allows you to reflect on the trip and enjoy the scenery once more before returning to your beach hotel. The return journey is less rushed, giving you time to absorb the landscape and perhaps spot some animals that you missed earlier.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour offers substantial value, especially considering the cost of $590 per person, which covers:

• Accommodation at Saltlick Lodge or Taita Hills Resort—both offer a unique, immersive experience.
• All transportation in a proper safari vehicle, equipped for optimal game viewing.
• All park entrance fees, removing surprise expenses.
• All meals as per the itinerary, including lunch on the return day.
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel, plus drinking water in the vehicle.
• Assistance from guides and support staff, making the experience smooth.

Drinks like alcohol are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to relax with a drink after a day of adventure.

What to Know Before You Go

• Bring your passport or ID card, as it’s required for park entry.
• Expect early morning pickups—a common feature of safari trips—so pack some snacks and be prepared for a long day.
• The shared vehicles mean you’ll be with other travelers, which can be social but might limit privacy.
• The itinerary could change depending on weather or park conditions, so flexibility is key.
• The lodging is designed for game viewing, so prepare for rustic but comfortable accommodations.
• If you’re not staying at a beach hotel, check with your provider about pickup arrangements.

Authentic Experiences & Reviewer Insights

One of the standout reviews comes from Laurie De, who called the experience “magique,” highlighting the great animal sightings and the unique lodge structure that offers panoramic views of the waterholes. She specifically mentions seeing giraffes, zebras, lions, elephants, and impalas—a snapshot of the African savannah packed into a short trip.

Another reviewer notes how the rooms overlook water bodies, allowing animals to come close, especially at night, creating a “fantasy-like” atmosphere. The guides are appreciated for their knowledge and helpfulness, making each sighting more meaningful.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This safari is best suited for travelers who want a short, impactful wildlife experience close to Mombasa. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious yet authentic lodge stay combined with exciting game drives. It works well for those who are comfortable with early mornings and sharing vehicles during the day.

If you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly adventure with plenty of wildlife and impressive scenery, this tour offers excellent value. However, if you prefer more private or extensive safaris, or have back problems (noted as a consideration), other options might better suit your needs.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Mombasa to Taita Hills?
The journey takes roughly three to four hours, depending on traffic, making it a manageable day trip or overnight adventure.

What type of vehicle is used during the game drives?
A proper safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is used, which enhances sightseeing and photography.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals as per the itinerary are included, with lunch on the return day. Drinks like alcohol are not included.

Can I see wildlife at night?
The lodge’s water holes attract animals around the clock, so you might see wildlife both during day and night from your room or during the game drives.

Is the accommodation comfortable?
Yes, Salt Lick Lodge’s unique rondavels on stilts are designed for game viewing and comfort, offering panoramic views of the water holes.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for park entry, comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera, and some cash for extra drinks or tips.

Is this suitable for families?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s best suited for those comfortable with early mornings and shared vehicle rides.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, French, and German, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

What’s the best time to go?
While the tour operates year-round, wildlife viewing is often best in the dry seasons, which tend to be from June to October.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day safari to Taita Hills Game Sanctuary offers a rare chance to witness Africa’s wildlife in a more intimate setting. The combination of spectacular game drives, unique lodge architecture, and scenic landscapes makes it a memorable escape from Mombasa’s beaches. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a short but impactful safari experience that balances comfort with adventure.

While early mornings and shared vehicle rides might not appeal to everyone, the opportunity to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and more in their natural environment makes this tour well worth considering. For wildlife lovers, photographers, or anyone craving a taste of Africa’s wilderness just a few hours from the coast, this safari is a genuine highlight.

To sum it up, this tour offers excellent value, authentic experiences, and stunning scenery, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a quick escape into Kenya’s wilderness close to Mombasa. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize wildlife sightings and scenic lodge stays while being comfortable with a bit of early-morning excitement.

You can check availability for your dates here: