Close-up sanctuary encounters meet iconic elevated lodge wildlife viewing.
Overview
Experience an intimate and immersive safari that blends the exclusivity of Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary with the iconic charm of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world-famous Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
This two-day safari is designed for travellers seeking close-range wildlife encounters in peaceful, uncrowded environments. Ngutuni offers exceptional game viewing around waterholes and riverine habitats, while Taita Hills delivers a unique lodge experience where wildlife gathers beneath your accommodation day and night.
With contrasting landscapes and highly rewarding sightings, this safari delivers a compact yet unforgettable journey into Kenya’s wild.
Trip Highlights
- Exclusive game drives in Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy with fewer vehicles and closer wildlife encounters
- High chances of spotting elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelope
- Wildlife viewing directly from elevated lodge terraces
- Excellent photography opportunities on game drives and at the lodge
- Stay at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge on stilts
- Floodlit waterhole wildlife viewing at night
- Rich birdlife and diverse ecosystems
Itinerary
This two-day coastal safari begins with an early morning pickup from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary for an intimate game viewing experience. The journey then continues to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for an overnight stay at Salt Lick Safari Lodge, before returning to the coast on the second day.
5:30 a.m. – 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel or Residence
Distance: 95 – 130 km
Drive Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Begin your safari with an early morning pickup from your hotel or residence along the coast. Travel inland through rural landscapes and open countryside as the scenery gradually transitions into savannah and acacia woodland.
07:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Morning Game Drive in Ngutuni
Enter Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary and begin your immersive game drive across open plains, riverine forest and wildlife-rich waterholes. With fewer vehicles and a calm atmosphere, Ngutuni offers a highly personal safari experience with excellent close-range sightings.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants grazing in family herds
-Lions resting in shaded thickets
-Buffalo moving steadily across the plains
-Giraffes browsing treetops
-Zebras, gazelles, impalas and hartebeest
-Diverse birdlife including raptors and water birds
12:30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m. | Lunch at Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the lodge within the sanctuary, often overlooking a waterhole where wildlife activity continues throughout the day.
02:00 p.m. – 03:30 p.m. | Transfer to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Depart Ngutuni and travel toward Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where the terrain gradually becomes greener with rolling hills and wooded areas.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Enter the sanctuary and enjoy an afternoon game drive in this private conservation area known for its high wildlife density and consistent sightings.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants frequently visiting waterholes
-Lions and occasional leopards
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Antelope species and diverse birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Arrive at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, built on stilts overlooking floodlit waterholes. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at as wildlife gathers below, creating a truly unique and unforgettable safari atmosphere at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
Night game drive within the sanctuary, guided nature walk in Taita Hills, private sundowner experience overlooking the hills and plains.
06:30 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Set out at sunrise for a morning game drive within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary when wildlife activity is at its peak. Explore rolling hills, open grasslands, and woodland areas in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The sanctuary’s varied terrain and well-maintained tracks allow for excellent wildlife encounters and scenic photography.
09:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Salt Lick Lodge
Return to the lodge for breakfast and a short period of relaxation while enjoying views over the surrounding sanctuary.
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Mid-Morning Game Viewing
Continue with a final game drive within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, visiting key wildlife areas and water points where animals congregate. Your guide will adjust the route based on recent wildlife movements to maximize viewing opportunities.
12:30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m. | Lunch and Checkout
Enjoy lunch at the lodge before preparing for departure back to the coast.
01:30 p.m. – 07:00 p.m. | Return to the Coast
Distance: 250 – 300 km
Drive Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Depart Taita Hills in the afternoon and journey back to Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, or Watamu, arriving in the evening with memorable wildlife encounters and scenic safari experiences.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park and sanctuary entrance fees
- 1 night accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal safari gear and equipment
- Porter services (available on request at an additional cost)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses such as snacks, extra drinks or souvenirs
- Travel insurance and medical cover
- Any activities or services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes – Ngutuni offers a more exclusive conservancy experience with fewer vehicles and close wildlife encounters.
The lodge is built on stilts overlooking a floodlit waterhole, allowing guests to observe wildlife directly from the comfort of the property.
Wildlife viewing is excellent in both conservancies, though sightings depend on animal movement and natural conditions.
Yes – once inside the travel destinations, the short travel distance and comfortable lodge setting make it suitable for families and first-time safari travellers alike.
Ngutuni offers excellent sightings of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species and a wide variety of birdlife, often at close range due to its waterhole-based ecosystem.
It is a private sanctuary with controlled vehicle numbers, offering consistent wildlife sightings and a more exclusive safari experience compared to larger national parks.
Light clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, camera and binoculars are recommended.
Yes, night game drives are available within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary at an additional cost.
Yes, accommodation upgrades, additional nights and optional experiences can be arranged to suit your preferences.
