Overview
Journey from Kenya’s coast to the wildlife-rich plains of Ngutuni and the famed Salt Lick Lodge, where elephants and plains game roam freely across scenic conservancies. Enjoy expertly guided game drives and an unforgettable overnight stay overlooking illuminated waterholes in the heart of Taita Hills.
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
Itinerary
Escape the coast for a two-day safari to Ngutuni and Taita Hills, where open plains, rolling hills, and thriving wildlife create an intimate and rewarding experience. Enjoy expertly guided game drives and an overnight stay at Salt Lick Lodge, overlooking a floodlit waterhole alive with evening wildlife activity.
05:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Departure from the Coast
Distance: 250 – 300 km (depending on starting point)
Drive Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Early morning pickup from your hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, or Watamu. Travel inland along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway as the coastal landscape transitions into open savannah and gently rolling plains. Arrive at Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy in time for lunch at the lodge overlooking a busy waterhole frequently visited by elephants and plains game.
12:30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m. | Lunch at Ngutuni Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with panoramic views across the conservancy’s open plains before setting out on your afternoon safari.
02:00 p.m. – 05:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive in Ngutuni
Embark on a guided game drive through Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser, exploring acacia-dotted plains and seasonal riverbeds. The conservancy is known for its healthy populations of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species. With fewer vehicles than larger national parks, Ngutuni offers a more exclusive and intimate safari experience, ideal for photography and uninterrupted wildlife viewing.
05:30 p.m. | Transfer to Ngutuni Lodge – Overnight Stay
Proceed to Ngutuni Lodge. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and relax as wildlife gathers below, offering exceptional evening viewing directly from the comfort of the lodge.
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
- Return transport from the coast in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Game drives in Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- One-night accommodation at Ngutuni Lodge
- Meals as per itinerary (Lunch Day 1 and Day 2, Breakfast and Dinner Day 1)
- Professional English-speaking Guide
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Conservancy entry fees
- All government taxes and statutory levies
Excludes
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, or additional drinks
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any services not expressly 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.
