Kilimanjaro Backdrop & Exclusive Wildlife Sanctuary Experience
Overview
This 3 Days 2 Nights safari combines the iconic elephant plains of Amboseli National Park with the exclusive and privately managed Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
The journey offers two contrasting yet complementary experiences – expansive savannah landscapes beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and an intimate wildlife sanctuary known for its excellent game viewing and unique lodge architecture.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, this safari is ideal for travellers seeking diverse scenery, abundant wildlife and comfortable accommodation within a short timeframe.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive from Nairobi to Amboseli
- Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Game drives in Amboseli National Park
- Exclusive game viewing in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Stay at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Waterhole wildlife viewing from elevated lodge decks
- Diverse landscapes within a short itinerary
Itinerary
Experience the vast plains of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop before travelling to the scenic Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for an exclusive safari stay overlooking waterholes frequented by wildlife.
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi
Pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart southwards via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway towards Amboseli.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Arrive at Amboseli around midday and proceed to your lodge.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch followed by a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli National Park. The park is renowned for its free-ranging elephant herds and uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
The open plains and seasonal wetlands support lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes and numerous plains game species. The sparse vegetation enhances wildlife visibility, creating excellent photographic opportunities.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation within or near the park as per the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
6:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the plains.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Amboseli and travel towards Taita Hills via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.
Distance: Approx. 200 km
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Arrive at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary late morning and proceed with a game drive en route to the lodge.
The sanctuary offers a more intimate safari setting with rolling hills, open grasslands and well-managed wildlife habitats. Resident wildlife includes elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and a variety of antelope species.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at Salt Lick Safari Lodge or designated picnic site.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Enjoy an afternoon game drive within the sanctuary. The controlled environment and dedicated conservation management allow for consistent wildlife activity throughout the year.
Stay at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, uniquely elevated on stilts overlooking waterholes that attract wildlife throughout the day and night. From the lodge’s viewing decks, guests observe animals gathering to drink in a peaceful and exclusive setting.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the sanctuary’s scenic landscape.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Taita Hills and begin your return journey to Nairobi via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.
Distance: Approx. 360 km
Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant (at own cost unless specified).
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi and drop off at your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights accommodation
- Full board meals (Lunch and Dinner Day 1; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 2; Breakfast Day 3)
- All park and sanctuary entry fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- All government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 3 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is privately managed, offering a more exclusive safari environment with controlled vehicle numbers and consistent wildlife activity.
Mount Kilimanjaro forms a spectacular backdrop in Amboseli National Park, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when skies are clear.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is built on stilts overlooking waterholes, allowing guests to observe wildlife directly from the lodge’s viewing decks and underground hide.
Yes. Amboseli is famous for its large free-ranging elephant herds, while Taita Hills hosts resident elephants that frequently visit waterholes.
Yes. The itinerary is ideal for travellers with limited time who wish to experience two diverse ecosystems within three days.
Light breathable clothing in neutral tones, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, binoculars and a camera are recommended.
Yes. All entry fees for Amboseli National Park and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary are included unless otherwise specified.
