Floodlit Waterholes and Kilimanjaro Giants
Overview
This safari combines the exclusive conservancy setting of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary with the iconic open plains of Amboseli National Park. Guests enjoy concentrated wildlife viewing in a compact sanctuary environment, followed by expansive ecosystems rich in elephants and framed by Africa’s highest mountain.
The journey offers contrasting landscapes, varied wildlife habitats and excellent photographic opportunities, all within a comfortable three-day coastal departure package.
Trip Highlights
- Afternoon and morning game drives in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Stay at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole
- Close-range wildlife viewing in a private conservancy
- Scenic drive across Kenya’s southern landscapes
- Amboseli’s large elephant herds with impressive tusks
- Permanent swamps attracting year-round wildlife
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro - weather permitting
- Seamless pickup and drop-off from coastal resorts
Itinerary
Experience the intimacy of a private wildlife sanctuary before exploring the sweeping elephant plains of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. This three-day safari blends close-up waterhole encounters with vast savannah landscapes for a truly diverse Kenyan adventure.
06:00 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Pickup from Your Beach Hotel or Residence
Early morning pick up from your hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi or Watamu. Travel inland through rural landscapes and small towns towards Taita Hills.
Distance: Approx. 200 - 250 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
Arrive at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary mid-morning and begin a game drive en route to the lodge.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a private conservancy bordering Tsavo West. Its compact size allows concentrated wildlife viewing in a relatively short period. Wildlife frequently encountered includes elephants, buffalos, lions, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas and hartebeests.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at Taita Hills Safari Resort for check-in and lunch. After lunch, enjoy a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Proceed for an afternoon game drive within the sanctuary. The varied terrain of open plains and acacia woodland supports diverse wildlife.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to Salt Lick Safari Lodge, uniquely built on stilts overlooking a busy waterhole. From the lodge’s viewing decks and underground hide, guests observe animals gathering to drink, especially during the evening hours.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Guided night game drive within the sanctuary
-Bush dinner under the African sky
-Private sundowner experience
-Exclusive private vehicle upgrade
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early morning game drive when wildlife activity is at its peak. The sanctuary’s compact size increases chances of multiple sightings within a short time.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
08:30 a.m. | Departure to Amboseli National Park
Drive north-west towards Amboseli, enjoying views of the surrounding hills and open countryside.
Distance: Approx. 150 - 170 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
Arrive in Amboseli around midday.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in at your designated accommodation and enjoy lunch followed by a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Amboseli’s ecosystem is characterised by open plains, acacia woodland and permanent swamps fed by underground water from Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife regularly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds with impressive tusks
-Lions and other predators
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests
-Giraffes and various antelope species
-Hippos in the swamp areas
On clear afternoons, Mount Kilimanjaro rises dramatically in the background, providing exceptional photographic moments.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Maasai village cultural visit
-Private bush breakfast experience
-Guided nature walk (where permitted by lodge regulations)
-Sundowner overlooking the plains
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your selected accommodation as per the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi | Tsavo Lodge-Voi | Vacani Resort
Option 2: Standard | Voi Safari Lodge | Sentrim Tsavo Lodge | Man Eaters Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Ngutuni Lodge | Voi Wildlife Lodge | Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Manyatta Camp Tsavo
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Satao Camp | Galdessa Camp Tsavo | Kiboko River Camp
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Amboseli. Morning hours provide excellent wildlife activity and clearer views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Departure to the Coast
Check out and begin your return journey to Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi or Watamu.
Distance: Approx. 420 - 500 km
Drive Time: 7 - 9 hours
Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities - Day 3 (At Extra Cost)
-Extended en route game drive (subject to time and park regulations)
-Private transfer upgrade for enhanced comfort
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Conservancy fees for Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Park entrance fees for Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation for 2 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
- Optional activities listed within each day
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
A 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, designed for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
Safaris operate year-round. The dry seasons – June to October and January to March – offer particularly strong wildlife visibility.
Yes. The itinerary is family-friendly, although certain optional activities such as night game drives may have age restrictions.
Lightweight clothing in neutral colours, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, a light jacket for early mornings, and a camera.
Both destinations host abundant wildlife and offer excellent viewing opportunities. As animals move naturally, sightings vary with season and time of day.
