Coastal Safari, Private Conservancies & Waterhole Wildlife
Overview
This 3 Days 2 Nights safari departs from Kenya’s coast – Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu – and journeys into the greater Tsavo ecosystem. The itinerary combines the exclusive setting of Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy with the wildlife-rich Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Both conservancies offer intimate safari experiences with controlled vehicle numbers, well-managed habitats and excellent waterhole wildlife viewing.
This package is ideal for travellers staying at the coast who wish to combine beach relaxation with an authentic short safari.
Trip Highlights
- Short and scenic road transfers from the coast
- Game drives in Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy
- Stay at Ngutuni Lodge overlooking a busy waterhole
- Game drives in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Overnight at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Excellent waterhole wildlife viewing
Itinerary
Travel from Kenya’s coast into the Tsavo region for a two-night safari in private conservancies. Enjoy elevated lodge stays overlooking active waterholes and experience close-up wildlife encounters in a relaxed and exclusive setting.
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Early morning pickup from your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi or Watamu. Depart towards the Tsavo region via the Mombasa - Nairobi highway.
Distance: 160-300 km (depending on pickup location)
Drive Time: 3-6 hours
Arrive at Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy late morning and proceed with a game drive en route to the lodge.
Ngutuni features open plains, scattered acacia woodland and a large waterhole directly in front of the lodge that attracts wildlife throughout the day.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in at Ngutuni Lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the waterhole.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Enjoy an afternoon game drive within the conservancy. Wildlife regularly encountered includes elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species.
The waterhole in front of the lodge provides continuous wildlife activity, offering viewing opportunities even outside scheduled game drives.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at Ngutuni Safari Lodge.
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the waterhole as wildlife gathers in the morning light.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Ngutuni and drive to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance: 20 km
Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour including entry formalities
Arrive mid-morning and continue with a game drive en route to the lodge.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers rolling hills, open grasslands and well-managed wildlife habitats. Resident wildlife includes elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the sanctuary’s scenic landscape and wildlife-rich areas.
Overnight at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, uniquely elevated on stilts overlooking waterholes. The lodge’s viewing decks and underground hide provide excellent close-range wildlife observation.
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 landscape.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Taita Hills and begin your return journey to the coast via the Mombasa - Nairobi highway.
Distance: 160-300 km (depending on drop-off location)
Drive Time: 3-6 hours
01:00 p.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Arrival at Coastal Hotel
Arrive at your beach hotel or residence, marking the end of your safari experience.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Pickup and drop-off at coastal hotels
- 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 conservancy 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
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically designed for travellers staying in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu who wish to add a short safari to their beach holiday.
How long is the drive from the coast?
Drive times range from approximately 3 to 6 hours depending on your pickup location.
Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy offers an intimate safari environment with a lodge overlooking a busy waterhole, providing continuous wildlife viewing.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is built on stilts above waterholes, allowing close-up wildlife observation directly from the lodge.
Both conservancies support resident wildlife populations within the greater Tsavo ecosystem. Animal movements follow natural patterns, ensuring each safari experience is authentic and varied.
A custom-built 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof is used for comfort and optimal wildlife viewing.
Light breathable clothing in neutral colours, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, binoculars and a camera are recommended.
