Private sanctuary wildlife encounters and iconic elephant safaris beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
Overview
This three-day safari combines the exclusive wildlife experience of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary with the legendary elephant landscapes of Amboseli National Park.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately managed conservation area bordering Tsavo West, offering excellent wildlife viewing in a more intimate setting with fewer vehicles. The sanctuary is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes and numerous antelope species that frequently gather around waterholes. A highlight of the experience is the famous Salt Lick Safari Lodge, built on stilts overlooking illuminated waterholes where wildlife can often be observed directly from the lodge’s viewing decks.
The safari continues to Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations. Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, open savannah plains and wetlands that support a rich diversity of wildlife and birdlife.
Trip Highlights
- Exclusive wildlife viewing in a private sanctuary
- Unique elevated wildlife viewing at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Elephants, lions and buffalo in Taita Hills Sanctuary
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli National Park
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Open plains, wetlands and excellent wildlife photography opportunities
Itinerary
This three-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland through Kenya’s coastal hinterland to the wildlife-rich Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary near Tsavo West National Park. After exploring the sanctuary and experiencing the famous Salt Lick Safari Lodge, the journey continues north to Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Following morning wildlife viewing in Amboseli, the safari concludes with a scenic drive across southern Kenya to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
Distance: Approx. 200–250 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. Depart inland along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway, passing sisal plantations, rural villages and rolling countryside as the landscape gradually transitions from coastal plains to the wildlife-rich interior.
By late morning you arrive at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately managed conservation area known for its consistent wildlife sightings and scenic savannah landscapes.
Wildlife commonly observed in the sanctuary includes:
-Elephants frequently visiting waterholes
-Lions and occasional leopards
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Impalas, waterbucks and other antelope species
-Diverse birdlife across the sanctuary plains
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at Taita Hills Safari Resort and enjoy lunch while overlooking the surrounding sanctuary landscapes where wildlife occasionally grazes nearby.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on an afternoon game drive across the sanctuary’s rolling plains and acacia woodland. Wildlife activity often increases during the cooler late afternoon hours as animals move toward water sources.
Later in the afternoon, proceed to the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, built on stilts above a series of waterholes where animals gather throughout the day and night.
Wildlife commonly observed around the waterholes includes:
-Elephants drinking and bathing near the lodge
-Buffalo gathering in large groups
-Zebras and antelope species visiting the waterholes
-Nocturnal animals occasionally appearing after sunset
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner at the lodge while overlooking the floodlit waterholes, where wildlife can often be observed directly from the viewing decks or underground hide at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Distance: Approx. 150 km
Drive Time: 3–4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with an early morning game drive within the sanctuary when wildlife is most active. The golden morning light provides excellent opportunities for photography.
Wildlife commonly observed in the sanctuary includes:
-Elephants moving across the plains
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Zebras and antelope grazing in open grasslands
-Lions occasionally returning from night hunts
Return to the lodge for breakfast before continuing the safari.
09:30 a.m. | Scenic Drive Towards Amboseli
Depart Taita Hills and travel north across the scenic landscapes of southern Kenya. Along the way, views open into wide savannah plains dotted with Maasai homesteads and grazing livestock.
As you approach Amboseli, the majestic snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro often begins to appear on the horizon, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch while overlooking the park’s open plains and wetlands.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on an afternoon safari across Amboseli’s open landscapes, renowned for some of the best elephant viewing in Africa.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds often seen with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background
-Lions resting in tall grass
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras grazing across the plains
-Wildebeests and numerous antelope species
-Abundant birdlife around the wetlands and marshes
Few safari experiences rival the sight of elephants walking across the Amboseli plains with the towering slopes of Kilimanjaro rising behind them.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening under the African night sky at the accommodation 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
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
Guided nature walk with Maasai guides
Cultural visit to a Maasai village
Balloon safari over Amboseli plains (subject to availability)
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast while overlooking the Amboseli plains as the early morning light illuminates Mount Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Optional short morning game drive before exiting the park, offering a final opportunity to observe elephants, giraffes and other wildlife moving across the savannah.
Depart Amboseli and begin the journey north toward Nairobi through the scenic Maasai countryside.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant along the highway (at own cost unless specified).
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en route to Nairobi
Inclusion / 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
- 2 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- 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 around waterholes.
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.
Mount Kilimanjaro forms a spectacular backdrop in Amboseli National Park, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon when skies are clearest.
Yes. Amboseli is famous for its large free-ranging elephant herds, while Taita Hills hosts resident elephants that frequently visit waterholes within the sanctuary.
Visitors commonly encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species. Predators such as lions and hyenas may also be seen, while Amboseli’s wetlands attract a wide variety of birdlife.
The safari typically uses a 4×4 Land Cruiser equipped with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography, offering comfort and visibility during game drives.
It is recommended to bring lightweight clothing in neutral colours, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a camera or binoculars and a light jacket for cool mornings.
Both destinations offer year-round wildlife viewing. The dry seasons from June to October and January to March generally provide the best wildlife visibility, while the green seasons bring lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.
