Overview
This 3 Days 2 Nights safari departs from Kenya’s coast – Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu – and explores the vast plains of Tsavo East National Park together with the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
The itinerary combines classic open savannah game viewing in Tsavo East with an intimate conservancy experience in Taita Hills, including a stay at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge overlooking active waterholes.
This package is ideal for travellers enjoying a beach holiday who wish to add a rewarding short safari to their stay.
Convenient departure from coastal towns
- Game drives in Tsavo East National Park
- Wildlife viewing at Aruba Dam
- View Tsavo’s famous red elephants
- Game drives in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Short and scenic transfers from the coast
Itinerary
Experience the untamed wilderness of Tsavo East and the exclusive charm of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in one seamless safari escape. From red-dust elephants to floodlit waterhole sightings at Salt Lick Safari Lodge, this journey blends vast landscapes with intimate wildlife encounters.
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 Tsavo East via the Mombasa - Nairobi highway.
Estimated distances and drive times vary depending on pickup location:
Distance: 120-250 km (depending on pickup location)
Drive Time: 2.5-5 hours
Enter the park through Bachuma or Sala Gate and begin your first game drive en route to the lodge.
Tsavo East is Kenya’s largest national park and is famed for its vast open plains and the iconic red elephants, coloured by the park’s distinctive soil. Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
- Large herds of red elephants
- Lions, including the famous Tsavo lions
- Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
- Impalas, waterbucks and lesser kudu
- Cheetahs and other predators across the plains
Visit key highlights such as Aruba Dam, a popular wildlife gathering point.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore key areas including Aruba Dam, a water source that attracts a high concentration of wildlife.
Wildlife regularly encountered includes elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and various antelope species. The open terrain allows excellent wildlife visibility and photographic opportunities.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation 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
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the plains.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Tsavo East and drive towards Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: 2 to 3 hours including entry formalities
Arrive mid-morning and proceed 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 various 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
Enjoy an afternoon game drive within the sanctuary.
Overnight at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, built on stilts overlooking waterholes. The lodge’s viewing decks and underground hide provide excellent close-range wildlife observation throughout the day and evening. Wildlife regularly encountered includes:- ----- Elephants and buffalo
- Lions and other big cats
- Giraffes and zebras
- Elands, impalas and hartebeests
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
Guided night game drive
Bush dinner experience
Cultural village visit
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the sanctuary 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: 120-250 km (depending on drop-off location)
Drive Time: 2.5-5 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 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
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This itinerary is specifically designed for travellers based in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu who wish to combine a beach stay with a short safari.
Tsavo East National Park is renowned for its vast open plains and the distinctive red elephants that dust themselves in iron-rich soil.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more exclusive safari environment with well-managed habitats and excellent waterhole viewing.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is elevated on stilts overlooking waterholes, allowing close wildlife observation directly from the lodge.
Yes. All required entry fees for Tsavo East and Taita Hills are included unless otherwise specified.
Light breathable clothing in neutral colours, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, binoculars and a camera are recommended.
