2-Day Taita Hills Safari from Mombasa with Salt Lick Lodge

Summary

Taita Hills Wildlife Safari & Salt Lick Lodge Experience

If you want real wildlife moments without rushing or crowds, this 2-day Taita Hills safari is for you. You’ll stay right above a waterhole at Salt Lick Lodge—elephants often wander by while you eat—and get two guided game drives through a private sanctuary where animals roam free between Tsavo parks. It’s easy to reach from Mombasa and gives you that classic safari feeling with some extra comfort thrown in.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before sunrise—still dark outside, just a hint of salty sea air left from the coast. We piled into the 4x4 jeep right on time, bottled water packed in the cup holders. The drive out of Mombasa was quiet, roads mostly empty except for a few early vendors setting up their stalls. As we got closer to Taita Hills, you could feel the air shift—drier, with that earthy scent you only get after a night of light rain.

By midday, we rolled into the sanctuary and checked in at Salt Lick Lodge. The place is something else—raised walkways and round rooms on stilts, all looking out over a busy waterhole. Lunch was served with views of elephants wandering in and out, dust swirling around their feet. The afternoon was ours to relax; I sat on the balcony for ages just watching warthogs shuffle by below, listening to birds that sounded nothing like back home.

Later, our guide Joseph rounded us up for an evening game drive. He knew every twist in those tracks and pointed out things I’d never have noticed—tiny dik-diks darting through scrub, giraffes blending into acacia trees as the sun started to dip. Sunset here isn’t always guaranteed (clouds roll in fast), but that evening it set everything gold. Back at the lodge, you could hear hyenas calling somewhere far off while you drifted off to sleep.

The next morning started early again—no complaints though, because sunrise over Tsavo plains is worth it. We spotted buffalo moving through misty grass and watched zebras kicking up dust near the waterhole before heading back for breakfast. After checkout, it was back to Mombasa; legs a bit stiff but camera full of photos and head buzzing with stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mombasa to Taita Hills Safari

• Drive from Mombasa to Taita Hills Sanctuary
• Check-in and lunch at Saltlick Safari Lodge
• Relax in the afternoon
• Evening game drive and sunset viewing

Day 2 — Taita Hills to Mombasa Return

• Early morning game drive at sunrise
• Breakfast at the lodge and check-out
• Drive back to Mombasa and drop-off

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes! The tour works well for all ages and fitness levels—the lodge is comfortable and game drives are relaxed.

What kind of animals can we expect to see?

You’ll likely spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species like dik-dik, plus lots of birds. Sometimes lions or hyenas too!

How long is the drive from Mombasa to Taita Hills?

It takes about 4 hours each way depending on traffic and road conditions.

Are meals included during the trip?

Yes—lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two are all included at the lodge.

What’s included

Your package covers pick-up and drop-off in Mombasa or Diani Beach, transport in a proper 4x4 safari jeep (with bottled water), all your meals at Salt Lick Lodge (lunch, dinner, breakfast), one night’s stay in a stilted room overlooking the waterhole, guided game drives with an experienced local guide who knows every corner of Taita Hills Sanctuary, plus all conservancy fees so there are no surprise costs along the way.