2-Day Tsavo East & Salt Lick Safari from Mombasa or Diani

Summary

Kenya Safari Adventure: Red Elephants & Salt Lick Lodge Stay

If you want to see wild Kenya up close—red elephants kicking up dust, lions napping under acacias, and nights spent above watering holes—this two-day safari is for you. You’ll travel with local guides who know every shortcut and secret spot. It’s not just about ticking animals off a list; it’s about feeling part of this landscape for a little while.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before sunrise—still dark outside, but you could already hear the first birds waking up. Our driver met us right on time at the hotel entrance, and by 5:10 am we were rolling out of Mombasa, the city lights fading behind us. The road to Tsavo East felt endless at that hour, but watching the sky turn pink over acacia trees was worth every yawn.

Bachuma Gate came up just as the sun started warming things up. Right away, we spotted a herd of red elephants—not dusty brown like I’d imagined, but really reddish from rolling in the iron-rich soil. Giraffes moved slowly across the open plain, and our guide (Joseph—he’s got an eagle eye) pointed out waterbucks hiding near a muddy riverbank. There were zebras everywhere, plus a few buffaloes lumbering along. We even caught sight of a pair of lions lounging under some thorn bushes—honestly, I almost missed them until Joseph whispered for us to look left.

We stopped for lunch at Zomeni Lion Hill Lodge—a simple place with cold sodas and a view that goes on forever. After lunch, it was back on the road to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive isn’t long, but you can feel the air shift as you climb higher; it’s cooler here and there’s this earthy smell after last night’s rain.

Salt Lick Game Lodge is something else—raised walkways everywhere so you’re right above the animals when they come to drink at dusk. We checked in and had just enough time to freshen up before heading out for another game drive around 4 pm. This time we saw cheetahs (just for a second—they move fast), more elephants, and gazelles darting through tall grass. Dinner back at the lodge was lively—everyone swapping stories about what they’d seen while hyenas called somewhere out in the dark.

The next morning started early again—6:15 am for another drive while everything’s still cool and quiet. There’s nothing like watching the savannah wake up with coffee in hand (the lodge staff always have it ready). After breakfast at 8:30 am, we squeezed in one last loop through the sanctuary before an early lunch and then hit the road back to Diani Beach or Mombasa. We pulled into our hotel just as evening set in—dusty, tired, but honestly wishing we could do it all over again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tsavo East & Salt Lick Safari

• You will be picked up from your hotel at 5:00 am
• Depart for Tsavo East National Park via Bachuma gate
• Game drives spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and birds
• Lunch at Zomeni Lion Hill Lodge
• Check-in at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
• Afternoon game drives at Salt Lick Sanctuary
• Dinner and overnight at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

Day 2 — Salt Lick to Mombasa/Diani Beach

• Early morning game drives from 6:15 am
• Breakfast at 8:30 am
• Game drives until early lunch at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
• Depart for Mombasa or Diani Beach
• Arrive at hotel in early evening

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for children?

Children under 5 aren’t allowed at Salt Lick Game Lodge due to safety rules. Older kids will love it though—it’s safe and exciting.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

You’ll travel in comfortable safari vans or jeeps with big windows for great views—and yes, there’s drinking water onboard.

Are meals included?

Yes! Lunch and dinner are included on day one; breakfast and lunch on day two—all served at lodges along the way.

Can I join if I use a wheelchair?

No problem—the lodges and vehicles are wheelchair accessible throughout this trip.

What’s included

You’ll get all park entry fees covered, transport from your hotel (Mombasa or Diani), bottled water during drives, all meals listed in the itinerary, plus guided game drives with experienced local guides who really know their stuff.