Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

2-Day Taita Hills Safari from Mombasa

2 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a private reserve on the edge of Tsavo West, set against the green Taita Hills about three hours from Mombasa. This 2-day Taita Hills safari pairs it with Ngutuni Sanctuary on the boundary of Tsavo East, so you see two wildlife areas in one short trip from the coast.

Because Taita Hills is a private sanctuary, game drives are relaxed and uncrowded. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and lion all move between the sanctuary and the wider Tsavo ecosystem, and the scenery of hills, savannah and acacia is some of the most photogenic in southern Kenya.

You stay at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa, which also houses a World War I museum: the hills were the scene of fighting between British and German forces in East Africa, and the visit adds a fascinating piece of history to the safari.

Best time to go: wildlife viewing is good year-round, with the dry months of June to October and January to March best for concentrations at the waterholes.

Who it suits: travellers who want a comfortable, uncrowded safari close to the coast, history enthusiasts drawn by the World War I sites, and repeat visitors to Tsavo looking for a new area. As a private sanctuary, Taita Hills sees far fewer vehicles than the national parks.

The Taita Hills rise to more than 2,000 metres and catch moisture that the plains below do not, so the sanctuary is greener than much of Tsavo. The day-two game drives give you two different light conditions for photography, and the museum visit fits naturally into the hottest part of the day.

Highlights

  • Two sanctuaries in one trip: Ngutuni and Taita Hills
  • Overnight at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
  • World War I museum at the lodge
  • Sunrise and afternoon game drives
  • Pick-up from your Mombasa-area resort

What's included

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your Mombasa-area beach resort
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Park and sanctuary entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • World War I museum visit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Day by day

  • Early breakfast at your resort and depart Mombasa by road
  • Game viewing in Ngutuni Sanctuary, bordering Tsavo East, with lunch at Ngutuni Lodge
  • Continue to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for an afternoon game drive
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Where you stay

LocationAccommodation
Taita Hills Wildlife SanctuaryTaita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Questions about this safari

How long is the 2-Day Taita Hills Safari from Mombasa?

2 days and 1 night. It starts in Mombasa and returns to Mombasa.

Is this a private or a shared safari?

It runs as a scheduled safari: you share the vehicle and game drives with other travellers on the same departure, which keeps the price down. We can also run it as a private safari on your own dates.

How do you travel?

By road in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.

Where will I stay?

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa.

What is included in the price?

Pick-up and drop-off at your Mombasa-area beach resort, Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Game drives as per itinerary, Park and sanctuary entry fees, Accommodation and meals as per itinerary and World War I museum visit.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park, reserve and conservancy entry fees for every day of the itinerary are included in the price.

How far is Tsavo from Mombasa?

Tsavo East and the Taita Hills are about two and a half to three hours by road from Mombasa; allow a little longer from Diani or the north coast. From Nairobi, Tsavo West is around five hours by road.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Elephant, buffalo and lion are seen on most Tsavo safaris and leopard is possible. Rhino are rare outside the Ngulia sanctuary in Tsavo West.

When is the best time for this safari?

June to October and January to March are dry, so wildlife gathers at the rivers and waterholes. Tsavo is open all year.

Can I customise this itinerary or upgrade the accommodation?

Yes. We can change lodges, add nights or extra parks, and arrange a private version on your own dates.

What should I pack for this safari?

Pack neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early-morning drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars and your camera with spare batteries. A soft-sided bag is best, and required on light-aircraft flights.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most visitors need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the requirements for your passport well before you fly.

What is the difference between Taita Hills and Salt Lick?

Both trips visit the same Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is the main lodge with gardens and the WWI museum; Salt Lick Safari Lodge stands on stilts beside a waterhole, with an underground hide for close-up wildlife viewing.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s greatest wildernessTsavoThe Indian Ocean finaleDiani Beach

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