3 Days 2 Nights To Sarova Saltlick And Taita Hills

Sarova Salt Lick is not an ordinary safari lodge. Its tall, tower-like rooms rise above a waterhole in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, giving you a front-row view of animals even when you are back from a game drive. The lodge is also known as one of the world’s most photographed safari properties, and the unusual design explains why.

I like the two full days of safari activity packed into a short trip, and I like that the price includes park entry, transport, accommodation, meals, and water. You also get a private tour for your own group, rather than joining a large shared vehicle.

The main drawback is the long road journey from Nairobi. You leave at 7:30 in the morning and reach the lodge around 1:30 in the afternoon, so much of the first day is spent getting there. The $929.24 price also does not include drinks, tips, or the return lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• The lodge itself is a major attraction: Tall rooms overlook a waterhole and the broad Tsavo plains.
• Three game drives are included: You have an evening drive on day one, a morning drive on day two, and another morning drive before leaving on day three.
• The tour is private: Only your own group takes part, with transport in a van or Land Cruiser.
• Full board is included: Two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners are covered, though the return lunch is not.
• The drive from Nairobi is long: Departure is at 7:30 am, with arrival at about 1:30 pm.
• A strong guide can make a difference: Guide Alfred Chilango is specifically praised for his wildlife knowledge and field skills.

Why Salt Lick is worth the long ride from Nairobi

The first thing you notice about Sarova Salt Lick is its shape. Rooms sit in raised blocks connected by walkways, with the property positioned above a waterhole. You are not simply sleeping near a wildlife area. You are staying in a place designed around watching animals come and go.

That makes this safari different from a basic lodge stop. You can spend time at the pool, have a meal, or rest after the drive while still keeping an eye on the waterhole and the open Tsavo plains. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the setting gives you more chances to watch wildlife without being inside a vehicle.

The lodge has long been one of Kenya’s best-known safari properties. Its unusual architecture is a useful bonus for photographers, families, and anyone who wants a memorable base rather than a plain hotel room. The design also gives the trip a sense of place. You know you are in a wildlife sanctuary, not just at a resort with a safari added on.

Day one: Nairobi to Taita Hills

Your pickup point is The Clarion Hotel on Moi Avenue in Nairobi. Departure is scheduled for 7:30 am, so you need to be ready early. The journey to Sarova Salt Lick takes about six hours, with arrival listed for around 1:30 pm.

That road transfer is the least glamorous part of the trip, but it is important to judge the tour fairly. Taita Hills is not a quick outing from Nairobi. The distance gives you access to a very different setting, but it also means your first day includes a substantial amount of driving.

You arrive in time to check in, have lunch, and settle in before the afternoon activity. The plan allows time to relax at the pool, which is a sensible break after the journey. I would use this pause to organize your camera, charge your phone, and get ready for the evening drive.

At 4 pm, you leave for an evening game drive. This is a good first safari outing because you are already at the sanctuary, rather than losing more time to a transfer. The light should also change as the afternoon progresses, though the exact wildlife sightings and conditions cannot be promised.

After the drive, you return to the lodge for dinner and your first night at Salt Lick. Accommodation is in a double room on a full-board basis. The package includes dinner, but drinks are extra, so keep that in mind if you are watching your spending.

The lodge waterhole and the value of staying two nights

The greatest advantage of two nights is that you do not have to treat the lodge as a quick overnight stop. After a long transfer on day one, you get a full second day to enjoy both the sanctuary and the property.

The waterhole is central to the experience. From the lodge, you can watch for animal activity between drives. I like this because safari days can be tiring, and it gives you a quieter way to enjoy the setting. You are not required to be in a vehicle every minute to feel connected to the wildlife area.

The lodge also suits different kinds of trips. A couple can treat it as a short luxury break. A family can use the pool and lodge downtime between drives. A photographer can make use of the raised views and the distinctive buildings. The supplied details do not promise a particular room view, so you should not assume every room overlooks the waterhole directly.

Service is another strong part of the stay. A restaurant staff member named John is specifically praised for his care, and a birthday stay included room decoration and a cake arranged for the occasion. If you are marking a birthday or another special event, ask about arrangements before you travel. That kind of detail may be possible, but it should not be treated as an automatic inclusion.

Day two: your fullest safari day

Day two begins with breakfast followed by a morning game drive. This is the most useful day for wildlife viewing because you are not rushing to check in or begin the long trip back to Nairobi.

You return to the lodge for lunch, then have time to relax before dinner and another night at Salt Lick. The schedule does not list a second evening game drive on day two. That leaves a slower afternoon at the lodge, which is welcome after the morning outing.

The tour includes one morning drive on day two and the evening drive from day one, giving you different times of day in the sanctuary. You also have another morning drive on the final day. Three drives are included in total, and that is a fair amount of safari activity for a three-day trip.

A private booking matters here. Only your group participates, so the experience should be easier to manage than a large shared departure. You can focus on your own pace and interests, although the available information does not specify the exact vehicle size, seating arrangement, or daily driving route.

Guide quality can also shape the day. Alfred Chilango is named as a particularly capable game ranger. One account credits him with spotting and interpreting a dramatic lioness and buffalo encounter. That kind of sighting is never something you can book in advance, but a skilled ranger can improve your chances of noticing animals and understanding what is happening.

Day three: one last drive before Nairobi

After breakfast, you check out and take a final morning game drive. This is a smart use of the departure day. Instead of leaving the sanctuary immediately, you get one more chance to see wildlife before beginning the road trip.

The return journey includes an en-route lunch, but the package notes that the return lunch is not included. This is a detail worth taking seriously. Two lunches are included in the package, while the meal during the return to Nairobi is listed separately as excluded. Plan to pay for that meal yourself.

Arrival back in Nairobi is expected around 5 pm, at the same meeting point where the tour begins. That timing makes the tour practical for someone who wants to continue with Nairobi plans that evening, but road conditions can affect any long transfer. I would avoid scheduling a flight or an important appointment immediately after the stated arrival time.

What the $929.24 price includes

At $929.24 per person, this is not a budget safari. The value depends on how much you want included and how much you value a private arrangement at a well-known lodge.

The price covers:

• Park entry fees
• Water during the safari
• Two nights of accommodation in a double room
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the included meal plan
• Transport in a van or Land Cruiser
• Three listed game drives
• Private participation for your group

The meal count is listed as two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. That matches the two-night stay, but the return lunch is not included. Drinks are also extra, and customary tips are suggested at $10 per person per day.

For two people sharing a double room, the package bundles many costs that can otherwise add up quickly. You are paying for transport from Nairobi and back, park entry, a high-end safari lodge, meals, and private touring. If you prefer to arrange each part yourself, you may find cheaper combinations, but you would need to compare like with like.

The price makes more sense for people who want a straightforward package and do not want to organize a separate driver, lodge, park fees, and meals. It is less attractive for a solo visitor, since the double-room arrangement and per-person price may not provide the same value.

Van or Land Cruiser: what to consider

Transport is provided in either a van or a Land Cruiser. The details do not guarantee which vehicle you will receive, so ask before departure if the vehicle type matters to you.

A private vehicle is useful for comfort and flexibility, especially during the long journey from Nairobi. It also means you are not sharing the trip with unrelated passengers. On the other hand, the type of vehicle can affect how much room you have for luggage and how comfortable you feel on rougher sections of the route.

Water is included during the safari, which is helpful in a warm environment. You should still budget for any other drinks you want, since beverages are not included. The stated tip guidance is $10 per person per day, making a suggested total of $30 per person for three days.

Who will enjoy this safari most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a short, polished safari with a distinctive lodge and limited planning work. It suits couples, families, and small private groups who value a comfortable base and a set schedule.

It is also a good fit if the lodge itself matters almost as much as the game drives. Salt Lick’s raised rooms, waterhole setting, pool, and views give the trip more character than a simple transport-and-drive package.

Families may appreciate the private format and the break between drives. A birthday stay can also be made more personal, based on the room decoration and cake arranged for one celebration. Ask about such extras before booking, since they are not listed as standard inclusions.

I would think twice if you dislike long road transfers or want a packed schedule with game drives from dawn to dusk. The first day is dominated by travel, and day two includes a substantial rest period after the morning drive. That is a feature for some people, but a limitation for others.

Practical details that affect your decision

The activity starts at 7:30 am from The Clarion Hotel, PR9C+H85, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. It ends back at the same meeting point. The location is near public transportation, and confirmation is received at booking.

The tour is described as suitable for most people, but no detailed mobility information is provided. If you have specific access needs, contact the provider, Panda Tours and Safaris Ltd, before paying.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in Kenya.

Should you book the Salt Lick and Taita Hills trip?

Book this safari if you want two nights at an iconic wildlife lodge, private transport, full-board meals, and three game drives without arranging each piece yourself. The distinctive building, waterhole setting, and the chance to work with a guide such as Alfred Chilango give the trip more personality than a basic safari transfer.

Skip it if your priority is the lowest possible price, a short drive from Nairobi, or a schedule filled with continuous game viewing. The long road journey and extra costs for drinks, tips, and return lunch should be part of your calculation.

For the right person, $929.24 buys more than park access. It buys time at a memorable lodge, a private three-day plan, and a comfortable way to reach Taita Hills from Nairobi.

FAQ

Where does the safari start?

It starts at The Clarion Hotel, PR9C+H85, Moi Avenue, Nairobi.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled departure time is 7:30 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point in Nairobi.

How long is the experience?

The safari lasts three days and two nights.

How many game drives are included?

The plan includes an evening game drive on day one, a morning game drive on day two, and a morning game drive on day three.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Accommodation is included for two nights in a double room on a full-board basis.

Which meals are included?

The package includes two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. The return lunch is not included.

Is transport included?

Yes. Transport is provided in either a van or a Land Cruiser.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, although water during the safari is provided.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.