Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
The Taita Hills Wildlife Conservancy derives its name from the surrounding clusters of hills and is an integral part of the Eastern Arc forests classified as an biodiversity hotspot. The conservancy covers an area of 28,000 acres of mosaic habitat where the plant physiognomy is riverine forest, savanna wood and grassland. The vegetation formation is usually dense, stratified and always dominated by Acacia /Commiphora trees and may appear to be evergreen in wet areas such as in the central lowlands of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary straddles the Southern Tsavo West National Park and is an important dispersal area and migrating corridor for wildlife between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park and making it a highly valued tourism recreational area and of ecological importance. The topography is generally mountainous that offers breath taking landscape views of the Kilimanjaro, Pare, Uluguru mountains and the clusters of Taita Hills with a seasonal river dividing the sanctuary into valleys and lowland plains.
Location:
The Taita Hills wildlife sanctuary is nestled within surrounding hills that collectively form the Eastern Arc Range of Mountains inscribed by UNESCO as a biodiversity hotspot hosting varied endemic wildlife species and a myriad of unique flora.
The sanctuary lies on southerly boundary of Kenya and on the periphery of the Tsavo West National Park, Kenya’s iconic protected wildlife refuge and within the eye shot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s majestic and highest mountain capped by perennial snow. The sanctuary covers an area of 119 sq km at elevations of 1,200 meters above sea level
Attractions at Taita Hills
Nearby attractions:
- Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Located in the Sanctuary
- World War1 Museum and battlefields Located in the Sanctuary
- Mzima Springs 66.3km Usually included as a package visit to Tsavo west with lunch
Widlife
The sanctuary hosts over 50 larger mammals that include elephants, Zebras, cape buffaloes, Giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, varied antelopes and an array of over 390 bird species that include resident, intra African and palaetric migrants.
Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide an ideal opportunity to view and photograph the diverse array of wildlife within the sanctuary. The water holes below provide even a wonderful opportunity to view animals at close proximity within the comfort and confines of the lodges.
Walking Safaris
It is an opportunity to experience the unique flora, fauna and dynamism of this fascinating ecosystem. Take a nature walk with a qualified ranger guide, learning the intricacies and connectivity of an enabling environment immersing in the solace and tranquility of the wilderness.
Bird Watching
Over 350 bird species including resident and migrant bird species have been recorded and documented in the sanctuary. Three endemic bird species can also be viewed at the nearby Taita hills; i.e. the Taita thrush. Taita Apalis and Taita white eye.
Taita Hills WWI Museum
Battlefield tourism specializes in tours of battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and related historic sites all around the world. It focuses on historic battlefields where the fighting is long past and is much more strongly linked to heritage and commemoration.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Kenya has taken the lead in East Africa by identifying all these leads and has come up with an exciting historical journey told in pictures and an artefacts museum at Taita Hills Resort & Spa. This artefacts museum will be the start point of the “Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary World War 1 battlefield tours.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Park Entry Fees
The Sanctuary gate opens at 06h00 and closes at 18h00.
Full Board Accommodation Rates within the lodges inside the sanctuary are not inclusive of Park Entry Fee:
- Kenya Citizens – KSH 275
- Kenya Residents – KSH 275
- Non-Residents- USD 30
- The sanctuary entry fee are applicable to aged 3 years and above.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge
For decades Salt Lick Safari Lodge has been one of Kenya’s flagship lodges, famed for being among the World’s Most Photographed Lodges. A favourite amongst travellers in search of luxury accommodation, Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge’s charm is evident from the outset. Here you will savour uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency and personalised attention.
The neighbouring Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa has a museum that displays some of the World War 1 memorabilia as part of the rich history of Taita Taveta County.
Accommodation
Salt Lick Safari Lodge has 96 unique rooms, all elevated on stilts and built across two levels, with ensuite bathrooms with permanent showers and WC, and running hot and cold water. We can accommodate you in these rooms at three levels with double, twin or triple beds depending on your preferred occupancy.
Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
Located at the main entrance to the Sanctuary, Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is an inviting stone building of 60 spacious rooms and two suites, all with their own private viewing balcony. It has a museum that displays some of the World War 1 memorabilia as part of the rich history of Taita Taveta County.
Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is located at the main entrance to the Taita Hills Sanctuary in South Eastern Kenya, 400 km from Nairobi and 200 km from Mombasa. An hour flight from Nairobi or 30 min from Mombasa by private charter lands at the hotel’s own airstrip. The sanctuary is a 3-hour drive from Mombasa and a 6-hour drive from Nairobi on tarmac roads.
Accommodation
Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa has two elaborate suites and 60 well-appointed standard rooms with stunning views of the lush gardens surrounding the lodge, the beautiful free form swimming pool and some have exclusive views of the watering hole
