2-Day Taita Hills & Salt Lick Safari (From Mombasa or Diani)

Taita Hills

Rates From $345

BudgetSafari & Beach2–3 DaysKenyaTsavo & Taita
Explore Kenya Safaris

About This Tour

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers a structured transition from the coastal heat into the high-altitude greenery of the Rift Valley ecosystem. This journey focuses on the unique architectural experience of staying in a stilted lodge overlooking active watering holes. It is designed for travelers seeking a short, high-impact wildlife immersion without the need for extensive travel time.

The rhythm of the trip is steady, moving from the lowlands of Diani or Mombasa directly into the heart of the private sanctuary. Days are balanced between guided game drives and quiet observation from the lodge’s elevated walkways. This pace allows for consistent wildlife viewing in a concentrated area, providing a sense of calm and accessibility.

Guests can expect a reliable and comfortable introduction to Kenya’s inland biodiversity. The flow ensures that major landscapes are reached efficiently, leaving ample time for rest between sightings. This safari offers a grounded and reassuring atmosphere for those with limited time.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow prioritizes partnerships with local sanctuary staff and guides from the Taita-Taveta region. This support directly contributes to the local economy and provides stable employment within the conservation sector. We choose partners who invest in the surrounding communities through education and infrastructure support.

Our Sustainability Promise

We focus on reducing travel strain by coordinating efficient road transfers from coastal hubs. The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary operates with a commitment to maintaining a private corridor for wildlife movement between Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Our partners follow strict protocols to ensure that safari activities do not disrupt the natural behavior of the resident herds.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary is built for maximum efficiency, offering a complete bush experience in just two days. It works well because it minimizes long-haul driving while delivering high-density wildlife encounters within a private sanctuary. The use of Salt Lick Safari Lodge provides a unique “stationary safari” experience where animals come to the guest, reducing the fatigue of constant movement. This structure is ideal for coastal residents or holidaymakers looking for a quick but authentic wildlife getaway. It suits those who value unique architecture and the ease of a fly-in or short road-trip feel.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Beach Activities
  • Children Allowed
  • City Tours
  • Couple
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Transfer from Diani/Mombasa to Taita Hills
  • Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Return Transfer

Destinations

  • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Where You Stay

  • Salt Lick Safari Lodge – 1 Night

Safari Highlights

  • Arrival at the stilted towers of Salt Lick
  • Elephant herds gathering at the lodge waterhole
  • Morning light over the Taita Hills ridges
  • Elevated views of the sanctuary from lodge walkways
  • Afternoon drives through golden savannah grasses
  • Quiet evenings watching wildlife from the lounge
  • Birdwatching in the lush sanctuary ecosystem
  • Smooth transition from beach to bush scenery

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Coastal pick-up and transfer

  • Sunset game drive in the sanctuary

Itinerary information

The journey begins with a scenic drive from the coast toward the rising hills of the Taita Sanctuary. Upon arrival, the unique stilted architecture of the lodge provides an immediate vantage point over the plains. The afternoon is spent on a guided drive, observing herds as they move toward water sources in the cooling light. The evening settles into a quiet rhythm as animals gather directly below the lodge.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Salt Lick Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early morning wildlife search

  • Return transfer to the coast

Itinerary information

The morning starts with a drive to catch the first light across the sanctuary, a peak time for predator activity and birdlife. After the drive, the pace remains relaxed for breakfast while overlooking the waterhole. The return journey to Diani or Mombasa follows, offering a final look at the changing landscapes between the hills and the Indian Ocean. The trip concludes with a drop-off at the original starting point.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: N/A

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We recommend this specific route for those who want the 'Big Five' feel without the long drive times of larger parks, making it the perfect coastal add-on. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Season2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
1 Nov – 20 Dec, 2026$ 530$ 390$ 345

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates are subject to lodge availability at the time of booking.
  • Sanctuary entry fees are valid for 24 hours only.
  • Pick-up times from Diani or Mombasa are scheduled for early morning to maximize sanctuary time.
  • Lodge substitutions of a similar standard may be offered if Salt Lick is fully booked.

What's Included

  • 1 night accommodation at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
  • Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • All ground transfers from Diani or Mombasa
  • Game drives
  • Full board meals as listed
  • Sanctuary entry fees

Optional Addons

  • Night game drive in the sanctuary
  • Guided nature walks
  • Private vehicle upgrade
  • Cultural visit to local Taita villages

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Drinks and laundry services
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities at the lodge

Plan your journey

Practical reading to help you compare routes, timing and costs.

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the lodge is securely elevated to allow wildlife to pass underneath safely while guests observe from above.
The drive typically takes between 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
While lion, leopard, and elephant are common, the sanctuary is part of a wider ecosystem that supports a high diversity of species.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

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Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
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Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
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Mike Bourassa
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Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
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Kate Mandere
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Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
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Emmy Chepkoech
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I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
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Gloria Kikete
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Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
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Lolo Chgn
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Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
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Irene Nduku
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Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
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Cheyenne van den B profile picture
Cheyenne van den B
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We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
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virginia mumo
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As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
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Stay06810033473
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Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
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Annette M profile picture
Annette M
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Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
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KSP
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Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
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Alain V profile picture
Alain V
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A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
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winnie a
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Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
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maryanne o
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Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
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M A
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Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
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gladys n
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Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
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Christine N
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Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
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Sabina M
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It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.