Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful private wildlife sanctuary in southeastern Kenya, renowned for its rolling hills, open savannah, abundant wildlife and spectacular views towards the surrounding Tsavo ecosystem. Its location makes it particularly attractive for safaris departing from Mombasa and Kenya’s coastal resorts.

History of Taita Hills

The Taita Hills region has a long cultural and natural history and is traditionally associated with the Taita people. The area’s hills, forests and surrounding plains have supported local communities and wildlife for generations.

The wildlife sanctuary was established to conserve an important area adjoining Tsavo West National Park. Today, it forms part of the wider Tsavo conservation landscape and provides an important habitat and movement area for wildlife.

Location of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Taita-Taveta County in southeastern Kenya, close to Tsavo West National Park and within convenient reach of the main road connecting Mombasa and Nairobi.

Its position makes it an excellent destination for short safaris from Mombasa, Diani Beach and other Kenya Coast resorts, as well as for longer itineraries combining Taita Hills with Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli.

The sanctuary features a varied landscape of grasslands, woodland, rocky hills and seasonal water sources, creating excellent habitats for wildlife.

Attractions in Taita Hills

Wildlife: Taita Hills offers rewarding game viewing, with opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs and numerous other species.

Elephants: Herds of elephants frequently move through the sanctuary as part of the wider Tsavo ecosystem, making elephant encounters one of the highlights of a Taita Hills safari.

Birdlife: The sanctuary’s mixture of savannah, woodland and nearby hill habitats supports diverse birdlife, making the area attractive to birdwatchers as well as traditional safari travellers.

Scenic Landscapes: Rolling hills rising above open plains create beautiful panoramic scenery and provide a striking contrast to the vast, flatter landscapes found in parts of neighbouring Tsavo.

Waterholes: Water sources within the sanctuary attract wildlife, particularly during dry periods, providing excellent opportunities to observe animals gathering to drink.

Salt Lick Safari Lodge

One of the area’s most distinctive attractions is Salt Lick Safari Lodge, famous for its unusual accommodation raised on stilts above the surrounding landscape. Waterholes close to the lodge frequently attract elephants, buffaloes and other animals, allowing guests to enjoy wildlife viewing from the lodge itself.

Taita Hills Safari Experience

Taita Hills provides a more intimate safari experience while remaining connected to the enormous Tsavo wildlife ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy game drives through beautiful landscapes, watch elephants gathering around waterholes and experience wildlife from uniquely positioned safari lodges.

Its accessibility from the Kenya Coast makes Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary an excellent choice for a short safari from Mombasa or Diani Beach, while travellers with more time can combine it with Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli National Park for a comprehensive Kenya safari.