Exploration of Tsavo East and Taita Hills in 3 Days and 2 Nights

The Taita Hills, or Teita Hills, form a mountain range located in Taita-Taveta County, southeastern Kenya. These hills are made up of three main massifs: Dawida, Sagalla (in the southern part of the municipality of Voi) and Kasigau, located in the south near the border with Tanzania. The Dawida massif, the largest and highest of the three, reaches an altitude of 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) at its highest peak, called Vuria. Other notable peaks include Iyale, Wesu and Susu.

These hills are famous for their humid forests, which are home to an extraordinary variety of unique fauna and flora. More than 20 endemic species of African violets, such as Streptocarpus teitensis, are found exclusively in this region. Among the best known endemic bird species are the Taita Thrush (Turdus helleri) and the Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis).

The Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha) and the Taita Fiscal (Lanius dorsalis) were first discovered in the hills, but are also found in other areas. An amphibian of the Boulengerula genus, for example the Sagala Cecilian (Boulengerula niedeni), is a rare worm-like species that inhabits the Taita Hills and is at risk of extinction.

Overview

Day 1

Your adventure begins with an early departure from your resort towards the Mombasa-Nairobi main road. If you depart from Mombasa, Kilifi or Diani, the journey will take you through local villages to the Sala Gate entrance into Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest park. This park is famous for its extraordinary population of elephants, known as Red Elephants. During the game drive, you will cross vast plains interspersed with forests, taking in breathtaking views of the Taita Hills and the imposing Yatta Plateau all the way to Aruba. The name “Aruba” means “elephant” in the Waliangulu language, a hunter-gatherer community that once inhabited this area. Exploring the park’s hinterland offers the opportunity to spot lions, cheetahs and large herds of buffalo racing across the plains. You will arrive at Aruba Lodge/Sentrim Camp/Voi Safari Lodge for check-in, lunch and relaxation. A second game drive in the late afternoon will take you into the sunset. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

Start your day with a morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. Next, you will head to Taita Hills with a game drive along the way. You will arrive at Taita Hills for lunch and check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the Taita Hills Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird and animal species, including lions, elephants, giraffes and zebras. Return to Salt Lick Lodge at sunset. Dinner and overnight stay (note: the night game drive is optional and is not included in the price).

Day 3

Wake up early for a morning game drive in the Taita Hills Sanctuary. If the sky is clear, you will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Kilimanjaro. After your morning game drive, return to the resort for check-out. During the return to Mombasa Road, you will have lunch in the city of Voi. The return is expected in the evening.

This exciting 3-day, 2-night safari through Tsavo East and Taita Hills will take you to discover some of Kenya’s most fascinating natural wonders. Contact us for more information or to book this unforgettable adventure in the African savannah.

The price includes

Jeep 4×4.
Lunch every day.
Dinner day 1 and 2.
Breakfast day 2 and 3.
Guide.
Entrance fees to the parks.
500ml bottles of water on board the vehicle.
AMREF medical transport insurance.
Accommodation in a tented camp or lodge based on booking.