Review: Mombasa 5-Day Tsavo & Saltlick Lodge Safari – Is It Worth It?

Alright, so you’re thinking about a safari, very possibly one that takes you from the coastal vibes of Mombasa into the wild heart of Tsavo East and West, culminating in a stay at the unique Saltlick Safari Lodge? That 5-day trip is an exciting idea, truly. I took this tour not too long ago and I can give you, actually, some real information on it.

The Allure of Tsavo: A Quick Look

Tsavo, you see, it’s this huge, sprawling national park broken up into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East, typically, is quite flat, feels extremely vast, and you’ll find these red-dust landscapes there. This area is actually perfect, maybe, for spotting elephants that are covered in the colorful dirt. Tsavo West, a bit different, and so it offers some truly dramatic landscapes with volcanic hills, lush springs, and a generally more varied terrain. A huge contrast, when it comes to scenery. Plus, so Tsavo is positively bursting with wildlife, beyond the big elephants, anyway. Look for lions, giraffes, zebras, all sorts of birds – it’s positively brimming with animals. And actually, its accessibility from Mombasa is what makes it so very attractive to so many folks.

Day 1 & 2: Mombasa to Tsavo East – First Impressions

That departure, too, from Mombasa can be quite early, so prepare to lose some sleep that first morning! I mean, typically, the drive to Tsavo East, it can eat up a good chunk of the morning, possibly four or five hours, and honestly it’s not the most scenic route imaginable, so very just prepare. Then when you arrive at Tsavo East, almost certainly, you’re headed right into your first game drive. Now this is definitely the exciting bit, you get that feel. Cruising, very slowly, through the park, with your eyes very peeled, always looking for movement. And the guide too is super helpful here, they seem to really know where all the animals, actually, like to hang out. Remember, of course, that spotting wildlife is in no way a guarantee, still even seeing different species and maybe a few elephants is something to keep an eye out for. Even in some ways the landscapes are captivating on their own. Lodges and camps in Tsavo East actually offer very cozy accommodations, that way you feel connected with your room being, really, in the wild. Then on the night you can have dinner, of course, under the stars too.

Day 3: Journey to Tsavo West – A Change of Scenery

Moving on from Tsavo East to Tsavo West, and it actually feels like you are traveling to an entirely new place. The topography switches quite dramatically and becomes really interesting and really captivating to observe. And while driving, be sure to keep an eye on that scenery, you might see the various unique birds. Almost certainly Mzima Springs is going to be a highlight on the third day. And this, actually, is such an unexpected little oasis! Getting there you have crystal-clear springs that are filled with hippos and crocodiles, which you can see from an underwater viewing chamber! A total experience it is actually! Tsavo West, like, also has some very nice lodges, these sometimes sit with amazing views of the volcanic landscape.

Day 4: Saltlick Safari Lodge – The Jewel of the Safari

Arriving at Saltlick Safari Lodge; it is usually considered the highlight for a lot of folks. This hotel, you see, it looks like it came directly from another world; you might notice that it has these elevated rooms that are built on stilts, all of which overlook this waterhole. A visit to the rooms lets you appreciate wildlife without even going to the savannahs; very. So, at all times the waterhole hosts herds of animals; yet, be ready to see some elephants or lions right from your bedroom window or while eating supper. This is often what turns most people’s trips into something special; anyway, the atmosphere here, as can be expected, is utterly magical.

Day 5: Farewell to the Wild – Homeward Bound

That very last morning, often there’s time for one last super fast game drive. Maybe you’re actually trying to catch those animals you possibly skipped. Saying ‘goodbye’ too to the African Bush, really, can be hard, that being said, that ride, possibly all the way, straight back to Mombasa gives time to just sort of ponder the safari. Very soon, you may think how time can possibly seem to slow while admiring a group of lions, and in which manner actually this reddish scenery just holds some strange fascination. It makes for a very beautiful journey, too it’s almost a trip. Then arriving in Mombasa brings with it recollections about this beautiful coastline. As that adventure too gets over it provides time to, actually, remember just those experiences that might change perception permanently. You will also want to take the experience into account the next time that an escape seems imminent.

Things To Think About

So, like, booking a safari means deciding between a super, very budget tour or, very perhaps, an ultra-luxurious tour. Then consider also actually what it will mean for game drives as to which size the group actually needs to be, it really affects the game drives, doesn’t it? The things to prepare is, firstly; pack really good sun protection and clothes that is extremely appropriate to the area’s climates. Plus always too, it really pays if the one takes quality binoculars and maybe an extremely nice camera on their ride.

So Is The Safari Actually Worth It?

So in the end; a five day adventure is absolutely something any of you will probably always appreciate, particularly to folks very ready, very much that want more adventure than actually just regular touring may actually have. The journey makes seeing these differing scenery really fascinating, really does actually bring excitement, too. That Saltlick Lodge definitely stands out of its own, particularly because having that unforgettable night where many animals can come very closely in your life creates quite some connection, which can then change that sense and perception and it gives perspective quite differently to actually whatever that adventure really might present in reality. So really it’s an adventurous option definitely worth looking in.