Tsavo & Taita Hills Review: 3 Days, 2 Nights from Nairobi
Dreaming of seeing Kenya’s wild side? Well, a 3-day, 2-night jaunt from Nairobi to Tsavo West, Saltlick, and Taita Hills is, in some respects, just the ticket. You know, I spent a couple of days there not too long ago and, actually, it’s an experience I am happy to tell you about. It has those big landscapes, cool wildlife encounters, and lodges that give you an, almost, front-row seat. This review really gets into the nuts and bolts, more or less, of the experience, to tell you if it is, in fact, worth your time and money.
What to Expect on this Adventure
Alright, before you go booking anything, I’d like to share some context. Basically, this trip will throw you right into the middle of Kenya’s beautiful parks. Very briefly, you’re talking game drives where lions and elephants are, kind of, just hanging out. And too it’s about staying in unique lodges. Like, seriously, one place, The Saltlick Safari Lodge, it’s on stilts. Then you get those cultural experiences in the Taita Hills. It has just a little something for everyone.
Hitting the Road: Nairobi to Tsavo West
The trip starts with a drive, so it might be, about 4-5 hours from Nairobi, depending, arguably, on the traffic. The upside is that as you leave the city, the views get really beautiful. Then it has those little towns and open plains. Basically, before you know it, you’re there at the park’s entrance, I mean Tsavo West, right? I actually found the drive pretty relaxing, if I’m being honest. So I am sure you’ll feel the same way.
First Impressions: Tsavo West’s Rugged Beauty
Okay, so Tsavo West is, in some respects, really something. It has, almost, volcanic landscapes, hills, and just seriously big open areas. That’s one reason that, at first, it feels different, very, from other parks, such as the Mara. My first game drive was, you know, very cool because I saw herds of elephants, and then a few giraffes too. I tell you, very cool.
Staying at Saltlick Safari Lodge: A Unique Experience
Saltlick Safari Lodge, now it is unique. Seriously, picture this: It is a lodge on stilts over a watering hole. Anyway, I spent hours, seemingly, watching elephants and other animals come right up close. The rooms have views of that action, is that so cool? The nighttime sounds, by the way, really were magical.
Exploring Taita Hills: Culture and Conservation
Next up it’s Taita Hills, and this place has, literally, rolling hills. Too it’s really a completely different vibe from Tsavo. That, also, means you could learn about the local Taita people, and about that land that, basically, they have lived on for a long time. Visiting a local village gave a better glimpse into that daily life and culture there.
Wildlife Encounters: What You Might See
I guess one of those biggest reasons that people head to Tsavo and Taita is to see the wildlife. So, I’ll tell you what I did see. I definitely saw a fair number of elephants, a bunch of giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes. Plus, you could actually spot lions and maybe even a leopard. Okay, I didn’t see one, yet, you might! I suggest you go on both morning and late afternoon game drives to up the possibilities to see all sorts of animals.
Food and Accommodation: A Quick Look
Typically, those lodges provide a package deal that covers your stay, game drives, and food, yet I can say that this meal experience can vary. The food options were acceptable, so that is fine. The standards for comfort I have to say did range. Saltlick had those unique vantage points. Other places, seemingly, might be a little bit more basic.
Things to Consider: What to Keep in Mind
Planning matters so you can get a tour package with just what is just right for what you really want and can spend. Also, it seems that park fees are, actually, on the pricier side, which can make a big difference to a spending plan, as well as it appears the heat really can be tough, in that the sun’s hot so packing the right things matters.
The Best Time to go: Planning your Visit
So that all-important, best time to visit the park: many say that the best time is the dry season (June through October, or January and February). It tends to be drier during that time so seeing wildlife tends to be, basically, that much easier.
Is It Worth It? My Final Verdict
To wrap up, that trip really is, very, worth it. It’s far enough away to where you can take a quick break, yet that little sojourn offers a mix of adventures such as great safari scenes and experiences in nature, just, for just the right little amount of time. If you have limited vacation time, then you should find that this is the thing for you. But really that overall quality tends to be pretty good. I actually believe you should take it. I suggest it to you, if that is what you’re up to.