Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary – Nature, History and Wildlife in One Place

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately owned conservation area in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. Nestled within the Eastern Arc mountain range, it covers about 113 km² (28,000 acres). It serves as both a wildlife corridor between Tsavo East and Tsavo West and a sanctuary for rare highland birds and endemic fauna en.wikipedia.org+13taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+13holidify.com+13.

Wildlife and Birds

Home to more than 50 species of large mammals and over 300 bird species, visitors can encounter:

• Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and diverse antelope

• Birds such as Taita thrush, Taita apalis, Taita white-eye, and raptors en.wikipedia.org+10holidify.com+10kenyawildparks.com+10

• Endangered species like Taita apalis, Taita falcon, and endemic amphibians (Taita caecilians, Taita warty frog) en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2

Opening Hours & Entry Fees

• Open daily from 06:00 to 18:00 safaribookings.com+6taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+6taitahillssafariresort.com+6

• Entry Fees (from official site):

  • East African adults: KES 500

  • East African children (4–11 yrs): KES 250

  • Non-resident adults: USD 35

  • Non-resident children: USD 20 en.wikipedia.org+9taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+9bushtroop-safaris.com+9

Note: Fees do not include accommodation.

How to Reach

• Road: 370 km from Nairobi (6–7 hr drive); 200 km from Mombasa (3–4 hr drive) en.wikipedia.org+4holidify.com+4safaribookings.com+4

• Flight: Charter flights to Voi airstrip; lodge transfers from there via partner services like Kenya Air Safaris.

• Self-drive: Well-maintained roads make self-guided visits easy en.wikipedia.org+3holidify.com+3africansavannah.co.ke+3

Lodging Options

The Sanctuary features two main properties:

Salt Lick Safari Lodge

• 96 elevated rooms with ensuite bathrooms

• Positioned around a busy watering hole with dramatic wildlife views safaribookings.com+12taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+12holidify.com+12

• Rates from USD 270 per person holidify.com

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

• 60 rooms and 2 suites, some with watering-hole views

• Facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and cultural museum taitahillssafariresort.com+1taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+1

• Rates from USD 240 per person

All stays include full board meals. Entry fees are separate.

Experiences & Activities

• Game drives (morning and evening) to spot big and small mammals

• Guided walking safaris showcasing the forest, hills, and wildlife connections taitahillswildlifesanctuary.comholidify.com+3taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3bushtroop-safaris.com

• Birdwatching expeditions for rare Taita endemics idyllicliving.co.ke+3taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+3africansavannah.co.ke+3

• WWI museum inside the resort, highlighting historical battlefield sites taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+2taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+2taitahillssafariresort.com+2

Optional half-day trips to Mzima Springs in Tsavo West may be available.

Best Time to Visit

• June–October: Peak for wildlife and open plains en.wikipedia.org+7safaribookings.com+7taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+7en.wikipedia.org

• November–April: Ideal for birders and lush landscapes

• Avoid: Long rains (March–May); short rains (October–December)

Combine with Other Destinations

Taita Hills pairs beautifully with nearby safari options:

• Tsavo East via Kenya Safari Holiday Packages

• Coastal stays in Watamu or Diani, followed by inland safaris with Safaris from Watamu

• Camp-based adventures via Kenya Camping Safaris

Why Visit Taita Hills?

• A wildlife corridor essential to the Tsavo ecosystem bushtroop-safaris.comen.wikipedia.org+15taitahillswildlifesanctuary.com+15safaribookings.com+15

• Rare species haven: endemic birds, amphibians, and forest habitats

• Cultural and historical depth: from WWI museum exhibits to regional community insights

• Exclusive and uncrowded safari experience

Book Your Safari in Taita Hills

Ready to explore this hidden gem? We can customize packages that include:

• Accommodation at Salt Lick or Taita Hills Safari Resort

• Game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching

• Transfers and entry fees

• Extensions to Tsavo East, coastal escapes, or camping safaris

 Explore our Kenya Safari Holiday Packages or budget options via Kenya Budget Safaris to include Taita Hills in your journey.