We have spent almost 2 years in Kenya and as a result our website is turning into a mini encyclopedia surrounding Kenya. Africa!! We now whole heartedly believe it’s one of the most magical continent we have ever stayed. If you are planning to escape the city for few days and indulge yourself into the wild surroundings along with ultimate luxury than you are definitely reading the right blog. How about staying at Hogwarts replica, which is tucked away in the lap of Taita Hills, approx 395 km from Nairobi. Honestly Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge is more than just a famous & beautiful property but also a destination & experience in itself, which offers best of hospitality, luxurious but affordable accommodation, wildlife viewing and guaranteed stunning sunsets every other day. Salt Lick Tsavo West is located overlooking 2-3 waterholes and vast Tsavo plains neighboring Tsavo National Park and Taita Taveta county.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge honestly needs no introduction. If you have searched for this blog post you would probably have your special reasons isn’t it? It’s one of the most photographed lodge across the world offering the best ever experience of game drive safaris in a wildlife sanctuary one can ask for. Once you enter the lodge you would find multi-directional perfect corners for your Instagram. The highlight of our stay was watching wild animals 24*7 coming right near the lodge to quench their thirst. At times we felt like we could easily touch them, yet so near. So definitely we would suggest to include Sarova Salt Lick Lodge as your next travel getaway.
How to reach Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge
By Road– We directly drove from Amboseli National Park which is a drive of 5hrs, but took us almost 6hrs because of the worst road condition in between. If you are coming from Nairobi it might take 6-7hrs depending on traffic, however the roads are at its best. For this route you need to pass through Voi town via Mombasa Highway. Just turn on the google maps and you are good to go.
By Air- Salt Lick Safari Lodge is also accessible by air from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport which is an hour flight and which also takes half an hour from Ukunda Airport (Mombasa). However, this lodge owns their Private Airstrip.
By SGR(Train)- The Madaraka Express (inter county train) is scheduled once in a day from Nairobi which takes almost 2hr 45 min to reach Mtito Andie station. Again to reach Salt lick lodge from Mtito Andei would need another 2hrs by road. You can also make the easiest transfer by Voi SGR to Sarova Salt Lick by taxi, mini-van or shuttle which would take 1hr 20mins.
If you are a non resident, we would suggest you not to stress much with SGR’s. Getting around Tsavo might be little tricky in terms of transportation. So the best way is to book your entire travel (all inclusive) packages from some of the best tours and travel agencies, which offers a great deal hence value for money. You can book through Expeditions Maasai Safaris, we have had great experience with them in some prior getaways.
How many days you need at Salt Lick Tsavo West Lodge
You should definitely keep at-least 2 full days if you are planning Tsavo. We went for 2 nights and the overall experience was out of this world. As we directly drove from Amboseli National Park, we reached by late afternoon. Post lunch we went for a game drive and later spent the rest of the evening at ease. The following morning (day2), we woke up early and started the morning game drive at 6.30am and returned back to hotel by 8.30 for breakfast. The entire day we felt lazy and just couched around the lodge doing nothing. By 4.30 in the evening we again decided going for an amazing evening game drive. However if you are opting for travel packages, you might have a fixed time for going to the game drives and also might have to share the vehicle with co-passengers, unless you book it all for yourself (that would be expensive). So in this case you really need to maintain your time. On your 3rd morning you can finish your breakfast at comfort or do a quick morning game drive and return back to Nairobi or head towards your other programmed destination.
Rooms and Accommodations at Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge
As Sarova Salt Lick is renowned to be one of the most photographed lodges in the world, it comprises of 96 round shape rooms which are elevated on single pillars. It’s one of the best safari hotels in Tsavo. We guarantee you, it would provide you the best ever experience during your stay. The overview of the lodge is just amazing either you watch it from close or far away, it will truly ask you for a wide awe. We loved it to the core because the designs are just unmatched to any other lodges you would find anywhere else in the world. Some of the rooms directly over-look the waterholes which is mostly the attraction to the wild birds & animals who keeps on visiting. Take your morning or evening cup of coffee and watch them coming and going in a row. The rooms are mostly en-suite rooms from where you can enjoy the views of wildlife right from your window. Make sure to ask for the rooms which directly faces the water holes so that you don’t miss any action happening down there as the waterholes below provide a wonderful opportunity to view animals at close proximity in their natural habitat. The rooms are of double occupancy mostly so make sure to ask for an extra bed if you have children with you.
You can directly make your reservations by :
Email- [email protected]
Phone- +(254)0110943777 or +(254)078888221
Room Tariff: 213$ (per night for a couple)
Dining experience at Salt Lick Tsavo West Lodge
You need to book for full board packages here as eating food anywhere outside is definitely not possible. We assure you this would be one of the best dining experience one could have ever imagined. What if we say you can just sit by your dining table and enjoy your meals watching the animals right from the bar and restaurant area. Fascinating right? NOTE- For checking in you need to do the paper work done at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa where you can finish your lunch before you get your room keys. For everyday lunch you need to drive down for 7kms ahead from Salt Lick to the neighboring Taita Hills in the same resort. Only breakfasts and dinners are served at Salt Lick Lodge.
Breakfast hours: 7am -9am
Lunch hours: 12pm -2pm
Evening snacks; 2pm -6pm
Dinner hours: 7PM- 9PM
They offer a wide variety of buffet for all meals which are mostly Kenyan cuisine and continental. However, we felt they can still work on the taste and quality of food served (personal experience). Even the bars are well stocked (not included in full board packages) which you can relish as you watch the animals taking their stroll all around the green grassland. But definitely would give full marks to their staff for their personalized attention, service and hospitality. Now due to the Covid -19 pandemic you might not be allowed to serve food to yourself rather there would be staffs around helping you with that.
What makes Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge Unique
The lobby and terrace bar offers excellent views and photographic opportunities. We mostly sat there all day long waiting for animals to come. It was definitely fun but also needs lot of endurance. The rooms are designed without any barricades from where the wild animals can easily stroll under your floor with or without your knowledge.
It was very interesting when it came to our notice that there is an underground tunnel and bunker which is about 100m long at the ground-level with multiple glass windows that directly connects with the water holes and provides close and safe access to a variety of animals coming near the water holes. Where else on earth you can experience this?
What can you expect at Salt Lick Tsavo West Lodge
Right after we reached and before checking into our rooms, we saw a huge Elephant approaching us. We were in tremendous excitement being able to see it so soon and close. However, those water holes are never left alone. You can always see gazelles, impala’s, hedgehog’s, zebra’s, warthogs etc. all day long. We potato couched for late nights sitting by the bar balcony hoping for a single glimpse of any African big5 (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape buffalo & Rhino).
To our luck there were huge herd of Elephant’s that came in twice a day. Once in the evening and later late at night. The overall scene was just so fascinating & thrilling for us. The lights at the lodge aren’t that strong at night, which might scare animals, so you it’s likely you might miss seeing few animals even if they come. It’s also prohibited to use the camera flash at night so make sure to abide by that.
The next morning(day3) while having our breakfast we saw a huge herd Cape buffalo’s coming in which was just insane. So at Salt Lick anything can happen anywhere, you just need to be active around so that you don’t to miss any of those lifetime events.
Day/Night Game Drives at Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge
Okay first thing first, once you enter the main gate you would be handed over a map which would be really helpful if you are self-driving, so make sure to keep it handy at all times and return it back during your exit.
PARK ENTRY FEE- 300 ksh(per day per person for residents), 30$ for Non Residents
You should surely go for early morning (start by 6.30am) and late afternoon(4pm) game drives because during those hours the possibilities of spotting most of the animals are very high and also get an opportunity to view and photograph the diverse array of birds within the Sanctuary. The game park remains open from 6am -6pm.
We saw Elephants, Cape buffalos, Zebras, Gazelles, Warthogs and many other varieties of bird. As we self-drove, it was pretty convenient to drive our own car during the game drive within the national park itself.
What we liked the most in Tsavo national park is that they have mapped multi-directional signboards everywhere within the Sanctuary so there is no fear of getting lost in that huge acre. Also right near the reception area you would find a board where the management notes down the areas where the animals are likely to be found. However, if you are at package service the tour company will arrange the transfers and safari cars for you for multiple game drives. Game drives really needs patience and endurance because you might not see any. So our suggestion would be don’t go with high expectations. If you manage to see most of them than its your lucky day. But again don’t worry some animals would definitely come towards you at the end of the day which you can see sitting right at the balcony.
We didn’t go, for night game drives but yes enquired about the rates (4000ksh per person) they mentioned. We earlier had a very good experience of night game drives at Ol Pajeta Conservancy, so skipped it here. Night game drives are really fun you know! You can get the best of experience of true forest after dark with an additional thrill. So we would definitely suggest to go for night game drives if possible. Trust us you won’t regret a thing. Night game drives usually provide an opportunity of seeing animals which are not usually encountered on a daytime game drive, such as many nocturnal animals & predator which can only be spotted with powerful spotlights.
Walking Safari or Bush Walk at Salt Lick Tsavo West Lodge
You can also pre book for bush walks in the Tsavo Sanctuary where you can experience variety of flora & fauna. You would be taking a guided tour with a ranger who possess diverse knowledge on conservation and natural history, as you take a stroll through the bush. We are sure you going to enjoy this too.
Entertainments at Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge
A local trio of musicians played some amazing traditional music during the dinner time which is followed by authentic Taita dancers. Enjoy your last meal with a toast & enlightenment.
Souvenir Shop at Salt Lick Tsavo West Lodge
You would see there is a wide selection of souvenirs available at the corner shop located right near the lobby area of the lodge. Bring back home lovely memories for your loved ones.
Swimming Pool at Tsavo Salt Lick Lodge
Salt Lick doesn’t have a swimming pool at the property, however you can use the swimming pool at Taita Hills Lodge.
Bush Meals and Sundowners at Salt Lick Tsavo West Lodge
You can pre-book bush meals and sundowners on request with some additional charges. There are four bush activity venues within the sanctuary where you can enjoy your meals right under the open sky under an Acacia tree which have magnificent views of the Taita hills, the sanctuary and Tsavo plains. Again they would only take bookings for sundowner or bush dinner depending on the size of the group involved. If its 5 or less people that might not offer you the service. So make sure your first enquire for the same.
Value for Money
This whole place is a lifetime experience in itself. We have been to so many amazing locations before, but would always place this among our top 5. Salt Lick Safari Lodge is relatively cheaper from many other hotels despite being so luxurious in all aspects. What we really loved, is that the management has kept it so affordable for everyone which would surely not burn a hole in your pocket which also offers you with the best of everything, you would never forget.
So yeah, that’s all about Salt Lick Safari Lodge – Tsavo.
We had an amazing time there, and hope our blog inspires you to pack your bags too. Also if you want to enquire about anything else and if we have missed anything else about this place do let us know in the comment section below.
