Everything You Need to Know About Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Tsavo National Parks

Why Travel Companies Should Consider Taita Hills and Tsavo

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Tsavo National Parks offer exclusivity, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife diversity. Positioned along major safari routes and boasting a wide range of accommodation options, these destinations cater to various traveller demographics – from high-end luxury seekers to adventure enthusiasts.

Key reasons to include Taita Hills and Tsavo in your travel portfolio:

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Appeal: These spots are less crowded than other well-known East African parks and game reserves, leading to a more intimate safari experience.
• Diverse Wildlife Encounters: Home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, and countless bird species.
• Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage: From the World War I battlefields of Taita Hills to the legendary ‘Man-Eaters of Tsavo’, these locations offer incredible history.
• Ideal Combinations: These areas are conveniently located near the Kenyan coast, allowing for an idyllic blend of beach and bush.

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: An Exclusive Safari Experience

Overview

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately around 110 square kilometers adjacent to Tsavo West National Park. This sanctuary provides a more exclusive safari experience, with controlled visitor numbers ensuring minimal impact on the ecosystem and more personalised service for guests.

Wildlife Highlights

Despite its smaller size compared to national parks, the sanctuary is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including:
• Large elephant herds
• Lions, leopards and cheetahs
• Buffalo, giraffes, zebras and antelopes
• Over 300 bird species – a birdwatcher’s paradise

Accommodation & Luxury Experiences

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary includes two standout lodges for travellers to choose from:
• Salt Lick Safari Lodge – This lodge is famous for its stilted design, overlooking a waterhole that attracts wildlife day and night to offer exceptional opportunities for photography.

• Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa – A retreat ideal for clientele looking for comfort and authentic safari experiences in tandem.

Unique Selling Points for Travel Companies

• Game Viewing: The sanctuary’s permanent water sources ensure impressive wildlife sightings throughout the year.
• Night Game Drives: Unlike many national parks which have restrictions on after-dark excursions, Taita Hills provides night safaris to offer your clientele unique predator-spotting opportunities.
• Conservation-Focused Tourism: Taita Hills actively supports conservation efforts, making it an ideal choice for sustainability-conscious travellers.
• Battlefield Tourism: Boosting a World War 1 Museum within an in house historian to share the stories of the past. Opportunity to hike the Taita Hills to see the monuments and locations of various battles that occurred.

Culinary Tourism: An organic farm, where guests can learn about the cultivation of the produce and have an interactive cooking experience with the Executive Chef

Tsavo National Park: Kenya’s Largest Wildlife Haven

Tsavo National Park is split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, collectively covering over 22,000 square kilometres – making it Kenya’s largest national park. These two sections offer distinct landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife experiences.

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East is known for open plains, majestic elephants, and the Yatta Plateau (the world’s longest lava flow at 290 kilometres).
• Wildlife Highlights: Large elephant populations, lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, and diverse birdlife.
• Key Attractions: Lugard Falls, Aruba Dam (ideal for game viewing), and the Galana River.
• Best for: Traditional game drives with excellent visibility due to sparse vegetation.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West is home to dramatic scenery, volcanic landscapes, and natural springs.
• Wildlife Highlights: The ‘Big Five’, rare antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.
• Key Attractions: Mzima Springs (a clear water oasis with underwater viewing), Shetani Lava Flows, and the Poacher’s Lookout.
• Best for: A mix of game viewing, geological diversity, and hiking.

Unique Selling Points for Travel Companies

• High Elephant Concentration: Tsavo is home to over 12,000 elephants, making it one of Africa’s top destinations for those looking to spot elephants.
• Cultural and Historical Relevance: The park is famous for the legendary “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” – a pair of lions that terrorised railway workers in the late 1800s – adding an element of historical intrigue to these trips.

How Travel Companies Can Integrate Taita Hills and Tsavo National Park into Safari Itineraries

Whether as the main destination of a trip or as an add-on to an East African adventure, these two locations can be easily included in a variety of holiday packages.

1. Short Safari Add-Ons

• An ideal extra for travellers heading to Kenya’s coastal destinations, such as Mombasa, Diani or Watamu.
• Consider including Taita Hills for an exclusive overnight stay, along with a game drive in Tsavo East or Tsavo West.

2. Luxury and Private Safaris

• Centre packages around premium accommodations like Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa and Salt Lick Safari Lodge in Taita Hills.
• Provide tailored experiences, such as conservation-focused tours, bush dining and private game drives for the most discerning of travellers.

3. Adventure and Specialised Tours

• Beyond a classic safari experience, showcase Tsavo National Park as the perfect destination for travellers interested in hiking, volcanic landscapes, and birdwatching.
• Consider photography-focused safaris which centre around Tsavo’s unique red elephants and world-class landscapes.

4. Easily Connectable

• Taita Hills and Tsavo are easily connect via the Madaraka Express Train from Nairobi or Mombasa

• Connect by road along the Nairobi to Mombasa Highway or from Amboseli National Park or from Mombasa

• Fly to Tsavo West or Taita airstrip with scheduled operations from Nairobi and Mombasa.

Final Thoughts: Two Must-Offer Safari Destinations for Travel Companies

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Tsavo National Park both offer an exciting opportunity to experience something beyond traditional East African safari packages. Their unique landscapes, exceptional wildlife encounters, and exclusivity make them a valuable addition to any safari portfolio.
Whether you’re yet to add East Africa to your travel offering or would like to expand your existing catalogue beyond the traditional parks, ARP can help you showcase the unmatched experiences Taita Hills and Tsavo offer for a wide range of travellers.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with us to find out how we can help.