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Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Kenya

The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary(THWS) derives its name from the surrounding clusters of hills and is an integral part of the Eastern Arc forests classified as a biodiversity hotspot. Before the establishment of THWS on Bura Block along Mwatate-Taveta Road, the land was used as a game hunting ground. THWS was established in 1970 to make the area more attractive to wildlife and tourists, allow conservation, and promote wildlife viewing. The sanctuary covers an area of 28,000 acres of mosaic habitat where the plant physiognomy is riverine forest, savanna wood and grassland. The vegetation formation is usually dense, stratified and always dominated by Acacia /Commiphora trees and may appear to be evergreen in wet areas such as in the central lowlands of the sanctuary. More than 50 species of large mammals and 300 species of birds have been recorded in THWS.

The sanctuary straddles the Southern Tsavo West National Park and is an important dispersal area and migrating corridor for wildlife between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park and making it a highly valued tourism recreational area and of ecological importance. The topography is generally mountainous that offers breath taking landscape views of the Kilimanjaro, Pare, Uluguru mountains and the clusters of Taita Hills with a seasonal river dividing the sanctuary into valleys and lowland plains.

  • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta County of southeastern Kenya. Here’s how you can get to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary:

    1. By Road: The most common way to reach Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is by road. You can drive from Nairobi, Mombasa, or other major cities in Kenya to Voi, which serves as the gateway to the sanctuary. From Voi, the sanctuary is approximately a 30-minute to 1-hour drive, depending on the exact location of your accommodation within the sanctuary.

    2. By Air: While there isn’t an airstrip directly within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, you can fly to nearby airports and then drive to the sanctuary. The closest airstrip is Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Airstrip, which is primarily used for chartered flights and private aircraft. Alternatively, you can fly to Moi International Airport in Mombasa or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and then arrange for a road transfer to the sanctuary.

    3. Organized Tours: Many tour operators in Kenya offer organized safari packages that include transportation to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. These tours typically provide transportation from major cities or airports to the sanctuary, along with guided safari experiences and accommodations.

    4. Public Transport: While not as common for reaching wildlife sanctuaries, you may find public buses or matatus (shared minibusses) traveling to Voi from nearby towns and cities. From Voi, you can arrange for a taxi or hire a private vehicle to take you to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • The only Wildlife park in the world that is so close to the city
  • Black rhinoceros :which is an endangered species
  • The first park to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1946
  • Major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks
  • Diverse birdlife:Has over 400 bird species. At least 20 of which are seasonal European migrants.
  • Home to over 100 mammal species, four of the Big Five (lion, Buffalo, leopard and  rhino)
  • Has a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration
  • Large predators- lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.
  • Aggregations of large herbivores- eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest
  • Ivory Burning Site Monument
  • Walking trails at hippo pools
  • Nairobi Safari Walk & the Orphanage.
  • Spacious accommodating picnic sites

Salt Lick Safari Lodge ( Where the magic never ends)

Saltlick Safari Lodge has 96 unique rooms, all elevated on stilts and built across two levels, with ensuite bathrooms with permanent showers and WC, and running hot and cold water.

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa (Great fun, great memories)

Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa has 60 well-appointed standard rooms with stunning views of the lush gardens surrounding the lodge, the beautiful free form swimming pool. Other rooms have exclusive views of the watering hole.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary:

  1. Where is Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary located?

    • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Taita-Taveta County of southeastern Kenya, near the town of Voi. It is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem and is nestled within the Taita Hills.

  2. What is the main attraction of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • The main attraction of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is its diverse wildlife, including a variety of mammal species such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary also boasts stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, grasslands, and acacia woodlands.

  3. How do I get to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • Visitors can reach Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary by road from major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. The sanctuary is approximately a 30-minute to 1-hour drive from the town of Voi, which serves as the gateway to the sanctuary. Alternatively, visitors can fly to nearby airstrips and arrange for road transfers to the sanctuary.

  4. What activities can I do in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • The sanctuary offers a range of activities for visitors, including game drives, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural visits to local communities. Visitors can also enjoy bush breakfasts, sundowner cocktails, and night game drives for a unique safari experience.

  5. Is it safe to visit Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • Yes, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is considered safe for visitors. The sanctuary is well-managed, and experienced guides accompany visitors on safari activities to ensure their safety. However, it’s essential to follow park regulations and guidelines during your visit.

  6. When is the best time to visit Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • The best time to visit Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. However, the sanctuary can be visited year-round, and each season offers its unique experiences.

  7. Can I see the Big Five in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • Yes, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all members of the Big Five, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros. Visitors have the opportunity to encounter these iconic African animals during game drives and safari experiences.

  8. Are there accommodations available in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

    • Yes, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of accommodations, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and safari camps. Visitors can choose from various options to suit their preferences and budget, with many lodges offering guided safari activities and cultural experiences.

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