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3 Day Tsavo East and Taita Hills Safari from Malindi

A 3 Day Tsavo East and Taita Hills Safari from Malindi is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences for travelers visiting Kenya’s northern coast. This safari takes visitors from the beautiful beaches of Malindi into the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park and the scenic Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge.

For travelers from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States, combining a beach holiday in Malindi with a safari adventure offers the perfect way to experience Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.

This safari itinerary is ideal for visitors who want to explore two spectacular wildlife areas within a short period while still enjoying comfortable safari lodge accommodation and multiple game drives.

Why Choose a Safari from Malindi

Malindi is one of Kenya’s most historic and charming coastal towns. Known for its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant Swahili culture, Malindi attracts thousands of international visitors every year.

However, just a few hours inland lies one of Africa’s most impressive wildlife ecosystems.

A safari from Malindi offers several advantages:

• easy access to Tsavo National Parks
• less travel time compared with Nairobi safaris
• excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
• combination of beach and wildlife experiences
• ideal for short safari itineraries

For many travelers, a Malindi safari becomes the highlight of their entire trip to Kenya.

About Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and covers approximately 13,747 square kilometers of protected wilderness.

The park is famous for its vast open plains, dramatic landscapes, and incredible wildlife diversity.

Some of the most famous features of Tsavo East include:

• the Galana River
• Aruba Dam
• Mudanda Rock
• vast savannah plains
• iconic baobab trees

Tsavo East is particularly famous for its red elephants, which appear reddish because they cover themselves with the park’s iron-rich soil.

Wildlife commonly seen in Tsavo East includes:

• elephants
• lions
• buffalo
• giraffes
• zebras
• antelope species
• ostriches

Because of its open landscapes, wildlife is often easier to spot compared with many other African parks.

About Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a private conservation area located near the border of Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

The sanctuary is well known for its scenic landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing.

Highlights of the sanctuary include:

• beautiful savannah landscapes
• fewer safari vehicles compared with national parks
• diverse wildlife populations
• spectacular sunset views

The sanctuary is home to the famous Salt Lick Safari Lodge, one of the most unique safari lodges in Africa.

Built on stilts overlooking a wildlife waterhole, Salt Lick Safari Lodge offers guests the opportunity to observe wildlife directly from the lodge terraces.

Animals frequently seen at the waterhole include:

• elephants
• buffalo
• zebras
• antelope

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Malindi to Tsavo East National Park

Your safari adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel or beach resort in Malindi.

Departure usually takes place between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM.

Travel is in a comfortable safari vehicle such as:

• 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
• Safari van with pop-up roof

The drive from Malindi to Tsavo East takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Morning Game Drive

Upon arrival at Bachuma Gate, the safari begins with a game drive inside Tsavo East National Park.

Wildlife sightings often begin immediately.

Visitors frequently see:

• elephants
• giraffes
• zebras
• buffalo
• gazelles

Visit to Aruba Dam

One of the highlights of the morning safari is a visit to Aruba Dam, one of the best wildlife viewing locations in the park.

Animals often gather near the waterhole, especially during the dry season.

Possible sightings include:

• elephants
• buffalo
• giraffes
• zebras

Predators such as lions may occasionally be seen near the dam.

Lunch and Afternoon Safari

Guests enjoy lunch at a safari lodge such as:

• Ashnil Aruba Lodge
• Sentrim Tsavo Lodge
• Voi Safari Lodge

After lunch guests relax before continuing with an afternoon game drive.

Sunset across the Tsavo plains provides spectacular scenery.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2 – Tsavo East to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

The second day begins with an early morning game drive in Tsavo East.

Morning is one of the best times to observe wildlife because animals are most active before the midday heat.

After breakfast at the lodge, the safari continues toward Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

Upon arrival guests enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive inside the sanctuary.

Dinner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.

Throughout the evening guests can observe animals visiting the waterhole below the lodge.

Day 3 – Morning Safari and Return to Malindi

The final day begins with an early morning game drive inside the sanctuary.

Possible wildlife sightings include:

• lions
• elephants
• buffalo
• giraffes

After breakfast the safari begins the return journey to Malindi.

Arrival at your hotel is usually between 4 PM and 6 PM.

Wildlife You May See

During this safari guests may encounter:

• elephants
• lions
• buffalo
• giraffes
• zebras
• antelope species
• hyenas

The combination of Tsavo East and Taita Hills offers excellent wildlife diversity.

What Is Included

Your safari package typically includes:

• hotel pickup and drop-off in Malindi
• safari vehicle transport
• professional English-speaking safari guide
• park entry fees
• game drives
• safari lodge accommodation
• meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
• bottled drinking water