The Taita Hills lie to the south of Tsavo West and on the fertile land in the saddles between the main peaks the Taita tribe grow a variety of vegetables. On the plains below the hills the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary has been established and is home to elephant, lion, oryx, lesser kudu and a wide variety of smaller animals. The variety of animals which live in this small 110 sq. km sanctuary are often easier to spot than those in the larger Tsavo Parks.
A variety of short excursions can be made from the Sanctuary. Towards the Tanzania border lie Lakes Jipe and Chala, the former, home of many water birds, while Lake Chala is the deepest crater lake in Africa.
The nearby Kaisugu Hills were the battle ground of the German forces and the British Army led by General Smuts in the 1914/18 war, and it is here that the formidable Lord Grogan (famous for his walk from Cape to Cairo for the love of a lady) built his home which is locally known as Grogan’s Castle.
In Midst of the Sanctuary lies Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge which offers an unparalleled safari experience. The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around. Taita Hills Sanctuary is a private wildlife conservancy of 28,000 acres at the foot of the Taita Hills bordering Tsavo West National Park, one of the world’s largest game reserves. The Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers luxury accommodation and facilities and is the perfect hotels in an unforgettable setting to explore the natural environment around.
The Sanctuary provides a safe environment to over 50 species of mammals and 300 species of birds within 28,000 acres of rolling savanna and woodland habitats. Large numbers of wildlife come to drink at the waterholes, so Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge provides a rare opportunity to view animals at close proximity in their natural habitat. The lobby, restaurant and terraced bar all provide excellent views and photographic opportunities, while an underground tunnel and bunker with ground level windows provides unbelievably close yet safe access to a variety of wildlife as they drink. The waterholes are illuminated by powerful floodlights as it gets dark, to make sure that you witness all the activity throughout the night.
The Sanctuary is a success story in sustainable conservation where wildlife – including elephant, lion, buffalo and giraffe – thrive. Game drives are tightly controlled to ensure that animals are not harassed and some areas are completely closed to vehicles. This commitment to responsible ecotourism, which has been so well supported by visitors, ensures that the Sanctuary and all its wildlife will continue to prosper.