Tsavo East / Taita Hills

We woke up early at 5.45 a.m. for our morning safari in Tsavo East National Park. After a quick breakfast our driver Taitas was already waiting for us at 6.30 and we set off for a two and a half hour game drive. Tsavo East is part of Kenya’s largest national park with more than 13,000 square kilometers. The park is famous for its red soil that makes the elephants here look like they are red when they dust themselves.

Compared to the evening safari the day before the morning felt calmer, but then came the highlight. We saw a lioness with three very young cubs resting in the shade. The little ones were curious and playful while their mother watched carefully. Not far away lay the remains of an elephant. Taitas told us that about a week ago 22 lions had worked together to bring down the lonely giant. It was a powerful reminder of how dramatic nature can be 🦁🐘

During the drive we also saw buffalo, several types of antelopes and gazelles and some monkeys jumping around the trees. When we left the park we stopped at a small coffee house. We invited Taitas for a cappuccino and tried some local coffee and cookies. Kenya is one of the top coffee exporters in the world and tasting it right here was a real treat ☕️

Around 11 a.m. we arrived at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and checked into the Salt Lick Safari Lodge. The lodge is built on stilts and looks out onto a waterhole where we could see zebras and other animals coming to drink. Sitting on the terrace and watching the view was already a magical experience 🦓

After lunch and some time to relax we went out again at 4 p.m. for an afternoon game drive. The sanctuary was very dry and the heat kept many animals away so most stayed near the waterhole at the lodge. Even though the drive was quiet the scenery of the Taita Hills was beautiful and it was fascinating to see how animals adapt to such conditions.

We came back just in time to enjoy the sunset from the rooftop bar with a cocktail followed by a delicious dinner. It was the perfect ending to another wonderful day in Kenya 🌅🍹Read more