Why We Love Salt Lick Safari Lodge
The lodge's distinctive raised walkways and rooms provide unparalleled vantage points for observing wildlife. Built entirely on stilts with interconnecting walkways, Salt Lick creates a tree‑house safari experience like no other.
The lodge's design minimizes environmental impact while maximizing your connection to the wilderness - you're literally suspended above the action.
From your elevated sanctuary, witness:
- Elephants gathering at the natural salt lick below
- Lions, leopards, and buffalo roaming the surrounding plains
- Over 300 bird species in the diverse Taita Hills ecosystem
- Nocturnal wildlife during thrilling night game drives
Salt Lick Safari Lodge Photos
Is Salt Lick Safari Lodge Right For You?
Salt Lick Safari Lodge sits comfortably in the mid-range category of safari accommodation in East Africa, making it an excellent choice if you want a distinctive safari experience without the luxury price tag. The lodge's unique tree-house style accommodation, elevated on stilts and connected by wooden walkways is great for families and first-time safari goers who appreciate something different from standard lodge rooms.
Located in the private Taita Hills Game Sanctuary, which borders Tsavo West National Park, Salt Lick offers reliable wildlife viewing year-round. The lodge's elevated position and waterhole views mean you can spot elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species right from your room or the restaurant terrace.
Include Salt Lick Safari Lodge On These Trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
What Makes Salt Lick Safari Lodge Special?
Iconic Underground Architecture
The lodge's unique architecture features rooms built into the hillside, connected by underground tunnels that lead to elevated viewing decks. This design isn't just for show – it allows wildlife to move freely around the lodge while giving you unobstructed views from the safety and comfort of your room.
The elevated walkways and viewing platforms position just above the elephants and other wildlife as they visit the nearby watering holes. You can watch elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species from your private balcony or the main viewing areas without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Wildlife Viewing at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Salt Lick Safari Lodge sits within the expansive 28,000-hectare Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where diverse terrain creates excellent conditions for wildlife viewing year-round. The sanctuary's mix of grasslands, acacia woodland, and rocky outcrops supports an impressive array of animals, including four of the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo.
Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the sanctuary's wildlife in their natural rhythms. Elephant herds are frequently encountered as they move between feeding areas, while the rocky hills provide perfect hunting grounds for leopards. The sanctuary borders Tsavo West National Park, creating wildlife corridors that ensure steady animal movement and excellent game viewing opportunities.
How it compares to other lodges in the area
We'd position Salt Lick as a solid mid-range option that delivers good value. The tree-house rooms provide character and charm, though the interiors are fairly standard for this price point. You're paying for the unique architecture and excellent location rather than luxury amenities.
If you're looking for similar tree-house experiences in Kenya, Treetops Lodge offers a more intimate setting, while Serena Mountain Lodge provides comparable elevated accommodation with Mount Kenya views. For a step up in luxury within the Tsavo ecosystem, Finch Hattons offers a more upmarket experience, though at significantly higher rates.
Dining Experiences and Cuisine Offered
The Main Restaurant Experience
Salt Lick Safari Lodge centers its dining around the distinctive main restaurant, which serves as both a culinary hub and wildlife viewing platform. The restaurant operates on a buffet system for all three meals, offering an impressive spread that caters to international palates while incorporating local Kenyan flavors.
What makes dining here special is the restaurant's elevated position and large windows that overlook the active waterhole below.
You'll often find yourself pausing mid-meal to watch elephants, buffalo, or antelope arriving for their own refreshment. The experience feels particularly magical during evening meals when floodlights illuminate the waterhole, creating natural dinner theater.
Seasonal Pricing Structure
Rates follow a clear seasonal pattern that reflects both weather conditions and wildlife activity. High season (July-October and December-January) commands peak rates during optimal viewing periods, while mid season (February-March and November) offers moderate pricing with excellent wildlife opportunities. Low season (April-June) provides the most affordable rates during the rains, though morning game drives typically remain unaffected.
We recommend contacting us for current rates as they change frequently, and booking well in advance for high season travel given the lodge's popularity and limited room availability.
Brilliant says
The lodge's elevated walkways and unique stilted design create some accessibility challenges. The property involves stairs and elevated platforms, making it difficult for guests with mobility issues. There are no lifts, and all rooms are accessed via steps and walkways.
If you have specific accessibility needs, we recommend discussing these directly with the lodge before booking to explore possible accommodations.
Room Types
Salt Lick Safari Lodge offers three distinct accommodation options across its 96 rooms, all built on elevated stilts above the waterholes. Standard rooms make up the majority of the lodge and come with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the wildlife sanctuary. These comfortable rooms include all essential amenities and provide direct views of the action below.
Family rooms cater specifically to families with children, accommodating up to 4 guests with 2 separate bedrooms connected by a shared bathroom. This setup gives parents privacy while keeping the family unit together, which we find works particularly well for safari experiences.
For those seeking extra space, the suites offer separate living areas alongside the bedroom, providing additional room to relax between game drives. All rooms come equipped with mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and 24-hour electricity. The lodge's 1,000-meter elevation and thoughtful design naturally keep rooms cool without air conditioning.
Watch our 2024 Season Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Lick Lodge
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What makes Salt Lick Safari Lodge unique compared to other safari lodges?
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is built on stilts overlooking a natural salt lick and waterhole, providing unparalleled wildlife viewing from your room; the elevated design and underground tunnels allow close wildlife observation without disturbing the animals.
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Where is Salt Lick Safari Lodge located and how do I get there?
The lodge is situated in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, about 220km southeast of Nairobi; access is via a 4-hour scenic drive or a 45-minute flight to Voi airstrip followed by a 45-minute game drive transfer.
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What type of accommodation does Salt Lick Safari Lodge offer?
The lodge features 96 rooms built on stilts with private balconies overlooking the waterhole; accommodations include standard rooms, family rooms, and suites, all designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
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What wildlife can I expect to see at Salt Lick Safari Lodge?
The waterhole attracts elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and various antelope species throughout the day; nocturnal visitors include leopards, hyenas, and other predators, with floodlit viewing available at night.
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What activities are available at Salt Lick Safari Lodge?
Activities include game drives in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, guided nature walks, cultural visits to local Taita communities, and bird watching; the lodge also offers night game drives and bush dinners under the stars.
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When is the best time to visit Salt Lick Safari Lodge?
The dry season from June to October offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate at the waterhole; however, the lodge provides year-round wildlife experiences with the green season (November-May) offering lush scenery and fewer crowds.
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What facilities and amenities does Salt Lick Safari Lodge provide?
The lodge features a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, conference facilities, and a curio shop; the unique underground tunnels and bunkers allow safe close-up wildlife photography and viewing experiences.
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Is Salt Lick Safari Lodge suitable for families with children?
Yes, the lodge welcomes families and offers family rooms and connecting accommodations; children enjoy the unique experience of watching wildlife from their room balconies and the lodge's educational programs about local wildlife and culture.
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What should I pack for a stay at Salt Lick Safari Lodge?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a warm jacket for evening game drives; bring binoculars and a camera with extra batteries for optimal wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Popular Kenya Trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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