Taita Hills Safari Resort

Taita hills game lodge is at the main entrance to the Taita hills sanctuary in south eastern Kenya, 400 km from Nairobi and 200 km from Mombasa. An hour flight from Nairobi or 30 min from Mombasa by private charter lands at the lodge’s own airstrip. The sanctuary is a 3-hour drive from Mombasa and a 6-hour drive from Nairobi on tarmac roads. Located at the main entrance to the sanctuary, Taita hills game lodge is an inviting stone building of 60 spacious rooms and two suites, all with their own private viewing balcony. Taita hills game lodge has a museum that displays some of the World War 1 memorabilia as part of the rich history of Taita Taveta county.

Accommodation

Taita hills game lodge rooms are authentically decorated with modern amenities. The rooms provide supreme comfort, privacy and an opportunity for effortless birding, as well as the chance to view a large variety of big game from the privacy of each unit. All rooms at Taita hills game lodge are equipped with en suite bathrooms with permanent showers and WC, running hot & cold water and 240V power.

Suites

Taita hills game lodge has two elaborate suites. They are ultra-luxury suites perfect for honeymooners or those in search of sumptuous accommodation. The beautiful spacious suites include a lovely lounge and elegant bathroom. A private safari experience and optional in-room dining all combine to make this suite an absolute treat.

Standard rooms

Taita hills game lodge has 60 well-appointed standard rooms with stunning views of the lush gardens surrounding the lodge, the beautiful free form swimming pool and some have exclusive views of the watering hole. Rooms at the Lodge are with double, twin or triple beds depending on room type. All rooms have a private viewing balcony commanding views of the adjacent Taita Hills, the well-maintained gardens and surrounding Sanctuary. The elegantly furnished rooms are spacious with a sitting area and ensuite bathrooms.

Maktau military line

Close to Mashoti is the site of a skirmish between a coy section of the 25th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and a group of German saboteurs where they engaged in close hand to hand combat resulting in fatalities from both sides.

Mashoti fort

Built by the Loyal North Lancashire Regt in late 1915, trenches and typical regulation design British Fort laid out according to the book. Today, it is eroded but fairly visible and easily accessible.

Maktau

A dusty sleepy little village today. But in 1915 it accommodated over 20,000 empire troops and the first airfield in East Africa. Unfortunately nothing remains of the important role that the area played. Nearby is Pequet Hill with remains of dry stone wall fortifications on top with magnificent views over the Tsavo Serengeti plains to the west and Mt. Kilimanjaro. One can often drive close to the top followed by a short walk to the fort. Maktau railway station on the now abandoned military line between Voi and Taveta is quite interesting to see. The remaining railway line signals the presence of equipment.

Maktau war graves

CWGC Memorial to several Indian soldiers who were killed defending General Malleson when ambushed by the Germans. It originally had British casualties who were re-interred at Voi.

Snipers baobab tree

Legend has it that a German woman was holed up in this magnificent hollow Baobab Tree, sniping at British troops as they tried to attack Salaita Hill.

Salaita hill

Described by the British Commanders as the cork in the bottle that had to be taken out before the contents of German East Africa were revealed. Strategically located between the Pare mountains in the South and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the west. Salaita was quickly occupied and made into a strong defensive position by the Germans in 1914. The hill was attacked thrice by the British who were beaten off with heavy loss each time.

Mahoo area

A church missionary society mission post that was occupied by the Germans in September 1914 and subsequently fortified by them. Several well preserved trenches can still be seen here.

Taveta war graves European cemetery

Mainly holds the dead from the various attacks made on Salaita and the surrounding area and also from the battle at Latema & Reata ridges. Also has the dead from the German war. On a Battlefield Tour, ceremonial wreaths may be placed on the cross of sacrifice.

Former Taveta police station

In desperate need of restoration. It was from this building that the first shots of the land campaign were fired from, signaling the start of the East African campaign.

Taveta war graves Indian cemetery

A memorial to 29 Indian soldiers killed in the area during the East African campaign.

Voi war graves

A consolidated cemetery with corpses recovered from scattered burial places after the war and re-interred here. Lt. Dartnell VC was buried here.

Dining

Renowned for its exquisite dining experience, Sarova Taita Hills game lodge excels in the freshness and quality of its food which is supported by the lodge’s own vegetable and herb garden.

Chala restaurant

This is the main restaurant serving buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also fitted with live cooking counters suitable for preparing specialty dishes. We offer a wide variety of mouth-watering cuisines ranging from: Pan-African, Pan-European and Pan-Asian. The salad buffet counter has a wide variety of salads using the fresh ingredients and herbs from the lodge’s own vegetable and herb garden. The dessert buffet has a selection of delightful desserts. Vegetarian Dishes are always available, and guests with any special dietary requirements are also catered for. The restaurant can accommodate a total of 200 people.

Lobby bar

The bar is the ideal place to relax and unwind while listening to the rich tunes of the Taita people. Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge prides itself on an extensive cellar of imported wines, a wide range of premium spirits and other preferred beverages from a well-stocked bar.

Champagne breakfast

A unique experience of dining in the wilderness on a sumptuous Breakfast accompanied with champagne. The breakfast includes live cooking against the Backdrop of the Taita Hills and grassy plains of the Sanctuary.

Outdoor catering

Outdoor catering dubbed kitchens of Sarova caters for a wide range of occasions from corporate events, business lunches, office parties, Christmas parties, social events and weddings.

Bush dinners

The landscape sets the backdrop for a bush dinner at Kudu point. Sunsets and views of Mount Kilimanjaro provides is truly unique as you sip sundowners and eat barbecue in the wild, accompanied by a trio of local musicians.

Picnic hamper

For guests who want to enjoy longer game drives, the lodge offers a picnic hamper with light meals.

Conferences

Sarova Taita Hills game lodge offers modern facilities for the perfect conference in the wild. The Baraza room and the Mwandu room are equipped with LCD and projector. The two rooms can take up to 150 people making this an ideal location for meetings, incentives and experiential learning. The Sarova Survivor challenge is also available at the lodge

Weddings

Taita hills game lodge lends itself naturally to the ideal exotic wedding flavoured with the culture and traditions of the Taita. You will be guaranteed a wedding experience of a lifetime that is differential and above the rest. This is one of the  honeymoon places in Africa, it promises an exotic environment. The lodge is fully geared to take up all the set-up so that guests can truly enjoy without worrying about the details. These include venue, beads and handicraft, flowers, music and dance, bubbly toast, tiered cake and bush dinner. The marriage license and registration are also taken care of.

Spa

The Tulia wellness tent is managed by trained massage therapists and a full menu of treatments is available including Swedish, aromatherapy and Ayurveda.