Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses roughly 260 square kilometers of privately managed conservation land in Taita-Taveta County, adjacent to Tsavo West National Park. The sanctuary’s topography is diverse, and home to an impressive array of more than 30 large-mammal species, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, reticulated giraffe, and Grevy’s zebra. Birdlife is equally remarkable, with over 350 recorded species. Notably, the Taita thrush and Taita apalis—both endemic to this area—are key highlights for ornithologists and eco-tourism stakeholders alike. The sanctuary’s strategic location and ecological diversity position it as a valuable asset for conservation and tourism.
Guests can experience savannah, acacia woodland, and upland forest all in a single morning, maximizing their time in the reserve. Game drives navigate through salt-lick clearings, often providing prime viewing opportunities as elephant herds gather. For those interested in ecology and birdlife, guided walks in the upper forests offer chances to observe rare endemic birds. The canopy walkway, suspended among indigenous trees, delivers a distinct perspective over the forest, ideal for photography or relaxation. In addition, interactions with Taita community guides offer valuable insights into traditional land-use practices and highlight the strength of local conservation partnerships.
Game Drives
Guests travel in well-equipped 4x4 vehicles, guided by experienced professionals who lead excursions across open plains and along forest edges. Key locations such as salt licks and watering holes offer excellent chances to observe elephants, buffalo, and reticulated giraffes. Certain drives extend into Tsavo West, providing potential sightings of larger carnivores and expanding the range of wildlife encounters.
Forest Walks & Birdwatching
For clients seeking a more immersive experience, ranger-led forest walks in the Taita Hills provide direct exposure to the region’s biodiversity. The 60-meter canopy walkway offers elevated perspectives, ideal for observing rare butterflies and the forest canopy.
Birdwatching stops focus on endemic species, notably the Taita thrush. Specialist-guided bird-watching sessions are available at dawn and dusk, targeting both forest and savannah habitats. Participants may encounter highland species such as McLeod’s bustard and Tacazze sunbird, as well as raptors like bateleur and African harrier-hawk.
Night Drives & Night Walks
Nighttime activities utilize open-top vehicles and guided lantern walks to highlight nocturnal species including civets, genets, and porcupines, with occasional leopard sightings. Guided night walks follow designated routes, utilizing red-light torches to minimize wildlife disturbance while enhancing the chance of observing nocturnal behavior and listening for hyena calls.
This page is a simple list of some of the more outstanding accommodation in Amboseli National Park in the Luxury, Mid Range and Budget categories.
The sanctuary’s canopy walkway is the only one of its kind in Kenya, providing a treetop experience usually found only in tropical rainforest reserves.
Endemic Taita thrush and Taita apalis occur nowhere else in the world, surviving only in the fragmented forests of the Taita Hills.
Taita Hills forms part of the larger Tsavo–Mkomazi ecosystem, enabling seasonal migrations of elephant and buffalo between Kenya and Tanzania.
Revenues from tourism in the sanctuary directly fund local schools and health clinics, exemplifying successful community‑based conservation.
Plan your visit
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