Safari in Tsavo East National Park

Although I've lived most of my life in Kenya, I'd never been on a safari until earlier this year...

This past summer, my mum, my sister, and I spent a wonderful night at The Sarova Salt Lick Lodge in Tsavo East National Park, Voi. We arrived at the lodge in the afternoon, having been warned not to get there too late, as it would be hard for us to go in with the wild animals roaming around. 

As we waited to go to our bedroom, we had some refreshments and toured the premises. The lodge is comprised of huts that sit on tall stilts, creating enough space for the animals to roam freely on the ground without any human disturbance. The distance from the ground also provides guests with a perfect view of the watering hole, where the animals come to quench their thirst from time to time.

After a quick tour of the lodge, we were shown to our room. We were pleasantly surprised to find our bedroom window facing one of the paths used by the animals to go to and from the watering hole.
After freshening up, we had lunch at the main restaurant and then went back to our room for a short nap. By the time we were going back to the main area of the lodge for dinner, a herd of elephants had come to the watering hole for a drink of water. It was such a magical experience, watching them drink and interact with one another in the unique way that elephants do. 🐘
The following morning, we got up early to get ready for our safari, and as luck would have it a herd of buffaloes was leaving the watering hole just as I was drawing open the bedroom curtains! 
​

There were so many of them that we caught sight of them still walking away when we went on our safari. A herd of antelopes also ran past our truck as we were driving through the park, and we also caught sight of giraffes quietly chewing away some leaves before finally heading back to the resort.
During our stay at Sarova Salt Lick Lodge, we saw antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, and zebras - and a couple of wild birds. So, it's safe to say that the trip was worth our while. 😊
​
Below are some pictures and a vlog I took of our safari.

But before that, here are my *5 Tips for Planning a Stay and a Safari at Sarova Salt Lick Lodge:

1.Plan to arrive at the lodge before 6:00 pm. Wild animals are almost always roaming around the lodge, so it can be dangerous for you to get there after dark.
2. Always be on the lookout for animals while you're staying at the lodge. You just never know when they'll decide to make a trip to the watering hole.
3. Make sure you visit the underground tunnel at the lodge. It is a safe space located quite close to the watering hole, giving you a clear view of the animals up close.
4. Plan your safari for a sunny afternoon. According to our ranger, this is the best time to see a large number of animals as most of them are out and about looking for water at that time.
5. Inform your ranger if there are any specific animals you want to see during your safari. The rangers usually communicate and let each other know when and where they spot certain animals.


​- ✗O✗O.