Salt Lick Lodge - Tsavo West National Park
Salt Lick Lodge is a hotel near Tsavo West National Park.
- Location
- Tsavo West National Park, Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya, East Africa
- Coordinates
- -3.531779, 38.222430
- Elevation
- 910m
- Activities
- hotel
PlnrScore: 35/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
551 species observed within 20 km, 44 mammals, 209 birds.
- Hartebeest (Mammalia, 49 observations)
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 46 observations)
- Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 44 observations)
- Lion (Mammalia, 43 observations)
- Waterbuck (Mammalia, 36 observations)
- Maasai Giraffe (Mammalia, 30 observations)
- Common Ostrich (Aves, 27 observations)
- African Buffalo (Mammalia, 27 observations)
- Yellow Baboon (Mammalia, 27 observations)
- Superb Starling (Aves, 26 observations)
Monthly Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29.6C | 18.8C | 89.1mm |
| Feb | 30.9C | 19.3C | 65.7mm |
| Mar | 30.8C | 19.6C | 68mm |
| Apr | 27.8C | 19.2C | 138.1mm |
| May | 27.3C | 17.7C | 45.1mm |
| Jun | 26.6C | 16.3C | 9.2mm |
| Jul | 26.2C | 15.5C | 11mm |
| Aug | 27C | 15.6C | 13.9mm |
| Sep | 28.1C | 16.2C | 15.7mm |
| Oct | 29.8C | 17.4C | 30.8mm |
| Nov | 28.4C | 18.6C | 166.3mm |
| Dec | 28.2C | 18.8C | 109.1mm |
Best Time to Visit Salt Lick Lodge
The best months to visit Salt Lick Lodge are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 23.02°C, rainfall 59.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 68.1%
- February: Great, temperature 23.78°C, rainfall 41.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 65.8%
- March: Great, temperature 23.7°C, rainfall 69mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.5%
- April: Good, temperature 21.92°C, rainfall 105.6mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 79.9%
- May: Great, temperature 21.04°C, rainfall 32.9mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 75.3%
- June: Great, temperature 19.96°C, rainfall 7.4mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 71.6%
- July: Great, temperature 19.42°C, rainfall 4.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 70.4%
- August: Great, temperature 19.66°C, rainfall 4.6mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 69.7%
- September: Great, temperature 20.54°C, rainfall 6.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 69%
- October: Great, temperature 22.01°C, rainfall 32.8mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 67.3%
- November: Good, temperature 22°C, rainfall 147.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 75.8%
- December: Great, temperature 22.14°C, rainfall 93.4mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 76%
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Salt Lick Lodge unique for wildlife viewing compared to other lodges?
Salt Lick Lodge is distinctively built on stilts, offering panoramic views of a series of waterholes and a salt lick where animals gather. Guests can observe a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and various antelopes, directly from their rooms or the lodge's common areas, often at very close range. The lodge also features an underground bunker for an even more intimate viewing experience.
When is the best time to visit Salt Lick Lodge for optimal wildlife sightings at its waterholes?
The dry seasons, typically from June to October and January to February, are ideal for visiting Salt Lick Lodge. During these months, water sources are scarce elsewhere, compelling animals to congregate more frequently and reliably around the lodge's waterholes, offering exceptional and consistent viewing opportunities. Evenings are particularly active as animals come to drink.
How does Salt Lick Lodge's location within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary affect game drive experiences?
Salt Lick Lodge is situated within the private Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, which borders Tsavo West National Park, providing a unique safari experience. Guests primarily enjoy game drives within the sanctuary itself, known for its abundant wildlife and excellent guiding, and can also arrange day trips into the larger Tsavo West National Park for broader exploration. This setup offers a blend of intimate sanctuary viewing and expansive national park adventures.
Are there activities available at Salt Lick Lodge beyond game viewing from the lodge itself?
Yes, beyond the exceptional waterhole viewing, Salt Lick Lodge offers additional activities to enhance your safari. Guests can participate in guided nature walks within the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, providing a closer look at the smaller flora and fauna, or visit a local Maasai village for a cultural immersion. There is also a swimming pool for relaxation between game viewing sessions.
What should I expect regarding safety and security while staying at Salt Lick Lodge?
Salt Lick Lodge maintains high safety standards, with 24-hour security personnel on site and the lodge's elevated design naturally keeping guests secure from ground-level wildlife. While animals roam freely around the waterholes, guests are always advised to follow lodge guidelines, especially regarding movement after dark, to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. The lodge's location within a private sanctuary also contributes to a controlled and secure environment.