Safari254

Located at the main entrance of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge is a luxury lodge of 60 spacious rooms and two suites, all with their own private viewing balcony.

I was privileged to visit the hotel together with its sister lodge the Taita Salt Lick.

The appearance of the lodge is breathtaking to say the least, the wooden façade is covered with vines of bougainvillea which at their full bloom provide for a glorious view. The lodge is in the shape of a German Fort which I suppose has something to do with the history of the area as it was a scene of the East African Campaign during the WW1.

 

 

 

 

The lodge is equally beautiful at night.

 

 

On arrival we were greeted with a glass of fresh cold juice and cold towels which was very refreshing after a long game drive at the sanctuary. The staff was so warm and welcoming throughout, very attentive to all our needs and always with a huge smile and friendly attitude.

The Reception

 

The check in process was quick and smooth. Soon I was off to my room which was on the first floor just above the reception. I can’t help but compare my room at Taita Hills to it’s sister lodge the Sarova Salt Lick – in my opinion Salt Lick was nice but the Sarova has the overall edge on facilities.

I loved my room at Taita Hills Lodge, it was much more to my taste. There was a small balcony that gave a beautiful view across to the Taita Hills beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know if I am the only one who cares about this but don’t you just hate it when hotels have their toiletries in rigid bottles. It makes getting the product out really hard. I much prefer squeeze bottles, they’re much easier to deal with. Fortunately the toiletries at Taita Hills Lodge were just how I like them.

 

There’s nothing more relaxing than a warm bath after a long day out in the sanctuary. If you so choose you can have bath and just relax.

 

 

 

The only thing wrong with my room was that the Wi-Fi signal was pretty weak, however given that I was there for a short period, I can’t say this bothered me.

Climbing the stairs to the flat roof, the 360 degree view from up there is spectacular, especially in the evening. The grounds were well maintained, watered and manicured despite the hot dry weather.

 

 

 

The nights are chilly but the cold can be kept at bay if you cosy up to the fireplace. I have to say compared to the previous night at the Sarova Salt Lick which I spent watching elephants at the waterhole, my night felt a little bit empty. I was at a loss about what to do so I just turned in early.

The bar is close to the fireplace so you can sip some wine or whiskey while you chill.

 

 

 

 

 

The rooms were great, now if only I could combine the rooms with the waterhole experience at the Sarova Salt Lick then my stay at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge Lodge would be almost perfect.

A stay at the lodge would be incomplete without visiting the World War 1 museum. The museum displays take you back in history and it’s also a great way to stay occupied if you’re not planning on going for a game drive.

 

 

Just as with its sister property they have a gift shop that stocks lovely leather goods. The quality of the items is superb, and if you are able to afford they would make lovely souvenirs.

 

The food was fantastic, a great choice with display cooking also. There was an excellent range of desserts and cakes which looked lovely – clearly a lot of talented chefs and bakers work here! Special mention to the vegetable stir fry, it was so good that I had to go for a second round. This time I did remember to take photos. Foodies this is for you.

 

A wide variety-their desserts were out of this world!!

 

 

I am a potato lover, my genes predispose me so a meal is never complete without potatoes.

 

Having spent only one night at the lodge I had to sacrifice my sleep in order to make it to the pool.

 

 

 

 

You can take a dip by the pool while enjoying the view of the wildlife at the waterhole. The waterhole is located just beyond the pool area, separated by a low hedge. The wildlife aren’t fazed by people in quite close proximity and just go about their business quietly – excellent photo ops. I really don’t think that this is an experience that can be matched by many lodges.

The zebras crowned it all when they came to the watering hole by the pool.

This place is a hidden gem, less talked about as compared to its sister (Salt lick lodge) but definitely a place worth visiting. My stay albeit short was sweet and enticing enough to make me want to go back again and again.

Unlike Sarova Salt Lick there are no age restrictions, a big plus for families with young children.

 

Disclaimer: My trip to Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge lodge was courtesy of Sarova Hotels as part of a media trip. However, all opinions expressed in this post are mine.