5-Day Taita Hills Safari

Depart Nairobi after breakfast, driving southeast towards the iconic Tsavo region. Bypass the main parks and ascend instead into the refreshing, green-clad Taita Hills arriving at your charming hillside lodge by lunchtime, where the cooler climate is a welcome change. In the afternoon, embark on a guided nature walk through the indigenous forests or coffee plantations surrounding the lodge. Learn about the unique ecology of this sky island and enjoying panoramic views of the plains below. Your evening is spent in the peaceful, highland ambiance.

After a hearty breakfast, dive deep into the culture of the Taita people. We are visiting an authentic Taita Cultural Village for a heartfelt and educational experience. You are being welcomed by community elders, learning about traditional homesteads, ancient customs, storytelling, and intricate craft-making like basket weaving. This interactive visit is fostering a genuine connection with Kenya’s heritage. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the lodge, enjoy the views and to  take an optional guided hike to a local historical site, such as a cave or viewpoint sacred to the community.

Enjoy a final morning in the hills before we begin our descent towards the arid lowlands. Our destination is the serene Lake Jipe, straddling the Kenya-Tanzania border. You are checking into a rustic, eco-friendly camp near the lake shore. In the late afternoon, we are setting out on a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Jipe. You are gliding through papyrus reeds, watching for hippos, crocodiles and an incredible array of waterbirds, with the majestic Pare Mountains of Tanzania forming a stunning backdrop. The sunset over the lake is creating a picture-perfect end to the day.

Bid farewell to Lake Jipe after breakfast and taking a scenic drive to one of Kenya’s most spectacular natural wonders: Lake Chala. This deep, freshwater crater lake is nestled in a sheer volcanic caldera. You are checking into your tented camp perched on the crater rim, where your breath is taken away by the first glimpse of the lake’s mesmerizing shades of blue and green. In the afternoon, you are descending with a guide to the lake shore for a refreshing swim (conditions permitting) or a peaceful canoe ride on the calm, clear waters, surrounded by towering crater walls.

Wake up to an unforgettable experience: watching the sunrise over Lake Chala from the crater rim, a truly magical moment for photography and reflection. After a leisurely breakfast, you are enjoying some final moments soaking in the profound tranquility of this special place. We are then beginning our journey back to Nairobi, driving through savannah and farmland. You are arriving in the city by mid-to-late afternoon, where Kabiru Tours is ensuring a smooth transfer to your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your unique cultural and scenic safari.