Taita Hills Safari Resort and SPA, A Leader in Balancing Tourism and Conservation

Located in Taita Taveta County, in the coastal region of Kenya, Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa, together with its twin iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, is setting new standards for eco-tourism, conservation, and luxury.

With a clear commitment to sustainability, the twin lodges are not only enhancing guest experiences but also actively contributing to Kenya’s national agenda for increasing forest cover and protecting the environment.

The government’s push to increase forest cover to at least 30% by 2050, has been a key pillar in Kenya’s strategy to combat climate change and preserve the natural environment.

Taita Hills Safari Resort has embraced this cause wholeheartedly by creating a model that ties luxury tourism with conservation.

At the heart of their conservation efforts is the reforestation program, which has already seen the planting of over 26,000 trees across 4,000 acres of land.

This was made possible as the resort provided free, indigenous tree seedlings to the visitors and tourists to plant in the designated areas in their sanctuary.

To achieve their target, guests staying at the resort are invited to be part of this initiative through a program aptly named “Adopt a Tree.”

Under the leadership of Dr. Jacob Ngatia, the sanctuary manager encourages visitors to leave their mark by planting a tree during their stay.

“This is a site that we’ve set aside for planting trees or for the restoration of the habitat, and it is a project that we encourage each guest that visits any of our hotels to participate in,” Ngatia noted.

Combining technology with conservation, each guest receives an e-certificate after planting, allowing them to track the growth of their tree and see how much carbon dioxide it offsets from the environment.

“Every time a guest plants a tree, we generate an E-certificate whereby they are able to access and actually monitor or track the progress of their trees in terms of, you know, in terms of the number of days that its growing with other trees and also the estimated amount of carbon that it has been able to offset from the environment,” explained Ngatia.

This initiative not only reinforces the resort’s commitment to forest cover but also provides guests with a deeper sense of connection to the environment.

By engaging visitors in active reforestation, the resort has turned eco-tourism into a hands-on, personal experience, an idea that looks simple but powerful. For every tree planted, the resort contributes to restoring the habitat for local wildlife while helping to combat global climate change.

In addition, the resort’s environmental focus goes beyond reforestation. Taita Hills Safari Resort has also made strides in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem through its organic farm.

According to Maghanga Sylvester, the executive chef at Salt Lick Safari Lodge and Taita Hills Safari Resort, the farm provides the kitchen with fresh, organic vegetables, which are not only healthier for guests but also help reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint.

The farm grows a variety of vegetables and fruits ranging from collard greens commonly known as sukuma wiki to rosemary and lemongrass, as well as tropical fruits like pawpaws and jackfruits.

This organic produce is harvested by the chefs and sometimes even by guests, who are invited to participate in the farm-to-table experience.

The farm has also created jobs for the local community, employing five locals who manage and tend to the crops.

This initiative not only reduces the resort’s need to source vegetables from distant markets in Mombasa or Nairobi but also fosters a strong connection with the community, supporting livelihoods while ensuring that the resort’s kitchens run on fresh, homegrown ingredients.

“Here we have our tagline. We serve what we grow,” Sylvester stated, adding that the organic farm has reduced operational costs while contributing to the resort’s sustainability goals.

Further, while the resort’s commitment to the environment is evident in its reforestation and organic farming programs, it is also taking significant steps to enhance the guest experience in ways that align with sustainable practices.

One of the standout features of Taita Hills Safari Resort is the newly introduced infinity pool, which has quickly become a unique selling point for the resort.

Overlooking a wildlife water pan and the Mud Valley, the pool provides guests with the breathtaking experience of swimming while observing wildlife, such as elephants and zebras, coming to drink at the water hole.

Sanjeev Kumar, the resort’s General Manager, emphasizes the uniqueness of the pool stating that it is not only one of the largest in the region but it is one of the largest infinity pools found in resorts in Kenya  and which is also eco-friendly.

The pool uses a saltwater filtration system instead of traditional chlorine, reducing its environmental impact and ensuring the safety of users and that of the wildlife including the  surrounding ecosystem are  protected from harmful chemicals.

“Being in hospitality, we want to stand out differently. We have to keep up with competition from other institutions. We have been hosting international guests from all around the world and they have been to one of the biggest hotels or unique hotels in the world. So, we want to give that experience to our international guest while coming to magical Kenya,” Sanjeev remarked, adding, “and providing an eco-friendly, heated saltwater pool allows us to offer something both luxurious and sustainable.”

The pool has been an instant hit, attracting both local and international tourists. Its capacity to seamlessly integrate wildlife viewing with relaxation has made it a must-visit for travelers looking to experience Kenya’s natural beauty in a fresh and exciting way.

Ashby Mwalili, the resort’s Maintenance Manager, explains that the pool’s large deck, which holds over 70 beds, offers ample space for guests to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

With a capacity of 320,000 liters, the pool has become a symbol of the resort’s commitment to combining luxury with eco-consciousness.

Beyond the infinity pool and organic farm, the resort offers a range of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in nature while learning about conservation.

Visitors can take part in nature walks, game drives, and excursions to explore the surrounding wildlife sanctuary.

The resort also has an education center where guests can learn about the local wildlife, including interactive sessions with wildlife skulls, providing a hands-on learning experience for both children and adults.

For families staying in the region, particularly from Voi and other areas of Taita Taveta County including the neighboring counties, the infinity pool has become a major draw.

Kumar noted that domestic tourist numbers have seen a significant increase, with many families choosing to spend their holidays at the resort, enjoying the diverse activities and the eco-friendly, family-friendly atmosphere.

The combination of luxury, sustainability, and conservation has set Taita Hills Safari Resort apart as a leader in Kenya’s eco-tourism landscape, showing its ability to offer a world-class guest experience while actively protecting and restoring the environment.