Overnight Private Safari Saltlick Lodge From Mombasa Diani

Don't book private book a tour

The reason I booked to come to Kenya, was to experience the saltlicks lodges after seeing them on social media. My expectation and excitement was sky high. I waited a year to experience this and thought all my dreams would come true. Sadly I was left upset, deflated and nearly left to go back to the hotel in mombasa. I booked direct as I thought the business gets full tariff. The communication was poor and I was left not understanding what was going on. We arrived at Voi Station and found our driver, the excitement was growing. He was exceptional he took us to the lodges and gave us a tour on the way. We arrived at the lodges and this is when it went down hill. We completed arrival paperwork and then, kept being told to go for lunch and then collect keys. We weren't hungry it was early, but we did as we was told. I kept hearing your safari is at 4pm, but we didn't get told anything. So I went and asked a reception( they were busy I could see that, but also I came for the safari so needed info) So long story short- if you book private You are only on room and food package. NO SAFARI, which would of been absolutely fine, if we'd been informed and offered a spot. Money wasn't the problem the communication was. So basically there is absolutely nothing to do, unless you go on safari and if there is no safari, you are a spare part. The hotel is part of booking so you can go there and use facilities- but again it's not that easy, its when a driver is free. I felt a total pain, and inconvenience asking, but we couldn't just sit looking at an empty water hole. I know if I'd just booked 1 day on a safari tour it would of been 💯 better. But 2 days direct private was a poor experience. Thankfully naomi messaged me and got us on the 06am and 4pm on Saturday with driver Martin. So we did 2 safari. Martin made our disappointment 😞 turn into a much better experience. Thank you Martin and Naomi. We saw lion, giraffe and zebra. Sadly most animals had left. The lodges by no doubt are beautiful, and a different date or experience it would have been mind-blowing. Be warned Annette the door host needs a new role, she was rude during every encounter not just to customers but to the staff too. I watched her snatch the cultlrery tray from a young girl ( she was only answer a customers question) Its sad, because the cooks, the bar staff and other waiters were all lovely. Please change the door host, she upsets the ambience. We used the bar, but obviously its full of bugs coming in. Would I recommend-ABSOLUTELY But book 1 night, do it through a tour operator. Not private And make sure its animal season Big thank you namoi and Martin

Response from the operator: Hello Ruth. We would like to clarify the above review you have written is not for us since we didn't do any tours with you or even you booking with our Company. I think you mistakenly addressed the wrong company. Reading your review your supposed to write on Taita hills wildlife lodge page not our company Zazu Safari Ventures Ltd. Kindly if you can pull down this review will really appreciate.

via Tripadvisor