It is end of an era after the iconic Taita-Hills and Salt-Lick Games Lodges in Tsavo National Park became the first high-profile casualties of economic slowdown in tourism industry in Kenya following Sarova Group of Hotels’ announcement to terminate the contract of managing the two properties.
The twin lodges are located within the sprawling 28-000 acres Taita-Hills Sanctuary in Mwatate sub-county along the Voi-Holili Highway and have been under the management of Sarova since 2007.
Sarova’s Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said the termination of the management of the two world-class facilities will take effect from July 1 this year.
“From that date, they will no longer be operated under the Sarova portfolio,” reads the communication announcing the termination letter dated Wednesday May 6.
The move has been interpreted as effort by Sarova Hotels to mitigate against the adverse effects of Covid-19 which continue to devastate tourism industry in Kenya. As expected, the news have sent shockwaves through the tour industry and players in the region. Anxieties are intensifying over the possible job losses even as a new management is expected to take over the property.
The two lodges are rated amongst the top hotels in Tsavo and are ranked amongst the best in global hotel portfolios largely due to their world-class services, breath-taking sceneries and legendary hospitality.
