Samburu & Ol Pejeta Conservation Safari

Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Price
$1,050 – $1,900
Group Size
Max 6
Difficulty
Easy

Northern Kenya is a different world from the popular southern circuit. This four-day safari takes you into the semi-arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve and the pioneering Ol Pejeta Conservancy, delivering wildlife encounters you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Samburu is home to the “Special Five” — five species found nowhere else in Kenya’s southern parks: the Grevy’s zebra (endangered, with thinner stripes than the common plains zebra), the reticulated giraffe (a stunning network pattern unlike the Masai giraffe), the Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk (the “giraffe gazelle” that stands on its hind legs to browse). Add to these large numbers of elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs, and you have one of Kenya’s most rewarding game-viewing destinations.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth — Najin and Fatu — making it a pilgrimage site for conservation-minded travellers. The conservancy also operates East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and a chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these great apes.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Depart Nairobi and drive north through the Central Highlands, crossing the equator at Nanyuki. Continue to Samburu National Reserve (approximately 5.5 hours). The landscape transitions from green highlands to the dramatic semi-arid terrain of the northern frontier. Arrive at your riverside lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, searching for the Samburu Special Five, elephants, and crocodiles.

2

Full Day in Samburu

Full day exploring Samburu's diverse habitats. Morning drive focuses on the riverine forest where leopards hunt and elephants drink. Cross the river to Buffalo Springs Reserve for different terrain and species. Search for wild dogs, lion prides, and the endangered Grevy's zebra. Optional visit to a Samburu community to learn about their semi-nomadic pastoral traditions and beadwork (additional cost). Afternoon drive and sundowner overlooking the river.

3

Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Morning game drive in Samburu before departing south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Nanyuki (approximately 3 hours). After lunch, guided visit to the northern white rhino enclosure to see Najin and Fatu — the last of their subspecies. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimps from Central Africa. Evening game drive in the conservancy, which hosts all Big Five species.

4

Ol Pejeta to Nairobi

Early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta, focusing on the black rhino sanctuary — the conservancy protects over 150 black rhinos, the largest population in East Africa. After breakfast, drive south to Nairobi (approximately 3.5 hours). Arrive by early afternoon with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

What's Included

  • Return transport from Nairobi in 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • All park and conservancy entry fees
  • Full-board accommodation
  • Expert naturalist driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy guided visit
  • Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
  • Bottled water during drives

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Kenya e-visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional Samburu cultural village visit ($25 pp)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Personal expenses

Interested in this tour?

Get in touch for availability, custom itineraries, and group rates.