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4 days - Samburu and Ol Pejeta in northern Kenya

The northern frontier Samburu's Special 5 and Ol Pejeta

Four days in northern Kenya: game drives in Samburu Game Reserve for its rare Special 5 species, then Ol Pejeta Conservancy, with views of Mt Kenya and a chimpanzee sanctuary.

1 Country
2 Stops
3 Nights
Medium to Top Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Samburu and Ol Pejeta
Samburu and Ol Pejeta Avoid
January Primary window

Dry and hot in the north, with game drawn to the Ewaso Ng'iro river and to Ol Pejeta's water.

Dry, open bush

The route

Samburu Ol Pejeta
01

Kenya

Samburu Game Reserve and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, with a return to Nairobi on the last day.

Arrive in Nairobi, pick up from the Airport (or from Nairobi Hotel after breakfast), and proceed to the Northern territory of Kenya, home of the Samburu tribe, who are cousins to the Masai. The area is a semi-arid region that is scenically and faunally dramatic under the hot equatorial sun with annual mean temperatures ranging from 18-30 degrees Celsius. This rugged semi-desert region, however, is home to the ‘SPECIAL 5’ game species rarely found elsewhere. Some of the rare species found in Samburu like Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, gerenuk, and the Gravy’s Zebra and teems with lots of other wildlife. You will arrive in time for lunch after a 5-hour drive followed by an afternoon game drive before returning to Lodge/Camp
You spend a full day in the Samburu Reserve, where you will have a morning and evening game drive. You will continue to search for the rare species of the Samburu as they find relief on the River Ewaso Ng’iro that runs through the reserve. The reserve is relatively smaller than other reserves and national parks but offers a great encounter. There are several weird and wonderful wildlife species endemic to this area, such as the Gerenuk antelope, Leopard, lion, cheetah, and hyenas, are easy to spot. For bird lovers, there is lots of bird life on the trees along the river with some of the bird species being endangered species.
After breakfast Samburu departs for the nearby Ol Pejeta conservancy. It is between the Aberdares and Mt Kenya (Kenya’s highest mountain) and offers some great views of Mt Kenya on a clear day. It is a private non-profit-making conservancy on 90,000 acres of land saddling the Equator. Arrive midmorning with a game drive en route to the Sweetwaters Tented Camp for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in this home of the Big 5 and you visit the Chimpanzee sanctuary, visit Baraka the tamed adult black rhino who lives in his enclosure after losing his eyesight you can even be able to feed Baraka from the platform and gets you a personal interaction with a black rhino. It is therefore a very good chance that you will see the rare rhinos on this safari.
On the last day of the safari, you wake up for breakfast before enjoying the last game drive as you head back to Nairobi. There are several optional activities that you could choose from while at Ol Pejeta like a visit to the Northern White Rhino Enclosure, a visit to closely interact with the Chimpanzees as they are fed (Behind the Scene Chimpanzee) at extra costs. Drive back to Nairobi (3 Hours) in time for lunch before being transferred to the NBO for an evening flight into Mombasa or Diani for your beach holiday OR to connect to an international flight out of Nairobi.

How you finish

Fly to the coast · Evening flight to Mombasa or DianiAfter lunch in Nairobi you transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Mombasa or Diani, to start a beach stay.

The detail

About this trip

This safari will take you to an area we call the northern frontier, where we find some of Kenya’s unexplored game viewing areas, namely the Samburu Game Reserve. Not so many people visit this region and therefore gives relaxation and experience on game drives. This reserve is a special place to visit because of its Special 5-which are a rare species of animals that are not being found elsewhere and as well as 4 of the Big 5 including many other animal species and lots of bird life. After exploring Samburu, you drive to the nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is at the base of Kenya’s highest mountain, Mt Kenya. Ol Pejeta is home to the big 5 as well as the home of the biggest black rhino sanctuary and home to the only 2 remaining Northern White rhinos and as well as a chimpanzee sanctuary. It is a small conservancy in terms of area, making the experience of game viewing one of the best. Ol Pejeta is a recommended destination for families with young children because it is extremely fulfilling.

What is included

  • Samburu Safari – encounter the rare “Special Five” in a wild, remote landscape.
  • Ol Pejeta – Big Five drives and rhino conservation experiences.
  • Chimpanzee Sanctuary – visit Kenya’s only chimp refuge.
  • Scenic Views – dramatic rivers, acacia plains, and Mount Kenya vistas.
  • Luxury Lodges – comfort and style in untamed wilderness.

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do we travel from Nairobi to Samburu and Ol Pejeta?
The trip is by road. On day 1 you are collected from the airport, or from your Nairobi hotel after breakfast, and drive about five hours north to Samburu Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. On day 3 you drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. On day 4 you drive back to Nairobi, about three hours, in time for lunch and an onward flight.
When is the best time for Samburu and Ol Pejeta?
January, February, June to October and December score highest, when it is dry and game gathers at the Ewaso Ng’iro river and Ol Pejeta’s water. August is the peak dry-season month. March, November and the rains of April and May are less settled, with showers, softer tracks and muddy ground around Ol Pejeta.
What does a typical day look like in Samburu and Ol Pejeta?
Day 2 is a full day in Samburu with a morning and an evening game drive, looking for the reserve’s special species along the river. On day 3 you arrive at Ol Pejeta in mid-morning, have lunch, then an afternoon game drive and visits to the chimpanzee sanctuary and Baraka the black rhino. Day 4 begins with a last game drive.
What is optional on the Samburu and Ol Pejeta safari?
On day 4, while at Ol Pejeta, you can add a visit to the Northern White Rhino Enclosure or a behind-the-scenes chimpanzee feeding, both at extra cost. At the end you can fly from Nairobi to Mombasa or Diani for a beach stay, or connect to an international flight. Dates and lodges are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Man in a turquoise top and beaded collar in front of thatched huts

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

A five-hour drive

The road from Nairobi to Samburu takes about five hours, so you arrive for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Keep water and a layer in your daypack.

Samburu's rare species

The reserve is home to Grevy's zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk and the Beisa oryx. A morning and evening drive on day two gives you time to find them.

The equator and Mount Kenya

Ol Pejeta lies on the equator between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, which shows on clear days. Mornings give the best views.

Baraka the black rhino

Baraka lost his sight and lives in an enclosure at Ol Pejeta, where you can feed him from a platform.

A good choice with children

The conservancy is compact and varied, which makes it a good first safari for families with young children.

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Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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