4-Day Samburu & Ol Pejeta Safari
This expertly crafted 4-day safari links two of northern Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations into a seamless circuit. Beginning in Samburu National Reserve, where the Ewaso Ng'iro River sustains extraordinary concentrations of elephants, leopards, and the rare Samburu Special Five, the journey then descends to the Laikipia Plateau and Ol Pejeta Conservancy — East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary and home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. In Samburu, the landscape is dramatic and semi-arid, with ochre-red earth, doum palms, and volcanic hills creating a backdrop unlike any other in Kenya. Reticulated giraffes, gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, and Beisa oryx roam the scrublands, while leopards drape themselves over riverside branches. Two game drives immerse you in this harsh yet beautiful ecosystem. At Ol Pejeta, the mood shifts to rolling grasslands beneath the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Here you will visit the endangered species enclosure, track Big Five across the conservancy, and experience a night game drive to spot nocturnal creatures. This multi-park safari offers incredible diversity in just four days, making it ideal for travellers who want both wild adventure and conservation impact.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve — A2 Highway North (325 km, ~5.5 hrs)
6:30 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2) through Thika, Sagana, and Karatina, climbing through the cool Central Highlands. Cross the equator at Nanyuki (photo stop) and continue through Isiolo town before descending into the semi-arid Samburu lowlands. Arrive at your lodge by 12:30 pm for lunch. 3:30 pm — Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Spot elephant herds spraying themselves with red-ochre mud, reticulated giraffes browsing tall acacias, and the iconic gerenuk — the giraffe-necked antelope — standing upright to feed. Scan the riverine forest for leopards and the open plains for hunting cheetahs. Return to camp by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Samburu Game Drives — Buffalo Springs & Ewaso Ng'iro River
6:00 am — Sunrise game drive through the northern sector. Track lions in the cool dawn, watch Somali ostriches trot across dusty plains, and search for the elusive striped hyena. Drive through Buffalo Springs, where natural springs draw dense congregations of Grevy's zebra and Beisa oryx. 9:00 am — Return for breakfast and midday rest. 3:30 pm — Afternoon drive along the southern riverbank. Nile crocodiles bask on sandy banks, hippo pods surface in deeper pools, and martial eagles soar overhead. Watch vulturine guineafowl — arguably Africa's most beautiful game bird — picking through the understorey. Return to camp by 6:30 pm for a farewell Samburu dinner.
Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy — via Isiolo & Nanyuki (170 km, ~2.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Early morning game drive in Samburu for last sightings. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Drive south through Isiolo to Nanyuki and west to Ol Pejeta Conservancy gate. Arrive by 12:00 pm. Check in and enjoy lunch with Mt Kenya's snow-capped peaks as your backdrop. 2:30 pm — Afternoon game drive in open 4x4 vehicles (unique to Ol Pejeta). Visit the enclosure of Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Continue to the Endangered Species Enclosure for close-range black rhino sightings. Spot buffalo, eland, and Jackson's hartebeest on the open savannah. 5:00 pm — Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, East Africa's only chimp refuge, before returning to camp. Optional night game drive (additional $50 pp) to spot aardvark, bush baby, and white-tailed mongoose.
Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi — A2 Highway South (230 km, ~3.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Final sunrise game drive through Ol Pejeta's eastern boundary. Mt Kenya's twin peaks glow in the morning light as waterbuck and bushbuck emerge from the dewy undergrowth. Stop at the Morani Information Centre to learn about the conservancy's pioneering wildlife model. 8:30 am — Full breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Depart south through Nanyuki, past the equator, through Sagana and onto Thika Superhighway. Packed lunch provided. Arrive in Nairobi by approximately 1:30 pm. Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
ℹ️ IMPORTANT PRICING INFORMATION
Advertised safari prices are based on regular seasonal rates and may vary depending on accommodation category, availability, and travel dates at time of booking. Expect marginal price variations based on specific accommodation choices and safari seasons.
Package rates may be subject to supplementary charges during peak periods including Easter, Christmas, New Year, Great Migration season, and public holidays, as accommodation providers impose seasonal surcharges. Easter supplements may also apply to selected properties during the Easter weekend. Any applicable supplements will be clearly communicated and included in your final quotation before confirmation of booking.
Prices are in USD Per Person Sharing in a double/twin en-suite room.
What's Included
- ✓Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking safari guide
- ✓All park and conservancy fees
- ✓3 nights full-board accommodation
- ✓Game drives including night drive as outlined in the itinerary
- ✓Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit
- ✓Endangered species enclosure visit
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Tips and gratuities
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Personal expenses and laundry
- ✗Optional activities not in the itinerary
Safari Seasons & Rates Guide
Package rates vary by season. Select a season in the pricing table below to view rates.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room. Includes all park/conservancy fees, full-board accommodation, game drives, and Nairobi transfers.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,530 | $2,780 | $3,030 | $3,670 |
| 2 Persons | $1,780 | $1,960 | $2,140 | $2,580 |
| 3 Persons | $1,570 | $1,720 | $1,880 | $2,270 |
| 4 Persons | $1,480 | $1,630 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
| 5 Persons | $1,410 | $1,550 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 6-7 Persons | $1,350 | $1,490 | $1,620 | $1,960 |
| Single Room Supplement | $160 | $200 | $230 | $310 |
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.