4-Day Samburu & Ol Pejeta Safari to Diani Beach | Special Five, Big Five & Rhino Conservation Bush-to-Beach Combo
Combine Kenya's wild north with the world's most important rhino sanctuary before Diani Beach
This six-day northern Kenya odyssey combines two of East Africa's most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Begin in the dramatic semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, tracking the Special Five along the life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River, then transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for Big Five game drives, exclusive night safaris, and a humbling encounter with the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Your adventure concludes with a comfortable SGR train journey to the coast and a seamless drop-off at your Diani Beach hotel.
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 the Central Highlands. Cross the equator at Nanyuki (photo stop). Continue through Isiolo into the Samburu lowlands. Arrive by 12:30 pm. Lunch at your lodge on the Ewaso Ng'iro River. 3:30 pm — Afternoon game drive. Spot elephant herds, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuk. Scan for leopards in fig trees. Return by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Samburu — Buffalo Springs & the Special Five
6:00 am — Sunrise game drive. Track predators, drive through Buffalo Springs for Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. 9:00 am — Return for breakfast. 3:30 pm — Afternoon drive along the river. Nile crocodiles, hippos, martial eagles. Optional Samburu village visit ($25 pp). Return by 6:30 pm.
Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy — via Isiolo & Nanyuki (170 km, ~2.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Morning game drive. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Drive south through Isiolo to Nanyuki and west to Ol Pejeta. Arrive by 12:00 pm. Lunch with Mt Kenya views. 2:30 pm — Open-vehicle game drive. Visit Najin and Fatu — the last two northern white rhinos. Endangered Species Enclosure for black rhinos. 5:00 pm — Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Return by 6:30 pm. Optional night game drive ($50 pp).
Ol Pejeta Morning Drive & Transfer to Nairobi — A2 Highway South (230 km, ~3.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Final sunrise game drive. Mt Kenya glows pink as waterbuck and eland graze the open savannah. Visit the Morani Information Centre. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Depart south through Nanyuki, past the equator, through Sagana and onto Thika Superhighway. Packed lunch. Arrive at Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) by 1:30 pm. 3:20 pm — Board the afternoon Madaraka Express SGR to Mombasa (472 km, ~5 hrs, First Class). Arrive Mombasa Terminus by 8:30 pm. Transfer to Diani Beach (40 km, ~1 hr). Arrive at your resort by 9:30 pm.
⟶Madaraka Express SGR Train Schedule
Board the high-speed Madaraka Express from your nearest station to Mombasa — air-conditioned comfort with panoramic views of Tsavo's plains.
| Nairobi Terminus | Emali (Near Amboseli) | Mtito Andei (Tsavo West) | Voi (Tsavo East) | Mombasa Terminus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 9:27 AM / 9:31 AM | 10:50 AM / 10:51 AM | 12:02 PM / 12:08 PM | 2:00 PM |
Train Option
Board at the nearest station after your safari — Voi (Tsavo East) or Mtito Andei (Tsavo West). Arrive Mombasa by 2:00 PM. First-class tickets included in your package. A C.A.T.S representative meets you at Mombasa Terminus for the transfer to your beach hotel.
Jeep Option to the Coast
Prefer to continue in your private 4×4 Land Cruiser? No problem — at no extra cost. Your guide drives you directly to your Diani Beach hotel, arriving approximately 5:00 PM with wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Booking Information
- All prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room
- Single room supplement available on request
- Children under 12 receive discounted rates
- Custom itineraries available — contact us for a personalised quote
- Prices valid for 2025/2026 season — subject to park fee changes
What's Included
- ✓Nairobi hotel pickup in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
- ✓Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Samburu National Reserve
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- ✓One night accommodation in Mombasa (bed and breakfast)
- ✓All game drives as per itinerary including night game drive at Ol Pejeta
- ✓Samburu National Reserve entry and conservation fees
- ✓Ol Pejeta Conservancy entry and conservation fees
- ✓Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit
- ✓SGR train ticket Nairobi to Mombasa (First Class)
- ✓Diani Beach hotel drop-off
- ✓All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓All applicable government taxes and levies
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel and medical insurance
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- ✗Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs)
- ✗Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- ✗Diani Beach accommodation and meals after drop-off
Safari Season Guide
Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration in the Mara (Jul–Oct). Dry weather, sparse vegetation makes animals easy to spot.
Calving season in the Serengeti. Good birding. Pleasant weather with occasional showers.
Transition to dry season. Fewer crowds, good rates. Early migration movements begin.
Long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov). Lowest prices. Lush landscapes, excellent birding, newborn animals.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,440 | $1,580 | $1,740 | $2,180 |
| 2 Persons | $900 | $990 | $1,090 | $1,360 |
| 3 Persons | $850 | $930 | $1,020 | $1,280 |
| 4 Persons | $820 | $900 | $990 | $1,240 |
| 5 Persons | $800 | $880 | $970 | $1,210 |
| 6-7 Persons | $770 | $850 | $940 | $1,170 |
| Single Room Supplement | $140 | $180 | $220 | $280 |
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.
Book This Safari
Personalised itinerary, guaranteed departures
Starting from
$1,400
per person sharing
No booking fees — We respond within 2 hours