Kenya’s Untamed Ol Pejeta & Samburu Safari

Your guide will meet you in Nairobi at 7:30 am, ready to accompany you on an unforgettable adventure in northern central Kenya.  In the comfort of one of our customized safari vehicles, we head north, destination: Ol Pejeta Conservancy – through the scenic landscape of central Kenya.  On a clear day you may see the snow-capped peak of Kenya’s highest peak, Mount Kenya.  As we get closer to Ol Pejeta, the landscape softens into rolling savannah plains synonymous with East Africa.

On arrival at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you’ll book into your accommodation before enjoying a tasty lunch.  Once a massive cattle ranch, in 2004 Ol Pejeta Conservancy came to prominence as a sanctuary to save both black and white rhinos from extinction due to poaching.  Major investments in conservation and infrastructure have seen it become a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

A short while after lunch, you’ll set off on your first wildlife viewing activity; a game drive during which your guide will share the history of the conservancy and introduce you to some of its many wild inhabitants, including some of the 165 endangered black rhinos that roam the 360 sq. km (140 sq mi) property.  As dusk approaches, you return to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner and bed.

• Accommodation at your camp or lodge
• Overnight stay in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Lunch and dinner, but not breakfast
• Drinking water, other drinks are extra

An early wakeup call precedes the morning game drive; taken in the cooler hours when the wildlife is most active.  The Conservancy is home to Kenya’s second highest density of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and the occasional sighting of African wild dogs.  Herbivores include endangered reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and Beisa oryx amid other common antelope, buffalo and elephant.  You’ll also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary – a refuge for chimps rescued from illegal trade.

Returning to the lodge, lunch is served and you’ll have some time to relax.  Later in the afternoon, you’ll set off on another game drive.  Besides the healthy population of black rhino at Ol Pejeta, it is also home to around 40 southern white rhinos and the last two northern white rhinos in existence.   

Back at the lodge or camp where you’re staying, dinner next to the campfire is a time to share tales of the day’s adventures.  For those who’d like to see what happens on the conservancy after dark, an optional night game drive is offered.  Under the cover of darkness, many species become active.  You may spot some of Kenya’s more unusual critters, including aardvarks, zorillas and bat-eared foxes, not to mention big cats out hunting.

• Accommodation at your camp or lodge
• Overnight stay in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Drinking water, other drinks are extra

While you’re more than welcome to enjoy the comforts of your room if you prefer, an early game drive departs in search of game, perhaps hoping to find a pride of lions feasting on prey brought down overnight.  On a smaller scale, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also home to an astonishing 500 different bird species.  Your guide will be sure to point some of these out to you; such as ostrich, Kori bustards and secretary birds.

After breakfast, it is time to leave the conservancy and make our way northeast into the semi-arid wilds of the Samburu National Park.  The 114 km (89 mi) journey takes about 3-4 hours to complete, traveling through a pristine natural landscape.  On arrival at Samburu, you will be shown to your accommodations, after which lunch will be served.  

After settling in, your next adventure is an afternoon game drive.  Samburu National Park covers an area of 165 sq. km (63 sq. mi), with its landscape a blend of arid and semi-arid ecosystems.  Habitats include grasslands, acacia woodlands and riverine forest along the only permanent water source – the Ewaso Ng’iro river.  By sunset you return for dinner and a well earned rest.

• Accommodation at your camp or lodge
• Overnight stay in Samburu National Reserve
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Drinking water, other drinks are extra

Day 4 of your safari is fully dedicated to finding Samburu’s iconic wildlife.  The entire day will be spent in the field – although we do offer the option of a visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, where the dedicated team prepares rescued elephants for life back in the wild.  During the course of the game drive, your guide will select a scenic spot where a picnic lunch is served.

Being largely semi-arid, the park is host to several animals that aren’t found in other parks.  These include the endangered Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and  Beisa oryx.  Large predators include lions, cheetahs, leopards, spotted and striped hyenas, and African wild dogs.  Their numbers are supported by an ample supply of prey, including Grant’s gazelles, Kirk’s dik-diks, warthogs, waterbucks and bushbucks.  Elephants and buffalo are commonly found near the river, while rhino are absent from the park.  So, while you won’t see the Big 5 here, be sure to ask your guide about Samburu’s Special 5.  The dry habitat also means the birdwatchers can spot several species here that they are unlikely to see elsewhere.  These include the endangered Somali ostrich, vulturine guineafowl and the beautiful Somali bee-eater.  

The day concludes with dinner back at your lodge or camp.

• Accommodation at your camp or lodge
• Overnight stay in Samburu National Reserve
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Drinking water, other drinks are extra

Start your final day as dawn breaks, the warm sun painting the acacias in its warm light.  As you set off on your last game drive, take time to ponder and appreciate the experiences of your safari.  The wildlife seen, the landscapes crossed and people met.  As is true of the sun, an African safari warms your soul, awakening your consciousness to beauty and connectedness.  Be sure that your visit has made an impression on Kenya, helping to conserve the land and uplift its community.

Hopefully by the end of your game drive, you will have ticked off all the species you hoped to see.  Breakfast will be waiting for you, after which it is time to make our way back to Nairobi.  The 315 km (195 mi) drive should take 5-6 hours.  At journey’s end, we’ll bid you a fond farewell, certain that it won’t be long before you return to see more of Africa’s wild wonders.  As you prepare for your onward journey, contemplate the words of author Francesca Marciano, who wrote, “Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? You are lifted. Out of whatever pit, unbound from whatever tie, released from whatever fear. You are lifted and you see it all from above.”  Yes – we will see you again.

• No accommodation, this is the final day
• Breakfast and lunch, no dinner
• Drinking water. other drinks are extra