Safari Overview: What Is the 4-Day Samburu and Ol Pejeta Safari?
Discover the diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife of northern Kenya on this 4-day Samburu and Ol Pejeta safari. The trip combines the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve with Ol Pejeta's renowned conservation work. As a result, you explore two distinctive safari destinations in one journey. It suits couples, families, photographers and first-time visitors to Kenya.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
- Start and end: Nairobi, with hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
- Destinations: Samburu National Reserve and Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Vehicle: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Guide: Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge (2 nights); Maisha Sweetwaters Camp (1 night)
- Best time: June to October and January to February (dry seasons)
Destinations: Samburu vs Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Samburu National Reserve (165 km²) lies about 350 km north of Nairobi. The Ewaso Ng'iro River runs through its semi-arid plains. Here you can find the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. Over 350 bird species have also been recorded.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (about 360 km²) sits on the equator in Laikipia County, below Mount Kenya. It is home to all of the Big Five. It also protects the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu. In addition, its Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees.
Accommodation: Where Will You Stay on This Safari?
You stay on a full-board basis, with upgrades available on request.
- Nights 1 and 2: Samburu Sopa Lodge. Set on high ground overlooking a waterhole, with a pool and evening stargazing.
- Night 3: Maisha Sweetwaters Camp, Ol Pejeta. En-suite safari tents around a waterhole, where elephants and rhinos come to drink.
Best Time to Visit Samburu and Ol Pejeta
The best time is the dry season, from June to October and January to February. During these months, wildlife gathers near rivers and waterholes. However, both destinations are rewarding year-round.
- June to October: peak game viewing; book early.
- November to December: short rains, green scenery and migrant birds.
- January to February: hot, dry days and good game viewing.
- March to May: long rains, lush landscapes and lower rates.
Tour Highlights: What Will You See?
- Spot the Samburu Special Five, found mainly in Kenya's dry north.
- Watch elephants, lions and leopards along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
- Stargaze at Samburu Sopa Lodge under clear northern skies.
- Cross the equator on the drive into Laikipia.
- Track black and white rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
- Visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kenya's only place to see chimpanzees.
- Enjoy views of Mount Kenya from the Ol Pejeta plains.
