Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Drive to Samburu National Reserve
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and briefed on your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari. You will then drive to Samburu National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours passing through the beautiful landscape of northern Kenya. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive to see the unique wildlife of Samburu, including Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Samburu.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, you will depart for a full day game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari includes searching for the “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. You will also see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 350 bird species. The semi-arid landscape offers stunning photography opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush while surrounded by the wilderness. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Samburu before driving to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through beautiful scenery. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the conservancy. Your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari includes visiting the rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos, and the chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Ol Pejeta.
Day 4: Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, you will depart for a full day of activities in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari includes morning and afternoon game drives, visiting the rhino sanctuary, and the chimpanzee sanctuary. Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five, making it a must-visit destination. You will have a picnic lunch in the conservancy while enjoying the stunning views of Mount Kenya. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey of approximately 3 to 4 hours passing through the Great Rift Valley. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive around the lake. Your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari includes the chance to see thousands of flamingos turning the lake shore pink, as well as rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Lake Nakuru.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi – Departure
After an early breakfast, you will enjoy a final morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, visiting Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the lake and the Great Rift Valley. Return to your lodge for lunch, then drive back to Nairobi with en-route game viewing. You will be dropped off at your hotel or airport for your departure. This marks the end of your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Northern Kenya’s wildlife and conservation success stories.
What to See and Do
Wildlife Viewing
Samburu National Reserve is home to the “Samburu Special Five” – the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. These unique species are found nowhere else in Kenya, making Samburu a special destination. You will also see large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its flamingos, with thousands turning the lake shore pink, as well as rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species.
Conservation Experiences
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos. You will visit the rhino sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts that have successfully protected these endangered animals. The conservancy is also home to the chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Your Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru safari includes a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary, operated by the Jane Goodall Institute, and learn about their rehabilitation and conservation work.
Birdwatching
Samburu National Reserve has over 350 bird species, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, tawny eagles, and vultures. Lake Nakuru National Park has over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, and African fish eagles.
Scenic Drives and Photography
The journey through the Great Rift Valley offers stunning panoramic views of the escarpment and the valley floor. Baboon Cliff at Lake Nakuru provides spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The semi-arid landscape of Samburu with its doum palms and acacia trees offers unique photography opportunities. Ol Pejeta offers stunning views of Mount Kenya.
Cultural Experiences
Optional Samburu cultural village visits allow you to learn about the traditional way of life of the Samburu people, who are pastoral relatives of the Maasai. These visits provide insight into their culture, traditions, and the challenges they face in modern Kenya.
Activities
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Morning and afternoon game drives
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Full day game drives with picnic lunch
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Rhino tracking at Ol Pejeta
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Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
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Birdwatching
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Wildlife photography
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Scenic drives
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Cultural visits (optional, direct payment)
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Nature walks (where permitted)
Accommodation
Explorer
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Samburu Sopa Lodge
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Sweetwaters Serena Camp
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Lake Nakuru Lodge
Signature
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Samburu Simba Lodge
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Sweetwaters Serena Camp
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Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Premium Luxury
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Elephant Bedroom Camp
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Sweetwaters Serena Camp
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Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
