Rhino conservation, rare northern species and untamed wilderness.
Overview
This exceptional 5-day northern Kenya safari combines conservation success, rare wildlife and remote beauty. Begin at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, East Africa’s leading rhino sanctuary, continue to the rugged landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, and conclude in the lush wilderness of Meru National Park.
From endangered rhinos and chimpanzees to the Samburu Special Five and riverine forests alive with wildlife, this itinerary offers remarkable diversity within a compact northern circuit.
Trip Highlights
- Largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa
- Chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta
- Home of the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich & Gerenuk)
- Remote, uncrowded safari experience
- Riverine and savannah ecosystems in Meru
- Excellent elephant and predator sightings
Detailed Itinerary
A two-night exploration of Ol Pejeta Conservancy for rhinos and conservation experiences, followed by one night in Samburu National Reserve in search of the rare northern species, and concluding with two nights in Meru National Park enjoying its lush river systems, diverse wildlife and peaceful wilderness setting before returning to Nairobi.
Distance: 220 km
Drive time: 4 - 5 hours
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a short briefing, depart north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing coffee plantations and rural towns.
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Equator Stop
Pause near Nanyuki at the Equator crossing for photographs and a brief stretch before continuing into Laikipia County.
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Ol Pejeta
Proceed towards the conservancy with scenic countryside views and, on clear days, glimpses of Mount Kenya.
12:30 p.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge within Ol Pejeta Conservancy where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. After the journey, this is a welcome opportunity to relax, settle into your room and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first safari experience. Ol Pejeta is renowned for its thriving black rhino population and strong Big Five presence. You may also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees can be seen.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge as evening settles over the conservancy. Enjoy a relaxed dinner before retiring for the night, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget | Riverside Villas Nanyuki | The Glacier Hotel
Option 2: Standard | Sarova Maiyan Hotel | Peaks Hotel Nanyuki | Esiankiki Resort | lifestyle Villas Nanyuki
Option 3: Luxury | Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Maisha Sweetwaters Camp | Ol Pejeta House
Option 4: Above Luxury | Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages | Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club | Kicheche Valley Camps | Tambarare Camp
Distance: 200 km
Drive time: 4 - 5 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive
Set out early when wildlife is most active. The cool morning hours are excellent for rhino sightings and potential predator activity.
08:00 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, offering time to refresh before the journey north.
09:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Drive to Samburu
Depart Ol Pejeta and travel northwards. The landscape gradually becomes drier and more dramatic, marked by acacia trees and open plains typical of northern Kenya.
01:30 p.m. - 02:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge within Samburu National Reserve and enjoy lunch while overlooking the rugged terrain. After lunch, take time to unwind before your afternoon activity.
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Samburu’s distinctive semi-arid ecosystem along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Look out for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk, alongside elephants and lions.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner under the vast northern skies. Relax and absorb the tranquillity of this remote reserve at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Umoja Campsite | Samburu Riverside Tented Camps
Option 2: Standard Sopa Lodge | Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Option 3: Luxury Elephant Bedroom Camp | Shaba Lodge |
Option 4: Above Luxury Sasaab | Saruni Samburu | Simba Lodge | Soroi Larsens Camp |
Distance: 170 km
Drive time: 4 - 5 hours
06:15 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Enjoy an early drive to maximise sightings of predators and riverine wildlife before departing Samburu.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return for breakfast and a short rest before checking out.
10:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Drive to Meru
Journey south-east towards Meru. The semi-arid plains slowly transition into greener, more fertile landscapes as you approach the park.
02:00 p.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge within Meru National Park. Enjoy lunch and take in the contrasting lush scenery, characterised by rivers and doum palms.
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out to explore Meru’s varied habitats. Wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards, often encountered without the presence of many other vehicles.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for a relaxed dinner and overnight stay in this peaceful wilderness setting at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Meru Slopes Hotel | Royal Prince Hotel | Three Steers Hotel
Option 2: Standard Ikweta Safari Camp | Murera Springs Eco Lodge
Option 3: Luxury Elsa's Kopje Lodge | Rhino River Camp
06:30 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise to explore Meru’s river systems and open plains, when animals are most active.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast, allowing time to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities during the warmer part of the morning.
10:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Extended Game Viewing
Head back into the park to explore new sections, searching for predators and observing large elephant herds grazing across the plains.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch at Lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and leisure time, perhaps enjoying views of wildlife visiting nearby water sources.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue your exploration of Meru’s scenic terrain, appreciating its exclusivity and natural beauty.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Conclude your final full safari day with dinner and a restful evening in camp at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Meru Slopes Hotel | Royal Prince Hotel | Three Steers Hotel
Option 2: Standard Ikweta Safari Camp | Murera Springs Eco Lodge
Option 3: Luxury Elsa's Kopje Lodge | Rhino River Camp
Distance: 350 km
Drive time: 6 - 7 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Final Morning Game Drive
Enjoy one last opportunity to experience Meru’s wildlife at sunrise before departure.
08:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast and prepare for the journey back to Nairobi.
10:00 a.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Drive Back to Nairobi
Begin the scenic return journey through Kenya’s highlands, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters experienced over the past five days.
03:30 p.m. - 05:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your northern Kenya safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park and conservancy entrance fees
- Four nights’ accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect rhinos and chimpanzees in Ol Pejeta, the Samburu Special Five in Samburu, and elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards in Meru.
Yes. It offers excellent wildlife diversity while avoiding heavier tourist traffic found in southern parks.
The safari operates year-round. Wildlife viewing is particularly rewarding during the dry months when animals gather around water sources.
Road conditions vary. Main highways are tarmacked, while park roads are rough and dusty, adding to the authentic safari experience.
The safari involves extended drives and game viewing but requires no strenuous physical activity.
Neutral-coloured clothing, a light jacket for cool mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, binoculars and a camera are recommended.
