Kenya’s Untamed Ol Pejeta & Samburu Safari

5 DAYS

Tour Details

Our 5-day Ol Pejeta and Samburu Safari showcases two of Kenya’s most interesting wildlife destinations.  Firstly you’ll visit the privately owned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, widely credited with saving Kenya’s rhino population from extinction.  Next, visit the semi-arid plains of Samburu National Park, where lesser known dry-country fauna live side by side with the other more familiar species.  The tour is a celebration of Kenya’s conservation success and ecological diversity.

Your Soet African Expedition Guide is both friendly and very experienced, ensuring that your safari is as educational as it is memorable.  To maximize your experience, you will travel between destinations in comfort.  Our fleet of customized safari vehicles are fully-equipped for your comfort, safety and wildlife viewing pleasure.  If you would prefer to bypass the land-based scenery to maximize wildlife viewing, flights can be arranged for certain legs of the journey.  Throughout the safari, guests will have ample time to relax or participate in optional activities such as an exciting night game drive or visit to an elephant sanctuary.


Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1:NAIROBI-OL PEJETA  CONSERVANCY

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

You'll stay in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

We have multiple amount of accommodations, which fits any type of budget

Standard options:

Sweetwaters Serena Camp - Standard Wing

These spacious tents combine the traditional ambiance of a safari camp with the comforts of home. They offer either a king bed or two twin beds and views of the water hole; amenities include a bathroom with a one-hand washbasin, a WC and a shower with a shower curtain.

Luxury options:

Sweetwaters Serena Camp - Morani Wing

Boasting views of Mount Kenya, the new Morani Wing features 17 deluxe double, twin and triple tents, one of which is specially adapted for guests with mobility concerns. Bathrooms include a two-hand washbasin, a WC and a shower with a glass door.

DAY 2:FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

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

DAY 3:OL PEJETA-SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

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

You'll stay in Ol Pejeta - Samburu National Reserve

We have multiple amount of accommodations, which fits any type of budget

Standard options:

Samburu Sopa Lodge

Samburu Sopa Lodge

Located inside the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya, Samburu Sopa lodge is built atop high ground allowing panaromic views of the vastness of Samburu shrub land and the hills beyond.

Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu Simba Lodge

Watch the fiery sunset as you enjoy a cocktail by the pool and watch when nature plays the evening trumpets or close your eyes and drift off into the African dreamland. This is place where you can call a day unforgettable yet still realize its an understatement.

Luxury options:

Ashnil Samburu Camp

Ashnil Samburu Camp is a luxury tented set in the spectacular backdrop drop of the Mighty Ol Olokwe Mountain fronting Ewaso Nyiro River.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is located in a natural oasis in the heart of the Shaba Game Reserve or “Born Free Country” that Joy and George Adamson called home for many years.

 

A cheetah and her cabs

DAY 4:Full day Game Drive in Samburu Game Reserve

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

DAY 5:SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE-NAIROBI

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

Tour Cost

Prices and Seasons

STANDARD

Date 1 people 2-3 people 4-5 people 6+ people  
Jan 3 - Mar 31, 2025

USD 2,650per person

USD 1,795per person

USD 1,485per person

USD 1,380per person

Book

Apr 1 - May 31, 2025

USD 2,470per person

USD 1,670per person

USD 1,360per person

USD 1,255per person

Book

Jun 1 - 30, 2025

USD 2,150per person

USD 1,895per person

USD 1,585per person

USD 1,480per person

Book

Jul 1 - Oct 31, 2025

USD 2,785per person

USD 1,905per person

USD 1,595per person

USD 1,490per person

Book

Nov 1 - Dec 20, 2025

USD 2,650per person

USD 1,795per person

USD 1,485per person

USD 1,380per person

Book

Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026

USD 3,085per person

USD 2,025per person

USD 1,715per person

USD 1,605per person

Book

LUXURY

Date 1 people 2-3 people 4-5 people 6+ people  
Jan 3 - Mar 31, 2025

USD 2,785per person

USD 1,950per person

USD 1,650per person

USD 1,545per person

Book

Apr 1 - May 31, 2025

USD 2,570per person

USD 1,770per person

USD 1,460per person

USD 1,355per person

Book

Jun 1 - 30, 2025

USD 3,185per person

USD 2,075per person

USD 1,765per person

USD 1,660per person

Book

Jul 1 - Oct 31, 2025

USD 3,375per person

USD 2,205per person

USD 1,895per person

USD 1,790per person

Book

Nov 1 - Dec 20, 2025

USD 2,785per person

USD 1,950per person

USD 1,650per person

USD 1,545per person

Book

Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026

USD 3,375per person

USD 2,205per person

USD 1,895per person

USD 1,790per person

Book

All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy or single occupancy unless otherwise noted. Optional activities are at an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. Children below 3 years are free of Charge, children between 3 and 12 years will pay 75% of the adult rate.

Included

  • All transfers
  • All accommodations during the tour
  • All meals and drinking water during the tour
  • Flying Doctors medical, emergency, and rescue cover
  • All game drives as noted in the itinerary
  • Transport in a private 4 x 4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • English speaking tour guides/driver
  • All applicable government taxes and levies
  • Personalized private service

Not Included

  • International flights and taxes
  • Passports and visa applications and processing
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for drivers/guides
  • Personal laundry
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance fee for activities noted as optional