Explore Kenya’s Premier Private Wildlife Sanctuary on a Thrilling 3-Day Safari Adventure
Looking for a safari that blends thrilling wildlife encounters with luxury, conservation, and exclusivity—all just a few hours from Nairobi? This 3-day road safari to Ol Pejeta Conservancy takes you deep into the heart of Laikipia, where Big Five game drives, endangered species, and unique experiences like chimpanzee visits await.
🌟 Safari Overview
- 🐘 Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last two northern white rhinos on earth
- 🚗 Scenic road trip from Nairobi through the Rift Valley and central Kenya highlands
- 🦁 Game drives through exclusive wildlife zones, including black rhino and lion territories
- 🧭 Optional activities: night drives, lion tracking, and walking safaris
- 🌄 Stay in carefully selected accommodation with views of Mt. Kenya or wildlife waterholes
🐾 Safari Highlights
- Private game drives in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
- Visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- See the world’s last northern white rhinos at the endangered species enclosure
- Optional lion tracking or behind-the-scenes conservation experiences
- Guided night game drive for a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife
- Relaxing evenings in a camp or lodge surrounded by Laikipia’s stunning landscapes
🗓️ Detailed 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi → Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 217 km | 3 h 58 min)
06:30 AM – Pick-Up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your professional driver-guide at your hotel or the airport. After a quick briefing, settle into your custom 4×4 Land Cruiser as you depart the city before rush hour.
07:00 – 10:30 AM – Scenic Drive to Laikipia
Travel north along the A2 Nairobi–Thika–Nanyuki Highway, passing the lush pineapple fields of Thika, tea and coffee estates in Karatina, and the green foothills of the Aberdare Range. Stop briefly at the Equator Crossing in Nanyuki for photos and a short demonstration.
11:30 AM – Arrive at Ol Pejeta (Serat Gate)
Register at the main Serat Gate and begin your first introductory game drive en route to your lodge. You’ll traverse Toki Plains and Morani Loop, where herds of elephants, zebras, and impalas graze against the snow-capped backdrop of Mount Kenya.
1:00 PM – Check-In and Lunch
Arrive at your selected accommodation — for example, Sweetwaters Serena Camp (inside the conservancy) or Rhino Watch Lodge (nearby). Enjoy a buffet lunch overlooking a waterhole frequented by warthogs and giraffes.
3:30 – 6:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first full safari drive focusing on the Western Plains and Nyangoro sector, known for large elephant herds, buffalo, and prides of lions resting under balanite trees. Stop at Pelican Dam for excellent birdwatching and hippo sightings.
6:30 – 8:30 PM – Optional Night Game Drive
After dinner, opt for a guided night safari (permit required) to spot nocturnal species such as leopards, aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and genets—an experience available in few Kenyan conservancies.
Overnight: At your chosen camp or lodge inside/near Ol Pejeta
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 — Full-Day Ol Pejeta Conservation & Big Game Experience
06:30 AM – Early Morning Game Drive
Wake to the sounds of weaverbirds and distant roars. Depart for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Follow Acacia Circuit and Eastern Grasslands, scanning for lions on a hunt, cheetahs, and black rhinos moving through the morning mist.
08:30 AM – Breakfast at Camp or Bush Setting
Return for breakfast overlooking the plains, or enjoy a bush breakfast arranged by your lodge near the Ewaso Nyiro River.
09:30 – 11:00 AM – Visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Cross the Ewaso Nyiro Bridge to the Sweetwaters Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees find lifelong refuge. Walk along raised platforms to watch family groups feed and play. Guides explain rescue stories and daily routines.
11:15 AM – Endangered Species Enclosure Tour
Continue to the 700-acre Enclosure, home to Najin and Fatu—the last two northern white rhinos. Learn from rangers about IVF programs, anti-poaching patrols, and other species like Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, and Beisa oryx.
1:00 PM – Bush Lunch or Lodge Meal
Enjoy a picnic under shady acacias with panoramic views of Mount Kenya, or return to camp for a hot lunch.
2:30 – 5:30 PM – Afternoon Exploration & Optional Activities
Choose how to spend your afternoon:
- Game Drive along Ewaso Nyiro River – elephants bathing and waterbucks grazing nearby.
- Lion Tracking Excursion (add-on) – join the research team using telemetry to locate collared lions and learn about their behaviour.
- Walking Safari near Mutara Gate – guided walk identifying tracks, dung, and medicinal plants.
6:00 PM – Evening Relaxation & Dinner
Return to camp in time for a sunset drink by the firepit. Enjoy a three-course dinner featuring local produce and Kenyan hospitality.
9:00 PM – Stargazing & Campfire Stories
On clear nights, Laikipia’s high altitude offers dazzling skies — spot the Milky Way as your guide shares stories of life in the wild.
Overnight: Same camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 — Morning Safari & Return to Nairobi
06:15 AM – Final Sunrise Game Drive
Begin your last safari through Ol Lerai Swamp and the Western Corridor, where rhinos and elephants gather to drink. Early mornings also offer the best chance of seeing leopards retreating to the trees.
08:30 AM – Breakfast & Check-Out
Return to the lodge for breakfast. Spend a few minutes shopping at the Ol Pejeta Gift Shop or visiting the Morani Information Centre to learn more about community and conservation programs.
10:00 AM – Depart for Nairobi
Drive south through Nanyuki and Karatina, enjoying views of rolling hills and small farmsteads. Stop for coffee or souvenirs at Karatina Market.
03:30 – 04:00 PM – Arrive in Nairobi
Drop-off at your residence or airport — marking the end of an unforgettable 3-day safari that not only delivered incredible wildlife encounters but also supported Ol Pejeta’s mission to protect Kenya’s wild future.
Meals: Breakfast
💼 Inclusions
✔ Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and driver-guide
✔ 2 nights full-board accommodation in a camp or lodge
✔ Park and conservancy fees (Ol Pejeta Conservancy)
✔ Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit
✔ Visit to endangered species enclosure
✔ Bottled water during safari
✔ Fuel and all government taxes
❌ Exclusions
✘ Tips and gratuities
✘ Optional activities (e.g., lion tracking, night game drive)
✘ Drinks and personal expenses
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Airport transfers (available on request)
🐘 What to Expect: Wildlife Sightings
- Big Five: Lions, elephants, rhinos (black & white), buffalo, leopards
- Primates: Chimpanzees, baboons, colobus monkeys
- Rare species: Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, reticulated giraffe
- Birdlife: Over 300 bird species including crowned cranes, vultures, and hornbills
- Conservation encounters: Up-close with rhinos, lion research, rangers’ insights
💰 Tour Pricing (Per Person – Based on Group Size & Lodging Preference)
| Group Size | Mid-Range Camp | Luxury Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Pax | From $780 | From $1,050 |
| 4 Pax | From $650 | From $920 |
| 6 Pax | From $600 | From $850 |
Custom quotes available for solo travelers, families, or groups.
🚗 Why Choose a Road Safari Over Flying?
- ✅ More scenic & immersive: Enjoy diverse Kenyan landscapes en route
- ✅ Flexible & budget-friendly: No baggage limits or airport delays
- ✅ Custom stops: Add side visits to Nanyuki, Mount Kenya viewpoints, or coffee farms
- ✅ Private experience: No shared transport, full control of your itinerary
🤝 Safari Operated by Kambu Campers
This safari is organized in partnership with Kambu Campers, a fully licensed Kenyan tour operator known for offering bespoke custom safaris with conservation integrity. In collaboration with OlPejetaKenya.org, this tour combines expert guiding, seamless logistics, and genuine impact through responsible travel.