Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Tour with Local Expert Driver-Guide
Discover Kenya’s most inspiring conservation success story on this 2-Day / 1-Night Ol Pejeta Safari, offered by OlPejetaKenya.org.
Located in Laikipia County, just under 4 hours from Nairobi, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and home to the world’s last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu.
This short yet immersive safari lets you experience the Big Five, visit Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, and learn firsthand about groundbreaking wildlife conservation efforts — all within a beautifully managed, uncrowded reserve beneath the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya.
🌍 Safari Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Name | 2-Days / 1-Night Ol Pejeta Safari (Private Tour) |
| Operator | OlPejetaKenya.org |
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night |
| Safari Type | Private guided safari (by road, 4×4 Land Cruiser) |
| Destination | Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Laikipia County, Kenya |
| Distance from Nairobi | 217.3 km (approx. 3 hrs 58 mins by road via A2 Thika–Nanyuki Highway) |
| Alternative Option | 40-min flight to Nanyuki Airstrip (NYK) + 45-min road transfer |
| Accommodation | Sweetwaters Serena Camp / Rhino Watch Lodge / similar mid-range lodge |
| Main Attractions | Big Five game drives, Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Rhino Enclosure, Morani Information Centre |
| Best For | Couples, families, small groups, and wildlife enthusiasts |
| Departure Days | Daily departures – year-round availability |
💰 Safari Pricing (USD)
| Group Size | Cost per Person | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $660 | $660 |
| 2 People | $450 | $900 |
| 3 People | $420 | $1,260 |
| 4 People | $400 | $1,600 |
| 5 People | $380 | $1,900 |
| 6 People | $360 | $2,160 |
| 7 People | $320 | $2,240 |
🟩 Includes private 4×4 Land Cruiser, driver-guide, accommodation, meals (FB), and bottled water.
🟥 Excludes park entry tickets (paid on arrival via card or MPesa).
🗺️ Day-by-Day Itinerary — 2-Days / 1-Night Ol Pejeta Safari
Day 1: Nairobi → Ol Pejeta Conservancy (217.3 km | Approx. 3 hrs 58 mins)
Morning Departure – Scenic Drive through Kenya’s Central Highlands
- 05:30 AM: Your safari begins early with pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport by your professional, KPSGA-certified driver-guide.
- Route: Nairobi → Thika → Karatina → Nanyuki via A2 Thika–Meru Highway, one of Kenya’s most scenic drives.
- Scenery: Enjoy views of pineapple plantations in Thika, coffee and tea farms in Karatina, and the forested slopes of the Aberdares.
- 08:30 AM: Stop briefly at the Equator Crossing in Nanyuki — a great photo opportunity and short demonstration.
- 09:30 AM: Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and check in at Serat Gate, the main entry point for visitors from Nairobi.
Mid-Morning Game Drive – Toki Plains & Morani Loop
- Your first game drive begins immediately upon entry.
- Explore Toki Plains, Morani Loop, and Ol Lerai Swamp — areas teeming with wildlife such as:
- Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and Grant’s gazelles
- Possible lion or cheetah sightings near shaded termite mounds
- Over 300 bird species, including secretary birds and kori bustards
- Your guide explains the history of Ol Pejeta’s transformation from a cattle ranch into one of Africa’s leading conservation areas.
Late Morning – Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established with the Jane Goodall Institute, to meet rescued chimpanzees living in semi-wild enclosures.
- Learn about their rehabilitation and care, and observe their playful social behavior from viewing platforms.
- This is Kenya’s only chimp sanctuary, offering a rare chance to see these intelligent primates up close.
12:30 PM – Check-in & Lunch at the Lodge
- Arrive at your lodge or camp for check-in.
- Recommended stay: Sweetwaters Serena Camp — located inside the conservancy with waterhole views often visited by elephants and rhinos.
- Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch and some time to relax by the deck overlooking the plains.
3:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive & Rhino Sanctuary Visit
- Set out for an afternoon game drive covering Nyangoro Plains, Pelican Dam, and the Endangered Species Enclosure.
- The enclosure, a 700-acre restricted area, is home to:
- Najin and Fatu — the world’s last two northern white rhinos, protected around the clock.
- Rare Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s zebras, and Beisa oryx.
- Learn from rangers about Ol Pejeta’s groundbreaking IVF rhino rescue project, which could bring the subspecies back from the brink.
- End the day watching the sun dip behind Mount Kenya — an incredible backdrop for wildlife photography.
Evening – Dinner & Overnight at Lodge
- Return to camp for dinner under the stars.
- Optional: Night game drive (extra cost, book in advance) — a thrilling chance to see aardvarks, servals, hyenas, and other nocturnal species.
- Sleep to the distant calls of lions and the rustle of acacia trees in the cool Laikipia night air.
🛏️ Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp / Rhino Watch Lodge / Similar
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Ol Pejeta → Nairobi
Early Morning Game Drive – Sunrise Safari Adventure
- 06:30 AM: Begin the day with a sunrise game drive as predators and herbivores stir in the early light.
- Search for rhinos, elephants, and lions along Ewaso Nyiro River and Acacia Circuit.
- Enjoy the dramatic views of Mount Kenya’s snow peaks reflecting the golden morning light.
- Optional stop at the Morani Information Centre for final insights into the conservancy’s anti-poaching operations, ranger life, and wildlife monitoring systems.
08:30 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge
- Return to your lodge for a full English or continental breakfast, followed by leisure time or optional souvenir shopping at the Ol Pejeta Gift Shop.
10:00 AM – Drive Back to Nairobi
- Depart Ol Pejeta via Serat Gate and begin your return journey south through Nanyuki and Karatina.
- Stop for photos or a short coffee break en route.
- 03:00 PM – Estimated arrival in Nairobi, drop-off at your hotel or airport.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
✅ Inclusions
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional KPSGA-certified driver-guide
- 1 night’s accommodation (mid-range lodge or camp)
- All meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
- Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
- Vehicle and driver park entry fees
- Comprehensive vehicle insurance
❌ Exclusions
- Ol Pejeta park entry tickets (payable via MPesa/card on arrival)
- Non-resident adult: $95 per day
- Resident adult: KES 2,400 per day
- Children: 50% of adult rate
- Optional night game drive or horseback safari
- Personal drinks, tips, and souvenirs
- Travel insurance and any costs not specified above
🦁 Key Wildlife Highlights
- Big Five sightings: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Northern white rhinos (Najin & Fatu)
- Rare species: Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Jackson’s hartebeest
- Over 300 bird species
- Mount Kenya’s dramatic backdrop
✈️ Getting There: Road vs Flight Comparison
| Option | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| By Road | Nairobi → Ol Pejeta via A2 Thika–Nanyuki Highway | 217.3 km (≈ 3 hrs 58 mins) |
| By Air | Flight from Wilson Airport → Nanyuki Airstrip (NYK) + 45-min drive to Serat Gate | ≈ 1 hr 25 mins total |
| Note: | Flying is ideal for short stays or luxury travellers, while the road route offers scenic countryside and flexibility for stopovers. |
🕓 Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (June–October, January–March): Best for clear skies and concentrated wildlife sightings.
- Green Season (April–May, November): Lush landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and discounted accommodation rates.
- Year-round access: Roads are all-weather, and Ol Pejeta is open daily from 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I see the Big Five in two days?
Yes. Ol Pejeta offers one of Kenya’s best chances to see all five species — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos.
Q: What makes Ol Pejeta unique?
It’s the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees and rhinos together, plus it’s the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
Q: Is accommodation inside the conservancy?
Yes. Most lodges like Sweetwaters Serena Camp are located within Ol Pejeta itself, offering front-row views of wildlife.
Q: Can children join the safari?
Absolutely. The conservancy is fenced, safe, and family-friendly.
Q: Are night drives available?
Yes, Ol Pejeta is one of the few Kenyan conservancies licensed to offer night drives — available on request.
🌿 Conservation with Purpose
Every visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy helps protect Kenya’s wildlife and uplift surrounding communities.
Your park entry fee and safari booking directly support:
- Rhino protection & ranger patrols safeguarding East Africa’s largest black rhino population
- Chimpanzee rescue & lifelong care at the Sweetwaters Sanctuary
- Community education, healthcare & water projects for neighboring villages
- Habitat restoration & climate-smart conservation across Laikipia
By choosing to travel with Ol Pejeta tour, you’re not just going on safari — you’re helping keep Kenya’s wild heritage alive.
📩 How to Book
- Email bookings@olpejetakenya.org
- Receive a custom quote and secure Pesapal payment link.
- Confirm with a 50% deposit, with balance payable on arrival (via MPesa, card, or cash).
Cancellation Policy:
- 31+ days: Full refund
- 15–30 days: 50% refund
- 8–14 days: 25% refund
- Within 7 days: 100% forfeiture
🌄 Summary at a Glance
- Tour: 2-Days / 1-Night Ol Pejeta Safari
- Location: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia County
- Transport: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with driver-guide
- Activities: Game drives, chimpanzee sanctuary, rhino visit, Mount Kenya photography
- Price: From $320 per person (group of 7)
- Departure: Daily from Nairobi
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, couples, and families seeking a short, authentic safari