Ol Pejeta 1-Day Trip from Nairobi (By Road Tour)

Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari with Expert Driver-Guide

Experience one of Kenya’s most inspiring wildlife destinations in a single day. This Ol Pejeta 1-Day Safari from Nairobi by road takes you from the capital city to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County — home to the Big Five, the world’s last two northern white rhinos, and Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary.

With a backdrop of Mount Kenya, this full-day adventure offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and insight into Africa’s most successful private conservation model — all in just one day.

🌍 Why Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta is the beating heart of wildlife conservation in Kenya’s central highlands. Covering over 90,000 acres, the conservancy is home to:

  • All members of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino)
  • Black rhino and white rhino sanctuaries
  • The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — the only place in Kenya to see chimps
  • The Endangered Species Enclosure, home to Najin and Fatu, the world’s last northern white rhinos
  • Night drives and walking safaris (optional add-ons)
  • Rich birdlife and sweeping views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges

Unlike national parks, Ol Pejeta allows night drives and off-road access in designated zones, making it a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation travellers.

🚙 Tour Details

FeatureDetails
Tour TypePrivate Full-Day Safari (by Road)
Vehicle4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Departure Time5:30 AM from Nairobi
Return TimeAround 7:30 PM
DistanceApprox. 210 km (3.5–4 hours each way)
Driver-GuideKPSGA-certified, English-speaking, local expert
Pick-up PointsAny hotel or residence in Nairobi, JKIA, or Wilson Airport

💰 Ol Pejeta 1-Day Safari Pricing (USD)

Group SizeCost per PersonTotal
1 Person$250$250
2 People$180$360
3 People$150$450
4 People$130$520
5 People$110$550
6 People$90$540
7 People$70$490

🟩 Prices include transport in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser, driver-guide, bottled water, and vehicle park entry fees.

📍 Full-Day Itinerary for the Day Trip from the City

🚐 Early Morning Departure: Nairobi → Ol Pejeta Conservancy

  • Pick-up time: 05:30 AM from your hotel, residence, or airport (JKIA or Wilson).
  • Route: Nairobi → Thika → Karatina → Nanyuki via A2 Nairobi–Thika Road–Meru Highway.
  • Travel distance: 217.3 km | Approx. 3 hours 58 minutes by road (Google Maps).
  • Flight alternative: AirKenya and Safarilink flights from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (NYK) take ~40 minutes, followed by a 45-minute transfer to Ol Pejeta’s Serat Gate.
  • Scenery en route: Drive through lush pineapple plantations in Thika, tea and coffee estates near Karatina, and rolling Aberdare foothills.
  • Photo stop suggestion: Quick break at Equator Crossing in Nanyuki Town — a fun, classic photo opportunity.

🦓 09:00 AM – Arrival & Entry at Serat Gate (Main Entrance)

  • Warm welcome and registration at Serat Gate, the most commonly used public access gate.
  • Begin your morning game drive across the Toki Plains and Morani Loop, two of the most wildlife-rich circuits.
  • Typical sightings include:
    • Herds of elephants and buffalo grazing on open grassland.
    • Reticulated giraffes, Grant’s gazelles, and zebras.
    • Lions often resting in the shade of acacia trees.
  • Early light makes for ideal wildlife photography, with Mount Kenya’s peaks visible in the distance.

🐒 10:30 AM – Visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

  • Cross the Ewaso Nyiro River to Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, managed in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute.
  • Learn how rescued chimps are rehabilitated after being orphaned or trafficked.
  • Walk along viewing platforms and observe chimps swinging, grooming, or napping — a rare primate encounter outside of West Africa.
  • A short interpretive talk by caregivers explains feeding routines and long-term protection efforts.

🦏 11:30 AM – Northern White Rhino Encounter (Endangered Species Enclosure)

  • Drive to the Endangered Species Enclosure, a restricted 700-acre section under 24-hour ranger protection.
  • Meet Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth — an emotional highlight for most visitors.
  • Learn about cutting-edge conservation initiatives, including IVF and genetic recovery programs supported by global research teams.
  • Excellent opportunity for meaningful wildlife photography and education on rhino conservation in Africa.

🍴 1:00 PM – Lunch at Morani’s Restaurant & Visitor Centre

  • Relax and enjoy a hearty à la carte meal at Morani’s Restaurant, overlooking open plains where warthogs and impalas wander freely.
  • Menu options include grilled meats, vegetarian curries, fresh salads, and Kenyan coffee or juice.
  • Visit nearby attractions during your break:
    • Morani Information Centre – interactive exhibits on conservation history and anti-poaching.
    • Ol Pejeta Gift Shop – locally made crafts, rhino-themed souvenirs, and apparel.
    • Restrooms, Wi-Fi, and shaded seating available on site.

🦁 2:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive (Nyangoro Plains & Pelican Dam Circuit)

  • Continue exploring Ol Pejeta’s diverse habitats:
    • Nyangoro Plains – home to elephant families, hartebeests, and occasional leopards.
    • Pelican Dam – scenic watering hole for hippos, waterbucks, and large flocks of birds.
    • Riverine forests – excellent chances to spot shy leopards or rhinos at rest.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kenya glowing in the afternoon sun — perfect for golden-hour photography.
  • Optional stops at Marura Hill Viewpoint for sweeping views of the conservancy.

🌅 4:00 PM – Scenic Drive Back to Nairobi

  • Exit via Serat or Rongai Gate, heading south toward Nanyuki.
  • Stop briefly at the Equator line monument for fun hemisphere-balancing demonstrations and souvenir stalls.
  • Return journey through Laikipia’s rolling countryside as the sun sets over the Aberdares.
  • Short comfort break near Karatina or Makuyu along the highway.

🌃 7:30 PM – Evening Arrival in Nairobi

  • Drop-off at your hotel, residence, or airport.
  • Total travel time: ~14 hours round-trip.
  • After a full day in one of Kenya’s most conservation-focused reserves, you’ll return with lasting memories of rhinos, chimps, elephants, and the stunning Laikipia landscape.

✅ Inclusions

  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional driver-guide (English-speaking, KPSGA-certified)
  • Vehicle and driver park entry fees
  • Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
  • Pick-up and drop-off at Nairobi hotel, residence, or airport
  • Comprehensive vehicle insurance

❌ Exclusions

  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy entry fees (paid directly on arrival via card or MPesa)
  • Lunch at Morani’s Restaurant (~KES 1,200–1,800 per person)
  • Optional activities (night drive, horse ride, chimp feeding, etc.)
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities

🏞️ What Makes This Day Safari Special

  • The only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees and rhinos together
  • Close-up view of the last two northern white rhinos in the world
  • High wildlife density and scenic diversity — from plains to riverine forests
  • Less crowded than Masai Mara or Amboseli
  • Educational and ethical — directly supports conservation

📅 Booking & Payment

To confirm your Ol Pejeta 1-Day Safari:

  1. Email bookings@olpejetakenya.org with your preferred date and group size.
  2. Receive a secure Pesapal payment link (pay 50% deposit) to reserve the vehicle and get assigned a driver and vehicle
  3. Balance payable before start of safari using the same link

Cancellation Policy:

  • 31+ days before travel: Full refund
  • 15–30 days: 50% refund
  • 8–14 days: 25% refund
  • Within 7 days: 100% forfeiture

🌿 Responsible Tourism Commitment

Each safari booked through OlPejetaKenya.org contributes directly to:

  • Rhino protection and anti-poaching patrols
  • Chimpanzee sanctuary operations
  • Community education and conservation outreach

By choosing us, you help sustain Kenya’s most successful model of wildlife conservation.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari private or shared?
Private — your group has its own vehicle and driver-guide.

Can I customize the trip?
Yes, we can add overnight stays in Nanyuki or link it with Lake Nakuru or Aberdares.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The roads are well-maintained, and the conservancy is fenced and family-friendly.

What should I bring?
Camera, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and light jacket.

🌄 Summary

  • Tour: Ol Pejeta 1-Day Safari from Nairobi
  • Duration: Full day (approx. 14 hours round-trip)
  • Vehicle: 4×4 Land Cruiser with driver-guide
  • Highlights: Big Five, chimpanzees, rhinos, and Mount Kenya views
  • Price: From $70 per person (group of 7)

Ready to book your Ol Pejeta 1-Day Safari?
📩 Email bookings@olpejetakenya.org

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