Discover the unique wildlife treasures and vital conservation efforts of Northern Kenya on this captivating 4 day luxury safari. Expertly designed by Kenyan based specialists for Canadian travellers seeking an experience beyond the typical southern circuit, this journey immerses you in the arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve and the pioneering conservation landscape of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Enjoy a comfortable pace with two nights in Samburu and one in Ol Pejeta, allowing for focused exploration of these remarkable destinations with Bubble Tours & Travel's signature bespoke Kenya itinerary planning.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in both Samburu and Ol Pejeta to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta.
* Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Samburu and Laikipia landscapes.
Optional activities: Cultural visits to Samburu villages, camel rides, bird watching, nature walks, or a visit to the Morani Information Center (additional cost).

Optional Travel Upgrade:

Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.

Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:

Samburu National Reserve: The "Samburu Special Five" (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich), elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species including the vulturine guineafowl and the Somali bee-eater.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, oryx, and a variety of bird species including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Scenic Landscapes: The semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, featuring the Ewaso Nyiro River and doum palm trees, contrasted with the open plains and rolling hills of the Laikipia Plateau in Ol Pejeta.

Tailoring Your Northern Kenya Safari

This focused 4 day itinerary provides a superb introduction to these unique areas. Customization options include:

• Accommodation Choice: Select from curated premium lodges and camps matching your style.
• Activity Focus: Emphasize specific interests like conservation activities at Ol Pejeta, cultural interactions in Samburu, or bird watching.
• Extend Your Stay: Easily add extra nights in either location for deeper exploration.
• Combine Destinations: This itinerary pairs well with a subsequent flight down to the Maasai Mara or other destinations for a longer, more diverse Kenyan experience.

Best Time for This Safari

Samburu and Ol Pejeta offer rewarding experiences year round:

• Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Generally offer easier wildlife spotting as vegetation is less dense and animals may congregate near water sources like the Ewaso Ngiro River in Samburu. Road travel between the locations is typically easier.
• Wet Seasons (March May, November December): Feature lush green landscapes, fewer visitors, and excellent birding. Some rain is possible.

Our specialists provide detailed advice based on your travel dates.

Why Choose This Samburu & Ol Pejeta Journey?

• Unique Wildlife: Focuses on the Samburu Special Five and Ol Pejeta's rhinos and chimpanzees – species often missed on southern circuits.
• Strong Conservation Theme: Offers direct insight into successful conservation projects at Ol Pejeta.
• Contrasting Landscapes: Experience the arid beauty of Samburu and the highland plateau of Laikipia/Ol Pejeta.
• Comfortable Pacing: Allows for two nights in Samburu and one full day exploring Ol Pejeta within the 4 day timeframe.

Plan Your Unique Kenyan Safari

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical details, follows below. If this journey into Kenya's unique northern territories appeals, contact our specialists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (Arrival/Departure): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, depart for Samburu National Reserve.
• Mid-morning: The drive takes you north through diverse landscapes, passing through agricultural areas and gradually transitioning into more arid terrain. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, often in a town like Nanyuki or Isiolo.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Samburu National Reserve. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Samburu. This reserve is known for its unique wildlife adapted to the arid environment, including Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope). The Ewaso Ng'iro River is a vital water source and attracts a variety of wildlife.
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Sasaab, or similar.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve

• Morning: Early morning game drive to witness the sunrise and observe wildlife during their most active hours. This is a great time for photography.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast.
• Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue exploring Samburu with extended game drives, focusing on different areas of the reserve and searching for wildlife. Your guide will have knowledge of animal movements and good spots for sightings.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Samburu, perhaps focusing on any species you may have missed or revisiting a favourite spot.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive is relatively short and offers scenic views.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Ol Pejeta. This conservancy is known for its conservation efforts, particularly with rhinos (both black and white). It's also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and offers excellent opportunities to see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other wildlife. You could visit the chimpanzee sanctuary or take a game drive focusing on rhino tracking (if available and pre-arranged).
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Serena Mountain Lodge (slightly further afield but a good option), or similar.

Day 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Nairobi (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final activity in Ol Pejeta. This could be another game drive, a guided bush walk, or a visit to the Rhino Information Centre.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Late Morning: Check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.

Important Notes :

• This is a sample itinerary and can be customized.
• Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions.
• Park fees are not included in accommodation costs and are payable separately.
• It is recommended that you book your safari well in advance.
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers (especially for early mornings and evenings), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes Samburu and Ol Pejeta's wildlife different from the Maasai Mara? Samburu is famous for the "Special Five" – Grevys zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk – adapted to arid environments. Ol Pejeta is a leading sanctuary for black and white rhinos and hosts Kenyás only chimpanzee sanctuary. While Ol Pejeta has the Big Five, the Mara is generally known for higher densities of predators like lions and cheetahs and the Great Migration spectacle.

2. How long is the drive between Samburu and Ol Pejeta? The road transfer between the Samburu region and Ol Pejeta Conservancy typically takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, travelling through scenic landscapes. While manageable, light aircraft flights can also be arranged for those preferring to minimize travel time.

3. Is one full day enough to experience Ol Pejeta Conservancy? One full day (achieved with the overnight stay) allows for significant exploration of Ol Pejeta, including game drives focused on finding rhinos and other wildlife, plus a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary and potentially other conservation points of interest like the Morani Center.

4. Who is this 4 day itinerary best suited for? It's ideal for conservation minded travellers, wildlife enthusiasts seeking unique species beyond the standard Big Five, repeat visitors to Kenya looking for a different experience, or those wanting a focused, high quality short safari emphasizing Northern Kenya/Laikipia.