3-days Aberdare National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day safari adventure, exploring two of Kenya's most diverse and captivating wildlife destinations. Begin in Aberdare National Park, a lush rainforest haven teeming with unique species like the elusive bongo antelope and the colourful African fish eagle. Then, journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its Big Five encounters and the heartwarming Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the contrasting beauty and abundant wildlife of these two remarkable ecosystems.
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 3: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Nairobi
Activities:
* Game drives and guided walks in Aberdare National Park
* Visit the Treetops Lodge or The Ark for unique wildlife viewing opportunities
* Game drives in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Optional activities: 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:
Aberdare National Park: Bongo antelopes, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Sykes' monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle and Jackson's francolin.
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 lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and moorlands of Aberdare contrasted with the open plains and rolling hills of the Laikipia Plateau in Ol Pejeta.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park (Approx. 3-4 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 Aberdare National Park.
- Mid-morning: The drive takes you north through agricultural areas and into the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range. You'll likely stop at the Aberdare Country Club for lunch. This is a common staging point for transfers into the park itself, especially to the "tree hotels."
- Afternoon: Transfer into Aberdare National Park and check in to your chosen tree hotel (The Ark or Treetops are the most well-known). These unique lodges offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities from their elevated platforms overlooking floodlit waterholes.
- Evening: Enjoy wildlife viewing from the lodge throughout the night. Keep an eye out for elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and various nocturnal animals like the elusive leopard.
Accommodation Suggestions: The Ark, Treetops, or similar.
Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final morning of wildlife viewing from your tree hotel. The early morning light in the Aberdares is often beautiful, and you might spot some animals you missed during the night.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, descend from the Aberdares and drive towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive is relatively short and offers scenic views of the changing landscape.
- 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 like wild dogs. Consider visiting the chimpanzee sanctuary or taking 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 3: 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, a visit to the Rhino Information Centre, or a visit to the endangered species boma.
- 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.
- It is recommended that you book your safari well in advance.
- Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers (especially for Aberdare, which can be cold and misty), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.