Overview
Escape to the wild for an unforgettable short safari to the spectacular Ol Pejeta Conservancy, nestled on the Laikipia Plateau between the foothills of the Aberdare Ranges and the majestic Mount Kenya. Known for its exceptional biodiversity, Ol Pejeta offers one of the richest wildlife experiences in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara, making it an ideal destination for those with limited time but a deep appreciation for nature and conservation.
Ol Pejeta is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and one of the few places in the world where you can see the last remaining northern white rhinos under round-the-clock protection. It also houses Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, providing a safe haven for rescued chimpanzees in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute. This combination of rare and endangered species, stunning scenery, and cutting-edge conservation work makes the conservancy a unique stop for wildlife enthusiasts.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi, passing through the lush central highlands with views of tea and coffee plantations. Once inside Ol Pejeta, you’ll embark on thrilling game drives across vast open plains and wooded grasslands, encountering a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. The conservancy’s smaller size compared to other parks allows for more efficient and rewarding game viewing, perfect for a short getaway.
Whether you’re visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, tracking rhinos on foot, or enjoying a sundowner overlooking the rolling plains and Mt. Kenya, every moment in Ol Pejeta is packed with wonder. This well-rounded safari offers not just a glimpse of Kenya’s natural beauty, but also a deeper understanding of the crucial role conservation plays in protecting the planet’s most vulnerable species.
Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families, this short safari to Ol Pejeta is a truly enriching experience—compact in duration, but vast in impact and inspiration.
Highlights
- Experience Kenya’s pristine coastal beaches and vibrant marine life.
- Encounter iconic wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and leopards.
- Visit the fascinating Shetani Lava Flows, a unique volcanic formation.
- Enjoy a perfect blend of beach relaxation and thrilling safari adventure.
Itinerary
Your exciting journey begins early in the morning with a 6:30 AM pick-up from your hotel in Nairobi. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through Kenya’s lush central highlands, passing coffee and tea plantations, small towns, and rolling landscapes on your way to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Upon arrival at the conservancy, you’ll head straight to the beautiful Sweetwaters Serena Camp for a relaxing lunch. This charming tented camp offers a peaceful atmosphere and views of a waterhole that often attracts wildlife—perfect for easing into your safari experience.
In the afternoon, your adventure truly begins. Ol Pejeta is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the famous Big Five—elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and the endangered black rhino. In addition to indigenous species, it is also the only place in Kenya where you can observe rescued chimpanzees in a dedicated sanctuary. These rescued primates live in a secure and naturalized environment managed in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
As you drive across the vast open plains and acacia-dotted savannahs, keep your camera ready for dramatic sightings and breathtaking views of Mount Kenya in the background. The diversity of wildlife and landscapes makes Ol Pejeta a truly unique destination.
Whether it’s your first safari or a return to Kenya’s wild spaces, this day promises a rich blend of conservation insight, wildlife encounters, and serene beauty—all in one of East Africa’s most impactful conservancies.
You’ll start your day early, rising with the sun to the sounds of the wild around you. After a hearty breakfast at the camp, you'll check out and set off for your final morning game drive through the incredible Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This last drive is a perfect opportunity to search for any wildlife you may have missed the previous day, including members of the Big Five.
During this game drive, you'll visit two of Ol Pejeta’s most special attractions:
The Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya, where rescued chimpanzees are given a safe, caring environment to live in.
The Rhino Sanctuary, home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet. Witnessing these rare creatures is both humbling and moving—a true highlight of the trip.
After soaking in the beauty and significance of these conservation efforts, you’ll leave the conservancy at around 11:00 AM. You’ll then begin the return journey to Nairobi, enjoying the views of Mount Kenya and the countryside along the way.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be dropped off either at your hotel or at the airport, marking the end of this unforgettable short safari adventure—filled with rare wildlife, stunning landscapes, and powerful conservation stories.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
The Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Drinks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely—especially with a trusted tour operator like us.
Kenya is a welcoming and generally safe destination for travelers, particularly those on organized safaris with professional guides, as you will be. Like any major city, areas of Nairobi and Mombasa require extra awareness, but with basic precautions, you’ll enjoy a trouble-free experience.
We recommend using a trusted driver when going out at night, rather than walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and always keep your personal belongings secure. With these simple measures, you can focus on enjoying the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture Kenya has to offer.
This is your very own private safari—tailored entirely to your pace and preferences.
Crafted just for you, this journey is shaped by your interests, with the help of our expert travel consultants who ensure every detail aligns with your vision. There are plenty of benefits to traveling this way.
You’ll explore in a private safari vehicle with your own dedicated guide, giving you complete flexibility in your daily schedule—depart when you like and return when it suits you, with helpful guidance from your expert.
Inside the national parks, linger at wildlife sightings as long as you want—whether you’re captivated by a lion pride or a herd of elephants, there’s no rush. Your personal guide, attuned to your interests, will offer insider tips that make every moment special, turning your safari into a truly unforgettable adventure.
At Majestic Mara Trips, we believe in designing your journey together.
When you plan your African adventure with us, it’s more than just booking a holiday—it’s about crafting a personalized experience that reflects your unique travel dreams. We take the time to understand your preferences and work closely with you to ensure every detail fits your vision perfectly.
To make the planning process even easier, we also offer a curated selection of our most popular tours and safaris. These serve as inspiration and a flexible starting point to build the ideal trip just for you.
Without a doubt, Kenya is home to all members of the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with an incredible variety of other wildlife.
It’s a true haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. Watching these majestic animals roam freely in their natural environments is what makes Kenya one of the top safari destinations in the world.