5-Day Kenya Rhino & Chimpanzee Safari (Ol Pejeta & Lake Nakuru)
Destinations: Kenya (Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Meet your guide after immigration and customs.
- Afternoon (if time permits and depending on arrival time): Choose one or both:
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM only): Visit orphaned elephant calves at this renowned rescue and rehabilitation center. Must book in advance online. This is a magical experience watching baby elephants being fed and playing in mud.
- Giraffe Centre (30-60 minutes): Feed and learn about Rothschild’s giraffes at this conservation education center. You can get kissed by a giraffe!
- Karen Blixen Museum (1 hour): Visit the former home of the “Out of Africa” author.
- Evening: Transfer to your Nairobi hotel, welcome briefing with your guide, dinner.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Nairobi hotel (various options, see Recommended Lodges)
Day 2: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Morning (7:30 AM): Breakfast at hotel, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive north through the Kenya Highlands to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia (4 hours). The scenery changes from urban Nairobi to open savannah with views of Mount Kenya on clear days.
- En Route: Stop at the Equator for photos and to see the water rotation demonstration.
- Mid-day: Arrive at Ol Pejeta, check into lodge/camp, enjoy lunch with wildlife views.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive (3-4 hours) in this 90,000-acre private conservancy. Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five and is renowned for successful rhino conservation . Look for:
- Black rhino (Kenya’s largest population, over 100 individuals)
- Southern white rhino (numerous, easy to see)
- Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard
- Endangered species like Grevy’s zebra and patas monkey
- Over 300 bird species
- Evening: Return to lodge as darkness falls, enjoy dinner, optional night game drive (extra cost, permits required).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Ol Pejeta lodge/camp
Day 3: Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Morning game drive (3-4 hours) when wildlife is most active. Search for predators returning from night hunts. The morning light is excellent for photography.
- Late Morning (10:30 AM): Return to lodge for breakfast/brunch, rest during heat of day. Enjoy lodge amenities like pool.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary (1 hour):
- Learn about chimpanzee conservation from sanctuary staff
- Observe rescued chimps in large forested enclosures (the only chimpanzees in Kenya)
- Educational talk about the sanctuary’s mission and individual chimp stories
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Visit Endangered Species Enclosure (1 hour):
- Evening (6:30 PM): Optional night game drive (extra cost $50-75) to see nocturnal species: aardvark, aardwolf, genet cats, bushbabies, and possibly leopard. Ol Pejeta is one of few places in Kenya offering night drives.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same lodge/camp
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (3 hours), passing through the equator and scenic Rift Valley viewpoints with stops for photos.
- Mid-day: Arrive at Lake Nakuru, check into lodge, enjoy lunch.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive (3-4 hours) in this soda lake park famous for :
- Black and white rhinos (excellent viewing, high density)
- Rothschild’s giraffes (reintroduced, easily seen)
- Flamingos (numbers fluctuate with water levels; when conditions are right, millions gather)
- Over 450 bird species (pelicans, cormorants, storks, kingfishers)
- Lions, leopards, buffaloes, waterbuck
- Evening: Return to lodge as sunset colors the lake, enjoy dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi for Departure
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Early morning game drive (2-3 hours) for bird watching (best light for flamingos at sunrise) and predators. The morning is cool and animals are active.
- Late Morning (9:30 AM): Return to lodge for breakfast, check out.
- Mid-day: Drive back to Nairobi (3 hours). Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for final photos.
- Afternoon: Arrive Nairobi, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for departure (allow 3+ hours before international flight). Your guide will assist with check-in.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers (arrival and departure) | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle (pop-top minivan or Land Cruiser) | Kenya E-visa ($50 online) |
| Professional English-speaking driver-guide | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Accommodation (4 nights full-board) | Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips) |
| Park entry fees (Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru) | Alcoholic and soft drinks |
| Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit | Night game drive (optional, $50-75) |
| Endangered Species Enclosure visit | David Sheldrick/Giraffe Centre entry ($50-70 total) |
| Bottled water throughout | Tips for guides, lodge staff ($15-20/day recommended) |
| All applicable government taxes | Laundry services |
| Game drives as per itinerary | Premium drinks and mini-bar |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dry | June – October | Best wildlife viewing, animals concentrate near water, sunny days, cool mornings. Rhino viewing excellent. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Dry | January – February | Good conditions, hot days, occasional showers, green landscapes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Rains | November – December | Green landscapes, migratory birds arrive (excellent for birding), fewer tourists, lower rates. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Long Rains | March – May | Heavy rains, some roads muddy, lower rates, lush scenery. Not ideal for game viewing. | ⭐⭐ |
| Bird Watching Peak | November – April | Migrants present, best for ornithologists. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Lightweight neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive, brown), long pants (4 pairs), long-sleeved shirts (3-4), shorts (2), t-shirts (3), fleece or warm jacket (mornings are cold), swimwear (lodges often have pools), wide-brimmed hat |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes (game drives), sandals/flip-flops for lodge |
| Gear | Binoculars (essential), camera with zoom lens (200-400mm recommended), extra batteries/memory cards, power bank, flashlight/headlamp, small daypack |
| Health | Insect repellent (DEET 30%+), sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, personal medications, anti-malarial medication, wet wipes, hand sanitizer |
| Documents | Passport, Kenya E-visa printout, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance, flight confirmations, cash (USD for tips/visa) |
| Extras | Reusable water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, bandana (dust protection), notebook, small gifts for children (optional) |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Lodges/Camps | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Sweetwaters Tented Camp (standard tents), Nakuru Lodge, Hotel Waterbuck | Comfortable tents/rooms, basic amenities, good value, shared guiding possible, central locations |
| Mid-Range | Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Flamingo Hill Camp | En-suite, restaurant, bar, pool, good service, reliable hot water, great views |
| Luxury | Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Kifaru House, Sanctuary’s Solio Lodge, Mbweha Camp | Premium tents/rooms, private guiding, gourmet dining, exclusive experiences, night drives included, all-inclusive options |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What makes Ol Pejeta special for rhino conservation?
A: Ol Pejeta is Kenya’s largest black rhino sanctuary with over 100 individuals. It’s also home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth (Najin and Fatu) under 24/7 armed protection. Scientists are attempting IVF using stored sperm from deceased males to save the subspecies. Your visit directly funds these conservation efforts .
Q: Can I see the Big Five here?
A: Yes—Ol Pejeta has lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino. Leopard requires patience but is possible. Lake Nakuru also has excellent rhino, lion, and leopard populations.
Q: What are the chances of seeing rhinos?
A: Excellent—Ol Pejeta has over 100 black rhinos and numerous white rhinos, with sightings almost guaranteed. Lake Nakuru also has strong rhino populations (50-60 individuals) with high sighting probability.
Q: Is the chimpanzee sanctuary ethical?
A: Yes—it’s a rescue center for chimps confiscated from illegal trade (bushmeat, pet trade), not a tourist attraction. They cannot be released due to lack of survival skills and habitat loss. Your visit supports their care.
Q: What’s the story with the northern white rhinos?
A: Only two females remain (Najin and Fatu), both unable to carry a pregnancy. Scientists have viable sperm from deceased males and are developing IVF techniques using southern white rhinos as surrogates. It’s a poignant conservation story and a race against time.
Q: Is night game drive worth it?
A: Yes—unique opportunity to see nocturnal species like aardvark, aardwolf, genet, and bushbabies. Ol Pejeta is one of few places in Kenya offering this experience legally (private conservancy vs. national park).