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Black rhino in a Kenyan conservancy

Samburu, Ol Pejeta and Laikipia Safari: Kenya's Northern Wildlife Circuit

By the Africa Safaris team, Nairobi · · 3 min read

Plan a Samburu, Ol Pejeta and Laikipia safari: the Samburu Special Five, rhinos and chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta, conservancies, walking safaris, best time and prices.

North of Nairobi, beyond Mount Kenya, lies a different safari world: arid red landscapes, rare species, rhino sanctuaries and community-run conservancies. A Samburu and Ol Pejeta safari is perfect for second-time visitors, photographers and anyone who wants fewer vehicles.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu sits along the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya's semi-arid north. It's known for the Samburu Special Five, species adapted to dry country that you won't see in the Masai Mara:

  • Grévy's zebra
  • reticulated giraffe
  • Beisa oryx
  • Somali ostrich
  • gerenuk, the antelope that stands on its hind legs to feed.

Elephants, lions and leopards are also regularly seen along the river.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta, near Nanyuki on the equator, is one of Kenya's leading conservation success stories:

  • one of East Africa's largest black rhino populations
  • the last two northern white rhinos on earth, under 24-hour guard
  • the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kenya's only place to see chimpanzees
  • activities such as lion tracking with researchers (around $95 per person).

Laikipia's private conservancies

Laikipia is a patchwork of ranches and community conservancies where you can do things the national parks don't allow: walking safaris, night drives, horse and camel riding, and exclusive-use lodges. It's a favourite for honeymooners and families who want space.

Sample itinerary

Our 5-Day Samburu & Ol Pejeta Wildlife Safari, from about $1,700 per person sharing, spends two nights in each. Families can also try the 6-Day Kenya Family Safari, which combines Nairobi, Ol Pejeta and Lake Naivasha.

Combining north and south

Add the north to a Masai Mara safari for a complete Kenya trip: Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha and then the Mara. This takes 8–10 days by road, or less with a bush flight between regions. See our 7-day Kenya safari itinerary for the southern half.

Best time to go

The north is dry and good for safaris for most of the year. Game viewing peaks in the dry months (June–October and January–March), when animals gather along the river.

Explore Samburu and Ol Pejeta, or build your own northern Kenya safari.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Samburu Special Five?+

Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. These five species are adapted to northern Kenya's dry landscapes.

Can you see chimpanzees in Kenya?+

Yes, at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It's the only place in Kenya to see them. For wild chimpanzee tracking, add Uganda's Kibale Forest.

Is northern Kenya good for families?+

Yes. Ol Pejeta in particular has excellent child-friendly lodges and activities, short drives from Nairobi and plenty of rhinos.

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