Ol Pejeta and Laikipia Itineraries: 2, 4 and 7 Day Sample Safaris

Ol Pejeta Conservancy lies near Nanyuki on the slopes below Mount Kenya. It is a not-for-profit conservancy rather than a national park, and it is best known as the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the home of the last two northern white rhinos, both females, who live under round-the-clock protection.

Around it, Laikipia is a high plateau of private conservancies and ranches that permit activities most national parks do not, such as walking, night drives and riding. The sample plans below show how to turn that variety into a well-paced trip.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

How to Use These Itineraries

Ol Pejeta is compact enough to enjoy in a weekend, yet Laikipia rewards a longer stay because each conservancy has its own character. Choose the length that fits your wider Kenya plan, then adjust the pace using the notes further down. For a wider menu of Kenyan options, see Kenya safari itineraries of 3, 5 and 7 days, and read the Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy guide for background on the landscape and wildlife.

Two-Day Itinerary: Rhinos and Chimpanzees

• Day 1: Leave Nairobi early, travel north through the highlands and reach Ol Pejeta for lunch. An afternoon game drive concentrates on black rhinos, buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest and, with luck, lions.
• Day 2: Take a dawn drive, then visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the northern white rhino enclosure with a ranger. Drive back to Nairobi in the afternoon.

This short plan suits travellers with limited time, or those adding a quick wildlife stop before a flight. It works equally well as a gentle first taste of safari for families.

Four-Day Itinerary: Ol Pejeta and a Laikipia Ranch

• Day 1: Road transfer from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta with an afternoon drive.
• Day 2: Full day on the conservancy, including a morning drive, a rhino and chimpanzee visit and an optional night drive after dinner.
• Day 3: Move to a neighbouring Laikipia ranch for a guided bush walk, a horseback or bicycle outing, or a cultural visit, depending on what the property offers.
• Day 4: Enjoy a final sunrise outing and return to Nairobi or fly from a local airstrip.

The change of base on Day 3 matters, since ranches feel quieter and more private than the busier parts of a conservancy. Ask your operator which activities each property allows, because rules differ.

Seven-Day Itinerary: Laikipia, Samburu and the Mara

• Days 1 to 2: Ol Pejeta, as above, with one night drive.
• Day 3: Drive or fly north to Samburu National Reserve.
• Day 4: Full day in Samburu looking for the arid-land species found there, then rest at the lodge.
• Day 5: Fly to the Masai Mara via Nairobi or a direct charter.
• Days 6 to 7: Two full days in the Mara, then return to Nairobi.

This route contrasts highland conservancy, semi-desert river country and open savannah, which gives a broad picture of Kenya’s habitats in one week.

Pacing Advice

Keep at least two nights in each base so that you are not packing every morning. Early starts are worth the effort, since predators and rhinos are most active in cool air, and the middle of the day is best spent resting. Night drives and walks are usually offered in the conservancies rather than in Kenya’s national reserves, so reserve them for the days when you stay on private land. Read game drives explained and night drives and walking safaris before choosing.

When to Go

Laikipia is enjoyable year-round. Dry months bring easier tracking and clearer views of Mount Kenya, while the rains give green hillsides and fewer visitors. Mornings and evenings are cool at this altitude, so pack warm layers; the packing list and best time to visit Kenya will help you prepare.

Practical Notes

Conservancy fees and tariffs are set officially and change over time, so your operator will confirm what is included. Rhino viewing is carefully regulated for the animals’ safety, and you will stay in your vehicle or with a ranger. To learn why this conservation work matters, read about black rhino conservation.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team