7 Day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu Safari: Special Five

This 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari spends 2 nights each in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Meru National Park and Samburu Game Reserve for rhinos, the Big Five and the Special Five.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

Safari Map

FAQs

Overview

This 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari is a private road safari from Nairobi through northern Kenya. You spend 2 nights in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, 2 nights in Meru National Park and 2 nights in Samburu Game Reserve, looking for rhinos, the Big Five and the Special Five. It runs all year round, costs from USD 2,915 per adult and suits repeat visitors, photographers and anyone who wants quieter parks.

You travel in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with an English or bilingual driver guide and stay in 3 and 4-star camps and lodges on full board, with unlimited game drives on the itinerary.

Why choose a 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari?

Northern Kenya offers wildlife you will not see in the Masai Mara. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, with elephants, lions and views of Mount Kenya. Meru National Park, where Elsa the lioness of Born Free was released, is green, quiet and rich in birdlife, with more than 400 species.

Samburu Game Reserve is home to the Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk, found mainly in Kenya’s dry north. Read our Ol Pejeta Conservancy guide and our Samburu Game Reserve guide before you go.

Rhino lovers: black and white rhinos at Ol Pejeta, plus the conservancy’s northern white rhinos.
Repeat visitors: three parks away from the busy southern circuit.
Photographers: rare northern species and two full game-drive days in each area.

What to expect on the 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari

Day 1 starts with a meet-and-greet and briefing in Nairobi, then a drive of about 4 hours to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and an afternoon game drive. Day 2 is a full day in Ol Pejeta, with rhinos, elephants and the Big Five, the conservancy’s research centre and the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Both nights are at Maisha Sweetwaters Camp or Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

On day 3 you drive about 4 hours to Meru National Park for an evening game drive. Day 4 is a full day in Meru, visiting Elsa’s Kopje for the views and looking for elephants, lions, leopards and the park’s birdlife. Both nights are at Rhino River Camp or Ikweta Safari Camp.

Day 5 is a drive of about 4 hours to Samburu Game Reserve with an evening game drive. Day 6 is a full day in Samburu for the Special Five, lions, leopards, elephants and the crocodiles and hippos of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, staying both nights at Ashnil Samburu Camp or Samburu Sopa Lodge. On day 7 you drive about 6 hours back to Nairobi, with an en-route game drive, for your hotel or flight.

When is the best time for this northern Kenya safari?

The Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari runs all year round. Game viewing in northern Kenya is usually easiest in the dry months, roughly June to October and January to February, when animals gather along the Ewaso Ng’iro River and around water. The green season brings lush scenery, birdlife and fewer vehicles. See what affects the price in our Kenya safari cost guide.

What is included in the Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari?

The price includes a meet-and-greet and safari briefing, all transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser, 6 nights of accommodation (2 nights each in Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu), all park entry and conservation fees, full board meals, an English or bilingual driver guide, unlimited game drives on the itinerary and unlimited bottled drinking water.

Not included are travel insurance, visas and international flights, tips (about USD 10 per person per day is suggested, not mandatory), alcoholic and soft drinks, and personal items such as phone calls and mosquito repellent. For a longer northern trip, compare the 11 Day Kenya Special Five and Big Five safari.

How much does the 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari cost?

From USD 2,915 per adult (regular price USD 3,670). The final price depends on your travel dates, group size and the camps available, and we confirm every lodge in your written quote.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will reply with dates and availability.

Highlights

2 nights in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary for black and white rhinos
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Mount Kenya views
Elsa's Kopje and birdlife in Meru National Park
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk in Samburu
4x4 Land Cruiser, full board and unlimited game drives

Day 01 :

Nairobi - Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by Divulge Adventures representative for meet, greet and safari briefing. Afterwards, you will depart Nairobi for Ol Pejeta conservancy, approximately 4 hours drive. Arriving at around lunchtime for check-in and lunch, followed by afternoon siesta. Later in the evening set out for afternoon game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Being a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, Ol Pejeta hosts a large number of rhinos among other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, lions,
leopards, cheetahs among others. Afterwards, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Maisha Sweetwaters Camp / Sweetwaters Serena Camp

Day 02 :

Full Day at Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive into the home of large herds of elephants, rhinos and Mt Kenya view. A full-day game drive at Olpejeta Conservancy offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. You’ll explore vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five.

Visit Baraka, the blind black rhino, and learn about conservation efforts at the research center. A highlight is seeing the last two remaining northern white rhinos. You’ll also stop by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where rescued chimps are rehabilitated. The trip provides insight into wildlife protection, making it both adventurous and educational.

Later in the evening return back to the camp for dinner, and overnight
at Maisha Sweetwaters Camp / Sweetwaters Serena Camp

Day 03 :

Ol Pejeta Conservacny - Meru National Park

After a steamy hot delicious breakfast depart Ol Pejeta Conservancy and proceed to Meru National Park, which is approximately 4 hours away. Upon arrival, check in at the camp for lunch followed by afternoon siesta. In the evening set out for an evening game drive at Meru National Park, the home for Elsa the Lioness and bird watchers paradise.

An afternoon game drive at Meru National Park offers a serene experience with spectacular wildlife sightings. As the sun sets, spot elephants, lions, and
leopards against a beautiful landscape. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect time for photography and exploration. Later, return back to the camp for dinner and overnight at Rhino River
Camp | Ikweta Safari Camp

Day 04 :

Full Day at Meru National Park

After an early and steamy breakfast, set out for Meru National Park full day game drive. A full-day game drive at Meru National Park takes you through the stunning landscapes where Elsa the Lioness, of Born Free fame, roamed.

Visit Elsa’s Kopje for breathtaking views, and explore habitats home to the “Special Five” – gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. Discover scenic waterfalls and enjoy the park’s rich birdlife, with over 400 species making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and connection to Elsa’s legacy make it
an unforgettable experience.

Dinner and overnight at Rhino River
Camp | Ikweta Safari Camp

Day 05 :

Meru National Park - Samburu Game Reserve

After delicious breakfast at the camp, checkout and depart Meru National Park proceeding to Samburu Game Reserve, which is approximately 4 hours away. Upon arrival, checking at the camp followed by lunch and afternoon relaxing moments. In the evening, set out for an evening game drive into the famous Samburu Game Reserve.

An evening game drive at Samburu Reserve offers the chance to see the Big Four—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos—along with the Special Five, including Gravy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. The golden sunset enhances the wildlife experience. Afterwards, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Sopa Lodge

Day 06 :

Full Day at Samburu Game Reserve

After breakfast at your camp, set out for a full day game drive at Samburu National Game Reserve. A full-day game drive at Samburu National Game Reserve immerses you in Kenya’s rich wildlife.

Home to the Big Four—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos—the reserve also boasts the Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. Other wildlife includes cheetahs, common zebras, warthogs, and birdlife. Explore the dramatic landscapes of acacia woodlands and riverine forests, while spotting unique species like crocodiles and hippos along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.

Afterwards, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Sopa Lodge

Day 07 :

Samburu Game Reserve - Nairobi

After breakfast checkout at the camp, and embark on an enroute game drive to Nairobi approximately 6 hours away. Upon arrival, dorp off at your Nairobi hotel or at the airport for oubound flight. This marks the end of your 7 Day special five to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Meru National park and Samburu Game Reserve.

Expand all

When is the best time for the 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari?

The 7 day Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari runs all year round. The dry months, roughly June to October and January to February, usually give the easiest game viewing because animals gather near rivers and water. The green season has lush scenery, good birding and fewer vehicles in the three northern parks.

What is included in the 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari?

The 7 day Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari includes a 4WD Land Cruiser with a driver guide, 6 nights of accommodation on full board, all park and conservation fees, unlimited game drives on the itinerary and bottled drinking water. Flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and personal items are not included.

Where do you stay on the Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari?

On this safari you stay 2 nights at Maisha Sweetwaters Camp or Sweetwaters Serena Camp in Ol Pejeta, 2 nights at Rhino River Camp or Ikweta Safari Camp in Meru, and 2 nights at Ashnil Samburu Camp or Samburu Sopa Lodge in Samburu. These are 3 and 4-star camps, confirmed in your quote.

Is the 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome on the 7 day Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari. It is a private road safari, so the pace can suit you, with drives of about 4 hours between parks and about 6 hours on the last day. Tell us your children’s ages and we will suggest family rooms.

How do I book the 7 day Ol Pejeta Meru and Samburu safari?

To book the 7 day Ol Pejeta, Meru and Samburu safari, send the enquiry form on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888 or email [email protected] with your dates and group size. We reply with a written quote and camp availability, and confirm every lodge before you pay.