Northern Kenya Joining Safari: Aberdare, Samburu and Ol Pejeta
Three landscapes, one small group
Northern Kenya rewards travellers who look beyond the Mara. In six days this route climbs into the Aberdare forest, heads north into the dry country of Samburu and finishes at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. You share a 4x4 Land Cruiser and a professional driver-guide with a small group of fellow travellers, on departures that run monthly from January to November 2027. It is a straightforward way to see three very different landscapes without arranging a private safari, and it suits solo travellers who would rather not travel alone.
What You Will Experience
- A night at The ArkStay in the Aberdare forest at a lodge built for watching wildlife at the waterhole.
- Samburu's dry-country wildlifeTwo days of game drives in a semi-arid reserve with species you will not see further south.
- Time with the Samburu communityA cultural visit arranged with the local community during your stay.
- Ol Pejeta chimpanzee sanctuaryVisit the sanctuary and hear how the conservancy approaches wildlife protection.
- A small-group journeyShare the vehicle and the experience with fellow travellers on a fixed departure.
- Guided from start to finishAn English-speaking driver-guide stays with the group from Nairobi and back.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Nairobi
Your journey starts in Nairobi with a transfer to the Mövenpick Hotel, where dinner is served and you can rest before heading north.
- Accommodation
- Mövenpick Hotel, Nairobi
- Meals
- Dinner
Into the Aberdare highlands
After breakfast the group drives to the Aberdare region. Main luggage stays at the base hotel, and you continue to The Ark with a small overnight bag for a night in the forest.
- Accommodation
- The Ark Lodge
- Meals
- Full board
- Travel note
- Pack a small overnight bag. Main luggage is held at the base hotel for one night.
North to Samburu
The road descends from the highlands into the semi-arid north. Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge for lunch, then head out on your first game drive in the afternoon, depending on arrival time.
- Accommodation
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Meals
- Full board
- Activities
- Drive to Samburu, Afternoon game drive
A full day in Samburu
Game drives explore the reserve, with time set aside for a cultural visit with the Samburu community.
- Accommodation
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Meals
- Full board
- Activities
- Game drives, Samburu cultural visit
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Leave Samburu for Ol Pejeta and check in at Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Later, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary and learn about the conservancy's work.
- Accommodation
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Meals
- Full board
- Activities
- Drive to Ol Pejeta, Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
Back to Nairobi
After breakfast the group returns to Nairobi, stopping for lunch on the way. The safari ends in Nairobi.
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch
Fixed departure dates
- Fri, 22 Jan 2027AvailableUSD 1,915 per person sharingUSD 2,345 single occupancy
- Fri, 19 Feb 2027AvailableUSD 1,915 per person sharingUSD 2,345 single occupancy
- Fri, 19 Mar 2027AvailableUSD 1,915 per person sharingUSD 2,345 single occupancy
- Fri, 23 Apr 2027AvailableUSD 1,730 per person sharingUSD 2,050 single occupancy
- Fri, 21 May 2027AvailableUSD 1,730 per person sharingUSD 2,050 single occupancy
- Fri, 18 Jun 2027AvailableUSD 2,200 per person sharingUSD 2,630 single occupancy
- Fri, 23 Jul 2027AvailableUSD 2,200 per person sharingUSD 2,630 single occupancy
- Fri, 20 Aug 2027AvailableUSD 2,200 per person sharingUSD 2,630 single occupancy
- Fri, 17 Sep 2027AvailableUSD 2,200 per person sharingUSD 2,630 single occupancy
- Fri, 22 Oct 2027AvailableUSD 2,200 per person sharingUSD 2,630 single occupancy
- Fri, 19 Nov 2027AvailableUSD 1,975 per person sharingUSD 2,480 single occupancy
Departures are confirmed once the minimum group size is reached. Please wait for our written confirmation before booking non-refundable flights.
Seasonal rates
| Travel dates | Per person sharing | Single occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2027 | USD 1,915 | USD 2,345 |
| 1 Apr to 31 May 2027 | USD 1,730 | USD 2,050 |
| 1 Jun to 16 Jun 2027 | USD 1,930 | USD 2,360 |
| 17 Jun to 31 Oct 2027 | USD 2,200 | USD 2,630 |
| 1 Nov to 22 Dec 2027 | USD 1,975 | USD 2,480 |
| 23 Dec to 31 Dec 2027 | USD 2,020 | USD 2,525 |
What Is Included
- Accommodation for five nights as listed in the itinerary
- Meals as listed for each day
- 4x4 Land Cruiser transport from Nairobi and back
- Game drives as set out in the itinerary
- An English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Park and reserve entry fees for the itinerary
- Driver-guide allowance, and driver and vehicle park fees
What Is Excluded
- International flights
- Kenya eTA (entry authorisation)
- Personal costs such as laundry and phone calls
- Drinks and extras not listed above
- Tips
- Optional activities or conservation charges not listed above (confirmed in your quotation)
Before you plan
Which parks does this joining safari visit?
Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, starting and ending in Nairobi.
What does it cost?
From USD 1,730 per person sharing for April and May 2027 departures. Each departure date on this page shows its own rate, with the single-room rate alongside it.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. Solo travellers can join any departure, sharing a room where that can be arranged or paying the single rate shown for the date.
Why is my main luggage left behind on day 2?
The Ark is reached through a base hotel that holds main luggage for the night, so bring a small bag for one night in the forest.
What should I pack?
Layers, because the Aberdares are cool and Samburu is hot, plus comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, any medication, a camera and your travel documents.
Interested in Northern Kenya Joining Safari: Aberdare, Samburu and Ol Pejeta?
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