Kenya
Private conservancies and the world's last northern white rhinos, in a Kenya far from the crowds
Kenya
A different kind of safari, away from the Masai Mara: first, the private conservancies of central Kenya, where Ol Pejeta protects the world's last two northern white rhinos, then the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, home to reticulated giraffes and gerenuks found nowhere else. Fewer vehicles, more space, and guides drawn from the communities who manage this land themselves.
When
June to Oct | Jan-Feb
Price
From 9 800€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
6 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
First stop in Kenya's central highlands, where two private conservancies have become a global reference point for protecting endangered species. Ol Pejeta is home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos left on Earth, under permanent ranger guard. Neighbouring Lewa adds its own black rhino population and Grevy's zebra, a rare species with an unusually fine-striped coat.
Day 1
Arrival at Ol Pejeta
A light aircraft flight from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta's airstrip. A first game drive that same afternoon, looking for the southern white rhinos who share the sanctuary, with a chance to meet the ranger team that guards Najin and Fatu — the world's last two northern white rhino females — day and night.
Day 2
Lewa and its Grevy's zebra
A day at Lewa, the neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage-listed conservancy, tracking Grevy's zebra and black rhino. In the evening, an open-air dinner hosted by the local Maasai community, which reinvests a share of tourism revenue into managing the conservancy.
Days 1-2
North to the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, where the Ewaso Ng'iro river cuts a green ribbon through an almost desert setting. This is home to the "Samburu Special Five": reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich — five species found nowhere else in Kenya. Samburu guides, recognisable by their red regalia, pass down a knowledge of this ground learned since childhood.
Day 1
Transfer and evening game drive
An overland transfer to Samburu, with lunch en route. A first late-afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro river, where elephants and buffalo gather as the heat of the day fades.
Day 2
Tracking the Samburu Special Five
A full day spent tracking the five species unique to this region: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. In the late afternoon, a visit to a Samburu village to learn about the semi-nomadic way of life the community still follows today.
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