9 Day Thrilling Safari in Kenya

Start early on a game drive from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp and catch the early birds and wildlife before finishing up with a bush breakfast in a surprise location. An idyllic way to begin the day.

Only available in a select few wildlife areas across the continent, a night game drive is a wonderful way to see the nocturnal animals of the conservancy. With the help of a spotlight and an expert Ol Pejeta Bush Camp guide, you stand the chance of spotting some of Kenya’s more unusual critters — aardvark, zorilla, bat-eared foxes and leopard to name but a few. Wrap up warm and let loose that intrepid explorer inside you. Please note that it gets very cold on night game drives, so we recommend wearing extra layers for comfort.

Today, only 2 northern white rhino remain in the world and both are found at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in a 700acre enclosure protected by 24hour armed security. Take the opportunity to visit the enclosure, learn from the keepers about the efforts being taken to preserve the last of this highly endangered species, as well as see Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest in a private and intimate setting.

Morning visit: 08h30 or afternoon visit: 16h00 – duration 45 minutes. Maximum 6 people per visit and physical interaction with the rhinos is relatively restricted. (At an additional cost)

Visit the conservancy’s blood hound dog kennels and learn about the training that transforms these canines into anti-poaching patrollers. After your tour, you can play a game of human-canine hide and seek, trying to evade the dogs and finding a spot to hide within the Morani Information Centre. A great way to interact, get a bit of exercise for you and the hounds as well as assist in their training.

Morning visit only: 08h30, maximum group size 6, minimum age 12years. Closed-toe shoes recommended. In case the dogs are deployed we will refund money or try to reschedule the activity. (At an additional cost)

Several lions on the conservancy have been fitted with radio collars, and you can learn how to track them with the researchers with a special tracking device. When you locate a pride, you will learn how to identify the individuals by notches on their ears, whisker patterns, and other distinguishing marks. All data is passed to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring team in order to further understand these magnificent predators. Guests remain in the vehicle at all times.

Morning activity: 06h30 and afternoon visit: 15h30 – duration approx. 2hours, maximum 6 people. (At an additional cost)

The chance to ride amongst the endangered species including the northern white rhinos is a once in a lifetime experience. This predator-free area is wonderful to explore on horseback, with the chance to also encounter various other endangered species such as the southern white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra or Jackson’s hartebeest.

Morning visit: 8.30 am or 11 am; Afternoon visit: 3 pm or 4.30 pm — duration 1 hour. Riding hats and tack are provided. Riders must wear suitable footwear, long trousers and sleeves. Maximum of six riders in a group. The rides will only be open to experienced riders and some proof of riding ability will be required at point of booking; clients judged to be of insufficient riding ability will not be permitted to undertake this activity.

Fully incorporated into the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary remains the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered species can be seen. Over 40 chimps rescued from the bush-meat industry live in troops on either side of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in a project that aims to preserve chimpanzees and their habitats through public education. (At an additional cost)

Keep your fitness levels up while on safari by joining the Ol Pejeta Conservancy rangers on their early morning run. They do this daily to keep fit, and we can arrange for our guests to join them and enjoy the chance to have a coffee with them afterwards to learn more about their work to keep the wildlife on the conservancy safe. A fun and rewarding way to start your day!

Available on Wednesday and Friday at 7 am, maximum six people, minimum age 12 years. Suitable running shoes are needed as well as the ability to run a minimum of 5kms without stopping. (At an additional cost)

Are you a cycling enthusiast looking for a unique ride? Then look no further! We offer a weekly 84km ride from Nanyuki to Mpala Research Centre and back, including a stop for lunch at the Big Rock and some non-technical rock climbing.

Departs by car every Sunday from Ol Pejeta to Nanyuki at 9h00 and returns at 17h00. Bikes and helmets are provided. (At an additional cost)

Ol Pejeta operates a unique wildlife-livestock integration model; balancing over 6000 cattle with conservation. During the activity guests will learn about the creation of biodiversity hotspots and either help move one of the conservancy’s predator proof cattle ‘bomas’ or assist in a cattle spray race.

Morning activity: 8 am duration of two hours. Closed shoes recommended. (At an additional cost)

Shared vehicle game drives are available from Rekero in the morning, afternoon or as a full day option. The game drives can be tailored to your particular interest but, for enhanced flexibility, booking a private vehicle is recommended. On the other hand, you can take the day off, sit back and listen to the bush chorus as you read a book or relax in camp enjoying the views from the deck.

For those keen to get in some early morning game viewing or maximise their time watching game, our camp chef can prepare a delicious packed breakfast or lunch. Leave camp with the rising sun and enjoy a packed breakfast or lunch to maximise your game-viewing time.

Balloon safaris are a romantic and iconic way of experiencing the wilderness of East Africa, as you fly silently over the plains teeming with herds of wildlife in the early morning. Typically, a balloon safari begins around 6 am and lasts for around 1 hour. Balloon safaris (additional cost) take off from designated sites and are followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush - a fitting end to a memorable flight in the wild. (At an additional cost)

At Rekero you are just 50 meters away from one of the regular wildebeest migration crossing points, where the herds of zebra and wildebeest cross the Talek River. Families with children of 5 years can stay in our two airy family tents with full en-suite facilities. Families have a personal game-viewing vehicle and highly-skilled guide complete with amazing bush-wise facts, anecdotes and stories that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Game drives happen twice per day: in the morning and again in the late afternoon. We can also stay out late to spot nocturnal animals and venture off-road. Our vehicles are seven-seaters with open sides or five-seaters with roofs that open so you can stand for a better view. All vehicles are fitted with power points and fridges, so we can comfortably cruise around the bush all day.

A night safari gives guests the opportunity to spot animals that spend the day snoozing. Our vehicles are equipped with special spotlights that give you the thrilling experience of watching predators as they stalk their prey.

There’s nothing like a walking safari for learning about the Mara ecosystem. A passionate and specially trained Asilia guide will lead a walk through the savannah, pausing to explain bird and animal behaviour, and how all the small things work together, from termites to dung beetles. (additional cost)

This is one of the most exciting activities Asilia has to offer and is perfect for those who want an intimate safari experience. Set out on a walking safari in the afternoon and spend a night fly camping in a remote part of the conservancy. We’ll cook dinner over a campfire under the stars and the sounds of the bush will lull you to sleep. We return to the main camp the next morning. (additional cost)

Asilia can organise a trip to a nearby Maasai village, where you can meet our neighbours and learn about Maasai life. We take great care to plan these trips with sensitivity and respect for the local communities. (additional cost)

Our guides are great with kids. Many of them are parents themselves and love taking children on safari. They can teach them bush skills such as how to track animals, while telling Maasai folktales and stories about life in the Mara. We can plan games or visit a local school to meet future pen pals and learn more about Maasai culture.

You won’t regret the early start when you find yourself sailing over the Mara plains as the sun peeks over the horizon. A hot-air balloon ride offers an incredible vantage point. From above, follow the river and glide over a confusion of wildebeest, journey of giraffes or dazzle of zebras. Balloon rides are at an additional cost and are subject to weather conditions. (additional cost)

Naboisho is home to one of Asilia’s specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats. You can read more about the vehicle here. Please enquire to ensure availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees. (additional cost)

Due to the high concentration of wildlife, many research programmes are conducted in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Researchers sometimes visit camp and spend an evening with guests sharing their findings and experiences of working in the bush.