Ol Pejeta Conservancy Full Day Tour From Nairobi

Planning a trip to Kenya and looking for a way to see incredible wildlife while soaking in breathtaking scenery? The Ol Pejeta Conservancy Full Day Tour from Nairobi offers a well-rounded glimpse into Kenya’s northern landscapes, wildlife, and conservation efforts — all in one day. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photography buff, or just eager to experience Africa’s natural beauty, this tour aims to deliver a memorable adventure with a good dose of comfort and convenience.

What truly makes this experience stand out are three key aspects: the chance to see the Big Five (including the rare white rhino), the unique visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary, and the opportunity to stand at the official equator line. Plus, the scenic views of Mount Kenya and lush coffee farms along the way add to the visual feast. That said, some travelers have experienced minor delays, such as a technical hiccup that meant missing out on the equator stop, so flexibility is helpful.

This tour is ideal for those who want a full-day adventure packed with wildlife, nature, and iconic Kenya sights without the hassle of planning. It suits travelers who appreciate guided experiences and want to maximize their wildlife sightings in a single trip. Keep in mind that early starts and a 12-hour day mean a fair bit of time on the road, but if you’re eager for a comprehensive Kenyan safari, it’s well worth it.

Contents show

Key Points

Wildlife Encounters: See the Big Five and white rhino in their natural habitat.
Unique Experiences: Visit the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Kenya and vibrant green vegetation.
Cultural and Geographic Highlights: Stand at the official equator line in Nanyuki.
Convenience and Comfort: Includes hotel pickup, park fees, and lunch.
Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Itinerary Unfolds

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive
The day kicks off bright and early—around 5:00 am—when your guide from Kenya Bush Expeditions will scoop you up from your Nairobi accommodation. The drive to Nanyuki takes you through some of Kenya’s most picturesque rural scenes, with the rising sun casting golden hues over Mount Kenya, and views of lush coffee plantations that give you a real taste of Kenyan agriculture.

Visit to the Equator Line in Nanyuki
Your first stop is at Nanyuki Town, home to the official equator line. This is a fun spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos and learn about this geographical marvel. Multiple reviews highlight the significance of this stop, with one traveler noting that they enjoyed the “beautiful Mount Kenya” as they arrived, and others appreciated the chance to see this global dividing line. Keep in mind that a technical issue once caused a delay, so depending on the day, you might either enjoy a quick visit or miss it entirely.

First Game Drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Just 15 minutes from Nanyuki, your adventure begins in Ol Pejeta, one of Kenya’s most well-regarded conservancies. As you enter, you’ll notice the abundance of greenery, which provides a lush backdrop for animal sightings. The guides are known for their knowledge and dedication—they often go beyond just spotting animals, sharing insights into conservation efforts and the behaviors of the wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing and Big Five
Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), including the very rare white rhino. Reviews mention that guides make a point to ensure guests see as many of these iconic animals as possible, which adds to the thrill of the day. You might also spot other animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. While some reviews note missing out on certain species like the leopard, the chance to see the others makes it worthwhile.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit
A special highlight is the chimpanzee sanctuary—the only one of its kind in Kenya that specifically rescues orphaned chimpanzees. Visitors often find this visit touching and informative, learning about conservation efforts aimed at protecting these intelligent primates. Tours typically include a walk-through of the sanctuary, providing a close-up look at these fascinating animals.

Lunch and Relaxation
By midday, you’ll enjoy a hot buffet lunch at the Sweet Waters Serena Camp. The reviews describe the meal as satisfying, providing the energy boost needed for the second half of the day. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to relax here for about 30 minutes, soaking in the scenery and sharing stories about the animals they’ve seen so far.

Additional Game Drive and Return
Post-lunch, there’s more game viewing as you explore the southern parts of the conservancy, increasing your chances to spot animals you might have missed earlier. The tour wraps up around 4:30 pm, with a scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving around 8:00 pm—tired but full of stories and photos.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Nairobi

What’s Included and What to Prepare

Included in the Tour:

All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Entrance fees to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Bottled water to keep hydrated
Buffet lunch at Serena Camp
A knowledgeable driver-guide
Hotel or port pickup in Nairobi

What to Bring:

Your passport or ID card for park entry
Sunglasses and sun hat for protection against the sun
Camera to capture the animals and landscape
A sense of adventure and patience for a long day on the road

Pricing and Value
At $380 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package that covers transportation, park fees, meals, and expert guiding. While that might seem high for some, it reflects the full-service nature of the experience—saving you the hassle of planning logistics and ensuring you get the most out of your day.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

One guest, Halima, summarized her experience as “seamless from pickup to drop-off,” praising the guide’s effort to ensure she saw the Big Five. She also found the lunch at Serena to be “good,” indicating the quality of the included meal.

Another traveler, Pirjo, highlighted the spectacular scenery and wildlife, noting that they saw all of the Big Five except the leopard—an impressive feat in a single day. She appreciated the early start, mentioning the sunrise and Mount Kenya views as a special part of the journey.

Meanwhile, some minor setbacks, like a report of technical issues causing a hours-long delay, are worth considering. These hiccups can affect the schedule but generally don’t overshadow the overall quality of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day trip from Nairobi is perfect for wildlife lovers eager to see the Big Five and visit a chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya. It’s suited for those who don’t mind early mornings and long hours on the road, as well as travelers who prefer guided tours to maximize their wildlife sightings. Families, couples, or solo adventurers will find it a convenient way to tick off key Kenyan highlights in a single day.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed safari experience that combines wildlife, scenery, and culture, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially appealing if you want to avoid the complexities of self-driving or multiple day trips.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Sum Up

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy Full Day Tour from Nairobi offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and cultural highlights, all wrapped into one memorable day. You’ll enjoy the professionalism and knowledge of guides, the chance to see Kenya’s famed animals—including elusive species—and the comfort of included meals and transportation. The visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary adds a special touch that sets this experience apart from other safaris.

While early mornings and long hours might not suit every traveler, those with a passion for wildlife and a desire to explore Kenya’s northern landscapes will find this trip rewarding. It’s especially valuable for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day that packs in the essentials of Kenya’s natural heritage.

If you’re after a safari that balances adventure, education, and comfort—without the need to extend your trip—this tour deserves serious consideration.

There's plenty more to explore in Nairobi

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins with a pickup around 5:00 am from your Nairobi accommodation, so you’ll need to wake up early but can enjoy a full day of exploration.

What animals are most likely to be seen?
You can expect to see elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos (including the rare white rhino), and possibly leopards, along with other wildlife like giraffes and zebras.

Is the visit to the equator guaranteed?
While the tour includes a stop at the official equator line in Nanyuki, a technical issue once caused a delay, so depending on the day, it might be missed or cut short.

What’s included in the price?
The package covers all park fees, taxes, bottled water, a buffet lunch at Serena Camp, and transportation with an experienced guide.

How long is the day?
From pickup to return, you’re looking at about 12 hours, ending around 8:00 pm, so be prepared for a full day.

Can I cancel the reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the long travel hours and early start suggest it’s best for adults or older children comfortable with a full-day adventure.

What should I bring?
Remember your passport/ID, sun protection, camera, and any personal essentials for comfort and safety during the game drives.

This tour offers a fantastic way to pack in Kenya’s highlights in just one day. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and wildlife close encounters, it’s a trip that promises plenty of stories to tell long after you return home.