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Kenya Private Wildlife Safari

Kenya Private Wildlife Safari

Rhino tracking and rare species at Ol Pejeta, a boat ride among Lake Naivasha's hippo pods, then two full days deep in the Masai Mara. Three landscapes, six days, none of them rushed.

6 DaysDuration KenyaCountries PrivateGroup type
Overview Highlights Daily itinerary Accommodation Inclusions
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Overview

Explore Iconic and Unique Wildlife Species in Kenya

A 6-day unforgettable safari through Kenya that takes you beyond the ordinary! This thrilling itinerary doesn’t just hop between two breathtaking landscapes; it sweeps you through three stunning ecosystems, each showcasing its own unique wonders.

Kick off your journey at Ol Pejeta, where the heart-pounding excitement of rhino tracking awaits you. Here, you’ll navigate the vast conservancy plains, where you can encounter the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, a robust population of black rhinos, and the extraordinary Grevy’s zebra—one of the world’s most endangered zebra species! Not to mention the incredible chance to meet our closest relatives at the chimpanzee sanctuary, which is exclusive to Ol Pejeta and not found in any national parks.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Prepare for an exhilarating change of pace as you hop on an afternoon boat ride on the mesmerising Lake Naivasha. Glide through the waters surrounded by playful hippos and majestic fish eagles, immersing yourself in a rhythm that’s refreshingly different from a traditional game drive.

Finally, brace yourself for the grand finale in the iconic Masai Mara! Here, you’ll have two full days to witness the exhilarating predator density that defines this famed reserve. The thrill of the chase becomes the main attraction, as you delve into the captivating world of wildlife like never before.

This is not just a safari; it’s a meticulously crafted experience designed for those craving a diverse array of landscapes and wildlife encounters. Six days, three incredible terrains—each offering a fresh perspective, ensuring your journey never feels like a repetition. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

At a glance

  • Duration6 Days
  • CountriesKenya
  • Group typePrivate

Activities

A few ways to shape your time amidst Africa Iconic Wildlife

Private rhino tracking drive
Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
Lake Naivasha boat ride
Private game drives
Moments to note

Wildlife Species You Won't Find on Most Kenya Itineraries

The details that make this six-day route worth the extra ground it covers.

I

The World's Last Two Northern White Rhino

A private rhino tracking drive at Ol Pejeta, home to the last two northern white rhino on earth, kept under permanent, round-the-clock guard.

II

Grevy's Zebra and Chimpanzee, Rare Elsewhere in Kenya

Ol Pejeta is one of the few places in the country where the endangered Grevy's zebra can reliably be seen, alongside a chimpanzee sanctuary found nowhere else on Kenya's safari circuit.

III

A Boat Ride Among Hippo Pods

An afternoon on Lake Naivasha, weaving among resident hippo pods and fish eagle perches, a different rhythm entirely from a game drive.

IV

Two Full Days in the Masai Mara

A dedicated two days of game drives across the Mara's varied terrain, closing the trip with the density and range the reserve is known for.

V

A Guide Who Reads Every Landscape

The same private guide throughout, adjusting each day around fresh sightings, whether that's rhino tracking at Ol Pejeta or predator movement once you reach the Mara.

Day by day

How the days break down

A starting shape: pace, order and length of each stage are all adjustable.

Day
01
Ol Pejeta
Nairobi → Ol Pejeta

Rhino tracking from the first afternoon

Depart Nairobi by road, arriving at Ol Pejeta Conservancy by early afternoon. First game drive begins immediately, with a focus on rhino tracking across the conservancy's open plains.

Where you rest

Sweetwaters Serena Camp · Within Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Day
02
Ol Pejeta → Lake Naivasha
Ol Pejeta → Lake Naivasha

From chimpanzees to hippo pods in one day.

A final morning game drive at Ol Pejeta, with the chance to visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, before departing south toward Lake Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride on the lake, weaving among hippo pods and fish eagle perches along the shoreline.

Where you rest

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort · On the shore of Lake Naivasha

Day
03
Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara
Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara

Transfer to Kenya's top wildlife destination

Morning at leisure on the lake shore before departing for the Masai Mara, arriving by mid to late afternoon in time for an evening game drive.

Where you rest

Enkakenya Camp · Luxury tented camp inside the Mara, on the banks of Olare Orok River

Day
04-05
Masai Mara
Full-day in the Masai Mara

Classic Africa Iconic Big Five Country

Extensive game drives tracking lion prides, elusive leopard, and, with good fortune, the Mara's resident black rhino. In migration season, expect wildebeest and zebra herds, with river crossings possible nearby. One afternoon includes a Maasai village visit for cultural context. Sundowners overlooking the plains both evenings.

Where you rest

Enkakenya Camp · the same camp as the night before

Day
06
Masai Mara → Nairobi
Departure

Early Morning Game Drive before drive back to the capital

Final morning game drive before departing the reserve by road, arriving back in Nairobi by mid to late afternoon in time for onward connections.

What you'll likely see

Key species on this route

Rhino at Ol Pejeta, hippo at Naivasha, big cats at the Mara, here's what past travellers have consistently seen across this three-landscape route.

· · · · · · ·
White Rhino
White Rhino
90% chance
Black Rhino
Black Rhino
80% chance
Lion
Lion
85% chance
Hippo
Hippo
80% chance
Cheetah
Cheetah
60% chance
Leopard
Leopard
55% chance
Wildebeest
Wildebeest
50% chance
The details

What's included

What's included

  • All accommodation as listed on a full board basis
  • All road transfers and game drives in a private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
  • Chimpanzee sanctuary visit at Ol Pejeta
  • A dedicated driver guide throughout
  • All park and conservancy fees

What's not included

  • International flights to and from Nairobi
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Gratuities for guides and camp staff

Notes about this trip

  • Ol Pejeta to Naivasha runs about three hours, Naivasha to the Masai Mara about four to five hours, worth setting expectations on road time before travellers book, especially against the two fly-in-adjacent safaris already on the site.
  • This itinerary can be shortened to five days by removing the Lake Naivasha stop, at the cost of the boat ride and its birdlife, ask when enquiring if a tighter schedule matters more than the extra landscape.
Responsible travel

Responsible Travel

Conservancy fees paid at Ol Pejeta go directly toward one of Africa's most significant rhino protection programmes, including round-the-clock monitoring of the last northern white rhino on earth. Lake Naivasha's boat operators work under community-managed guidelines that limit disruption to hippo pods and nesting birds, and the Masai Mara camps used on this itinerary work closely with surrounding communities on employment, keeping tourism revenue circulating locally.

I

One of Africa's most significant rhino protection programmes

Conservancy fees paid at Ol Pejeta go directly toward rhino protection, including round-the-clock monitoring of the last two northern white rhino on earth.

II

Community-managed guidelines on Lake Naivasha

Boat operators on the lake work under community-managed guidelines that limit disruption to hippo pods and nesting bird colonies along the shore.

III

Community-linked employment at the Mara

Camps used on this itinerary work closely with surrounding communities on staffing, so tourism revenue has a better chance of staying local rather than leaving the region entirely.

IV

Camps run with a light footprint

The lodges and camps used on this route operate with low-impact practices in mind, minimising water and energy use across three landscapes where each is a limited resource in its own way.

Make it mine

This page shows the shape of a Laikipia-to-Mara safari. The trip itself gets built around you: how many days at each stop, whether Lake Naivasha stays in or out, which lodges, and whether it extends further afterward.

With the route as a starting point, your specialist will adjust the pace, camps and add-ons until the itinerary feels like yours.

Start tailoring this safari
If this isn't quite right

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Common questions

Before you enquire

It is a private conservancy rather than a national park, which allows for activities not permitted elsewhere, including night game drives and closer rhino tracking, alongside protection of the world’s last two northern white rhinos.

It is included as standard on this itinerary, though the exact timing can be adjusted based on your arrival time and preference for morning or afternoon light.

Ol Pejeta to Naivasha is approximately three hours, Naivasha to the Masai Mara approximately four to five hours, with scenery shifting from highland farmland to open savannah throughout.

That depends on timing. The migration typically moves through the Mara between July and October, though exact dates shift year to year based on rainfall further south in the Serengeti.

Yes, Ol Pejeta and the Masai Mara can be combined into a shorter five-day route by removing the Naivasha stop, though this means losing the boat ride and its birdlife.

It depends on the season, the camps, and how many people are travelling, so there isn’t a single number that fits every trip. Tell us your dates and group size, and we’ll put together a tailored quote rather than a generic estimate.

Ready when you are

Ask about Kenya Private Wildlife Safari

Tell us your dates and we'll confirm whether the timing works, then adjust the route from there.

Start planning this trip