The short answer
- Samburu fee
- About US$85 a day
- Ol Pejeta fee
- US$110 a day
- From Nairobi
- 3.5 to 6 hours, or a short flight
- Nights
- 3 to 4 for both
North of Mount Kenya the land turns hot and dry. Samburu National Reserve follows the Ewaso Nyiro river, which draws elephants and the so called Samburu special five. Closer to Nanyuki, the conservancies of Laikipia protect many of Kenya's rhinos.
Samburu's special five
| Animal | Where else? |
|---|---|
| Grevy's zebra | Endangered, with narrow stripes; mostly found in northern Kenya |
| Reticulated giraffe | Bold, net like pattern; northern Kenya |
| Somali ostrich | Blue grey legs and neck |
| Gerenuk | A long necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse |
| Beisa oryx | Straight horns, adapted to dry country |
Ol Pejeta and Laikipia
- Rhinos: Ol Pejeta has one of East Africa's largest black rhino populations and the last two northern white rhinos, guarded around the clock.
- Chimpanzees: Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary cares for rescued chimpanzees; Kenya has no wild chimpanzees.
- Conservancy activities: Night drives, walks and lion tracking, depending on your camp.
- Mount Kenya: Views of Africa's second highest mountain on clear mornings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Samburu worth visiting?
Yes, if you have more than a week or have been on safari before. Its landscapes and wildlife are very different from the Masai Mara.
Can you see northern white rhinos?
Yes. Ol Pejeta Conservancy cares for the last two, and visits can be arranged through the conservancy.
Sources we checked
Kenya month by month
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