A day on safari can look different for different people and their interests, and it can play out very differently depending on where in the continent you are. So, what can you expect from a day on safari in Ol Pejeta, with The Safari Cottages? Let’s get stuck in!
First off, there’s so much to do and to see here that we recommend a minimum 3 night stay; that’s two full days with the afternoon of your arrival and the morning of your departure adding up to three days. And here’s how we’d suggest you spend your time so you get the most out of your Kenya safari holiday with us.
You’ll have amazing views of Mt Kenya from all around Ol Pejeta
SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR YOUR 3 DAY SAFARI IN OL PEJETA
DAY ONE
You can fly into Nanyuki Airport, or drive from Nairobi. Granted you depart in the morning you’ll likely arrive at The Safari Cottages in time for lunch. When you arrive you’ll be met by our team and management will give you a short briefing explaining a little more about the property layout, safety and what you can get up to during your stay.
It’s pretty hot in the middle of the day so you'll have lunch on your verandah, served up by your chef and waiter, before relaxing and unpacking after your travels. We suggest heading out on your first game drive today around 4.30PM and your team can prepare a cup of tea and a snack for you before you go incase you’re feeling peckish. After a game drive and a sundowner (a drink and snacks enjoyed whilst watching the sun set) you can return to camp to an open fire and enjoy dinner on your verandah or under the stars before tucking in for a good night’s sleep.
Returning from your game drive to a roaring fire and a sky full of stars
DAY TWO
You’ll let your team know what you prefer to drink in the mornings and, at around 6AM, freshly brewed tea, coffee or whatever you’d prefer will wake you and ready you for the adventures that await; the perfect start to your day on your Kenya safari holiday. You’ll head off just before sunrise at 6.30AM in search of lions, leopards, cheetah, elephant, black and white rhino, giraffe and so much more! The conservancy abounds with an incredible density and variety of game so be sure you’ve packed an extra memory card for your camera - you’re going to need it. As the sun rises and you start to warm up you’ll tuck into a picnic breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Kenyan coffee or tea.
You’ll meander back through the bush as your game drive continues and the heat of the day really starts to set in, then arrive at your safari cottage to a colourful lunch, a cool drink and a chance to rest. You can enjoy a book on your verandah, wander the property bird watching, take a tour of the garden with Dominic, enjoy yoga in the cool breeze of your verandah (yoga mats are provided), a volleyball game with the staff or take a cooking lesson with your private chef and learn how to make some of our favourite Kenyan staples.
Tucking in to leisurely lunch on the riverside deck
After an afternoon cup of tea you’ll head out again around 4.30PM to see what wonderful wildlife awaits you on the plains surrounding our little spot of heaven in the bush. After your sundowner this evening, if our askaris haven’t yet had a chance to share their knowledge of the night skies with you, we’d recommend you ask them too - you’ll learn about the constellations on our side of the globe which, on a clear night, are spectacular!
Lions hunting on a morning game drive
DAY THREE
Ol Pejeta is home to the last two Northern White Rhinos in existance and, this morning, you’ll head off after a light breakfast to meet them. Ol Pejeta’s passionate rhino caretakers will meet you and guide you to the spacious enclosure that Najin and Fatu, a mother and daughter due call their home. They will tell you all about how these gorgeous girls found their way to Kenya and the impressive project that Ol Pejeta and it’s partners have undertaken to bring Northern White rhinos back from the brink of extinction.
After meeting the Northern Whites you’ll also meet Baraka, a blind black rhino rescued by Ol Pejeta who is not averse to a chin scratch. Then return back to your bush home for brunch and a chance to relax in the heat of the day.
Najin & Fatu - the last two Northern White Rhinos left on the planet
This afternoon you’ll embark on your final evening game drive and sundowner, returning with a spotlight on a night drive in search of Kenya’s more secretive nocturnal species like leopard, aardvarks and white tailed mongoose. Enjoy dinner and a drink around the fire before tucking in for the night.
A big male cheetah posing for the shot on an afternoon game drive
DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast today your guide will drive you to Nanyuki Airport to meet your flight to your next destination, or drop you off at the Ol Pejeta entrance gate to meet your road transfer back to Nairobi. Your three day safari with us will leave you full to bursting with enthusiasm for the wilderness, wildlife and people that call this corner of the world home and leave you inspired by the hard work and dedication of our conservation team. If you do choose to linger longer you can continue your safari on the conservancy or explore further afield with a day trip to the local town, Aberdares National Park or Ngare Ndare too.
Remember, you have a private guide and vehicle for the duration of your stay with us so this outline is just one idea. You can do as little or as much as you’d like.
