Driving to Ol Pejeta: A Scenic Safari Road Trip Guide

For many travelers, the journey to a safari destination is just as memorable as the safari itself. Flying into conservancies is common in Kenya and both Air Kenya and Safarilink offer a number of flights a day into Nanyuki and Kamok Airstrip from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and other popular locations like Samburu and the Masai Mara. Flying is a fantastic way to see the country from the air, not to mention quick and convenient; the flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki is just 50 minutes! It’s important to bear in mind though that local flights in Kenya come with strict weight restrictions and allow passengers a maximum of 15kgs in soft bags only. If you’re traveling lightly and staying just a week or so this might be the perfect option for you. If you have suitcases or are staying longer you might opt to drive instead. If you’re planning on driving to Ol Pejeta, this blog is for you!

Why Some Travellers Prefer Driving Over Flying

Driving to Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and a gradual transition from city life into the calm rhythm of the bush. A road trip safari allows you to experience Kenya at ground level; you travel through changing landscapes, pass local towns and farmland, and watch the scenery slowly transform into open savannah, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure. This is a great way to see the country really authentically; watching farmers in their fields, shop keepers rolling out their goods for the day and passing waving children on their way to school.

It’s a beautiful way to ease into the rhythm of your safari; to take things a little slower and enjoy the countryside from ground-level, rather than arriving all at once.

Route Options from Nairobi

Most travellers begin their journey from Nairobi where inter-city highways and main roads are busy but work very well and, following the right route, you will be traveling up the Thika highway toward Nyeri pretty quickly.

The highway through Nairobi city centre

Travel Time

The drive typically takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way. We recommend guests staying at The Safari Cottages on Ol Pejeta leave Nairobi no later than 8AM to allow enough time for an unhurried drive up North, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon activity. It’s important to note that the conservancy gates will shut at 7PM so arrivals later than this will not be permitted entry.

Road Conditions

The road from Nairobi to Nyeri is now a major highway and it’s pretty well maintained all the way up until Karatina where it narrows from multiple lanes to two lanes (in February 2026 - this road will be expanded into a dual carriage-way all the way until the Nanyuki turn turn-off before Nyeri), but it is still tarmaced and of good quality. Infact you’ll only say goodbye to the tarmac a few hundred metres from the Ol Pejeta Rongai entry gate, where the final section of the route transitions to smaller roads as you approach the conservancy. While most of the journey is on tarmac, some access roads may be gravel where road works are in effect and especially closer to the Ol Pejeta entry gate.

A standard vehicle can manage the drive in dry conditions, though a higher-clearance vehicle offers added comfort and if you plan to self-drive in Ol Pejeta you will need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance.

Thika highway

The road from Nanyuki to Ol Pejeta

Scenic Stops Along the Way

One of the joys of driving is the ability to pause and explore. As you travel North, landscapes shift from urban Nairobi to rolling farmland, forested hills, and open plains. Certain viewpoints along the route offer beautiful photo opportunities and panoramic views of central Kenya. The journey takes you through several charming places to stop for refreshments — from roadside cafés, curio shops bursting with hand crafted goodies to small towns where you can enjoy local food and coffee. These breaks provide you with a chance to stretch your legs they also aadd some colour to the journey, making the drive feel like part of the experience rather than just transport.

If you’d like to stop for lunch there are a number of excellent restaurant in and near Nanyuki town but our favourite is by far is The Trout Tree Restaurant; a unique eatery suspended in a giant fig tree along a riverline. Colobus monkeys are famous for visiting diners here and, as the name suggests, this is a trout farm so you can enjoy fresh trout from your perch in the trees.

The Trout Tree Restaurant Dining Area

Entrance to The Trout Tree Restaurant

What to Expect at the Conservancy Gate

Arriving at Ol Pejeta’s entrance marks the beginning of your safari and the entry process is seamless and simple.

Entry Process

At the gate, you’ll complete a simple online registration form and pay the conservancy entry fees depending on your residency status (if this is not already included as part of your stay). If you are self-driving in the conservancy you will also be required to register your vehicle and pay a daily vehicle entry fee. Staff are helpful and efficient, and the process is generally quick. The entry gate also has clean toilets.

Navigation Inside the Conservancy

Once inside, roads in the Eastern sector of the conservancy are gravelled, clearly marked, and signage helps guide visitors to their respective lodges and accommodation areas. If you are staying in a camp in the wilderness area and are self-driving in Ol Pejeta you’ll need clear driving instructions to get to your accommodation from the camp manager, as these roads are not well signposted and can get tricky to navigate in wet weather. Wildlife sightings often begin almost immediately after entry, making the arrival itself feel like the start of your safari experience.

Gracvel roads in the Eastern sector of the conservancy (suitable for self driving)

Self-Drive vs Guided Safari

Both self-drive and guided safaris can offer wonderful experiences, depending on your travel style and how comfortable you are driving in safari areas and around wild animals.

Self-drive: travellers exploring Ol Pejeta in their own vehicles are required to stick to the Eastern Sector of the conservancy where roads are well-maintained and clearly indicated on maps, and we only recommend you drive yourself if you know the conservancy well and know how to conduct yourself safely and respectfully around wildlife.

Guided Safari: for the most part though visitors driving up to Ol Pejeta and staying at The Safari Cottages will wave their driver off at the gate and stay with us on a guided, fully inclusive package where your guide will have access to the wilderness area. They know the road networks like the back of their hand, have insight on where wildlife was last seen or might be heading next and know how to show you the animals in a professional manner so you can really get the very best out of your experience.

Guests on a guided safari with The Safari Cottages; an unmarked track in the wilderness area

Tips for a Comfortable Road Trip

Here are a few tips and ideas for simple preparations that can make your journey smoother:

What to Pack

• Water and snacks; of course! You’ll find hawkers selling fruit and nuts and other goodies on the way too though we recommend only buying peeling fruit like bananas and mangoes.

• Sunglasses and sun protection, especially if you’re traveling in the heat of the day - if your vehicle has air-conditioning but your exposed to the sunshine on your journey you might not realise how hot the sun is.

• Offline maps or GPS - depending on where you’re traveling to or from Google Maps can sometimes lead you astray so a back up, good-old-fashioned paper map is always a good idea to keep on hand

• Camera and binoculars - you never know what you’re going to see along the way!

Fuel and Timing

• Fill up in Nairobi before you depart or in major towns along the way

• Avoid night driving when possible and be sure to arrive at Ol Pejeta Rongai Gate well before the 7PM cut off time

• Allow extra time for stops and photo breaks on your journey

• Get off nice and early to enjoy cooler temperatures and quieter roads

Drive safely and slowly, keep an open mind and stay flexible so that the journey is part of the adventure rather than a rush to your destination.

Arrive by Road and Settle into Your Safari Home

Driving to Ol Pejeta offers more than just transport — it’s an introduction to Kenya’s landscapes, cultures, and rhythms. By the time you arrive, you’re already immersed in the safari experience and eager for more. It’s a wonderful way to experience Kenya! Whether you’re traveling independently or with a guide, a road journey allows you to arrive gently, ready to relax and enjoy the wildlife, the scenery, and the stillness of the conservancy.

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