Game drives · Central Kenya
Lake Nakuru & Ol Pejeta
Rhinos, flamingos and chimpanzees
Two conservation success stories within easy reach of Nairobi. Lake Nakuru's pink-rimmed soda lake hides one of Kenya's best rhino populations; Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos on earth.
- Black and white rhino — best rhino viewing in Kenya
- The last two northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Massed flamingo flocks at Nakuru (when water levels suit)
Best time to visit
Year-round, but June to October has the most reliable game viewing and the easiest road conditions.
Getting there
Lake Nakuru is a 3-hour drive from Nairobi; Ol Pejeta is 3.5 hours. Often combined with each other or with a Mara extension.
What you'll see
Wildlife you can reasonably expect on a typical Lake Nakuru & Ol Pejeta game drive.
- White and black rhino (very high density)
- Lion, leopard, cheetah
- Rothschild's giraffe, buffalo, hippo
- Chimpanzees (rescued, at Sweetwaters)
- Hundreds of bird species — flamingos, pelicans, fish eagles
Experiences here
Meet the last northern white rhinos
Najin and Fatu at Ol Pejeta — a sobering, unforgettable encounter.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Visit rescued chimps in their forested home.
Night game drive (Ol Pejeta)
One of the few parks where night drives are permitted.
FAQ
Lake Nakuru & Ol Pejeta — common questions
- Are the flamingos always there?
- No — they move with water chemistry. Numbers fluctuate yearly. The rhinos and other wildlife are reliable.
- Can I do both in one trip?
- Easily — they are a short drive apart and make a great 3-night central Kenya loop.
Plan your Lake Nakuru & Ol Pejeta safari
Tell us your dates and we'll send back a handcrafted itinerary, usually within 24 hours.
