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.
