Ol Pejeta (Kenya) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ol Pejeta | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | Private conservancy | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 360 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ol Pejeta | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in March and December
- you want night drives
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, hippos, chimpanzees and eland
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in May and July to September
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see crocodiles, oryx and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ol Pejeta or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ol Pejeta is stronger in March and December. Samburu is stronger in May and July to September.
When is the best time for each?
Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.