4-Day A Highland Getaway In Kenya

Nestled between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 360 km² not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary. Ol Pejeta is also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya, offering refuge to rescued chimps from across Africa. Visitors can enjoy classic Big Five game drives, meet Baraka, the blind black rhino, and even participate in behind-the-scenes conservation activities like lion tracking or anti-poaching demonstrations. With its blend of wildlife, community development, and sustainable tourism, Ol Pejeta is a living model of how people and nature can thrive together.

On the other hand, Aberdare National Park is a highland sanctuary of mist-shrouded forests, bamboo groves, and alpine moorlands. Spanning 767 km², the park rises from 2,000 to 4,000 meters in elevation, offering a cool, lush contrast to Kenya’s savannahs. It’s famed for its dramatic waterfalls, like Karuru Falls, and its rare wildlife, including the elusive bongo antelope, black serval, and giant forest hog.

DAY 1: NAIROBI TO NANYUKI – SERENA SWEETWATERS

Depart Nairobi in the morning and head to Nanyuki, approximately a 4 hour drive. As you pass through fertile farmlands and cross the equator, the silhouette of Mount Kenya begins to dominate the horizon. By midday, arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, nestled within Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

After a warm welcome and lunch overlooking the camp’s private waterhole, set out for an afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta. This conservancy is home to the Big Five and boasts of the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa. Thereafter, visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya, where rescued chimps thrive in a protected environment. Before returning to camp, stop by to meet Baraka, the blind black rhino who has become a beloved ambassador for his species.

As dusk falls, enjoy dinner under the stars and perhaps a quiet moment on your tent’s veranda, watching wildlife gather at the floodlit waterhole. Overnight at Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

DAY 2: NANYUKI TO ABERDARE

After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and take a leisurely drive westward towards the Aberdare Ranges. The landscape shifts dramatically from open savannah to dense forest and misty moorlands. By midday, arrive at The Ark, a unique tree-lodge built beside a salt lick and waterhole deep within Aberdare National Park. Check in and settle into your cabin-like room, designed for cozy wildlife viewing. The Ark’s decks and lounges offer panoramic views of the forest clearing, where elephants, buffalo, and even elusive leopards often appear. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the lodge’s interpretive displays on Aberdare’s flora and fauna.

After a hearty dinner, the real magic begins where nighttime wildlife viewing from the comfort of the lodge. With floodlights illuminating the waterhole, you can watch animals come and go throughout the night alerts even sound when rare species appear.

DAY 3: FULL DAY IN ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the sounds of the forest. After breakfast, embark on a half-day game drive through the park’s lush terrain. Aberdare is home to rare species like the bongo antelope, giant forest hog, and black serval, as well as dramatic waterfalls such as Karuru Falls.

Return to The Ark for lunch and a restful afternoon. You might choose to journal your sightings, enjoy a cup of tea on the viewing deck, or simply let the serenity of the forest wash over you. As evening sets in, gather once more for dinner and another night of quiet wildlife observation with luck, this time perhaps spotting hyenas or bushbucks under the moonlight. Overnight at The Arch.

DAY 4: ABERDARE TO NAIROBI

Enjoy a final breakfast in the forest before checking out. Begin your return journey to Nairobi, descending from the cool highlands into the sun-drenched plains. Along the way, you may choose to stop at a local market or viewpoint for one last taste of central Kenya’s charm.

Arrive in Nairobi by mid-afternoon, carrying with you the memories of rhinos, chimps, misty forests, and the quiet thrill of watching elephants drink beneath your window.

INCLUSIONS

2 nights’ accommodation in Aberdare
1 night accommodation in Nanyuki
Meals as specified
2 Comprehensive game drives in Aberdare and Nanyuki
Service of a professional guide
Park Entry fee for the vehicle and guide
Use of hotel facilities
Park fees
Transport by a van
Fees for the chimpanzee sanctuary

EXCLUSIONS

Tips
Extra meals and drinks not mentioned above
Any other item not mentioned above

Cost: $1,150 per person Sharing

$1,750 per person in a single

Dates: Nov to 19th Dec

KINDLY NOTE:

Rooms are subject to availability
Incase of any cancellations the money is non refundable
Payment to be cleared a week to your travel dates

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Deposit:

A 50% non-refundable deposit
Availability: All rooms and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm any booking.
Full Payment: Must be cleared at least 7 days before travel. Bookings made within 7 days require full payment upfront.

Cancellations:

Deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations within 7 days of travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
No refunds for no-shows or unused services.

Changes:

Date or itinerary changes must be requested 10 days in advance.
Changes are subject to availability and may incur fees.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended. Afrisun is not liable for delays, medical issues, or lost property.

Travel Documents: