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Northern Conservancies

In the north of Kenya, where elephants cross the road every day and rivers bring life to the land, this is where you truly go off the beaten track.

Ol Pejeta | Samburu | Shaba and Buffalo Springs | Mount Ololokwe | Rhino tracking | Meru | Frequently asked questions

Ol Pejeta | Samburu | Shaba en Buffalo Springs | Mount Ololokwe | Rhino tracking | Meru | FAQ 

Experience the wild and untouched north of Kenya

The northern conservancies are often seen as too far to visit, but this region’s raw natural beauty amazes every traveler who makes the journey. Far from the crowded safari routes, these landscapes are filled with wildlife, color and rich culture. With well known parks like Ol Pejeta and Samburu National Reserve leading the way, you can also go rhino tracking or take on some incredible hikes.

Culture plays a huge role here. The Samburu people live in harmony with elephants and the Ewaso Nyiro River that sustains the region. Many conservancies are managed by local communities that focus on conservation and sustainable tourism. Traveling north means more than just seeing wildlife, it means supporting people and places that protect Kenya’s natural heritage.

Things to do around the Northern Conservancies

It might be a bit of a drive, but the north has plenty to offer. You can spot wildlife, hike through forests and wake up with Mount Kenya in your backyard.

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Ol Pejeta

If you want to see rhinos and chimpanzees, Ol Pejeta is the place to be. Part of the larger Laikipia Plateau, this conservancy is home to both. Since 1993, rescued chimpanzees have lived at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, now home to around forty individuals split into two groups. You can easily spot both black and white rhinos while driving yourself through the park or visit Baraka, the blind rhino cared for daily by rangers. Ol Pejeta is easy to reach from Nanyuki and makes for a perfect afternoon stop between travel days. 

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is one of the northernmost destinations we offer at Charlie’s Travels. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows right through it, making it a year round wildlife haven. Elephants, lions, cheetahs and other big game are plentiful here, but Samburu is also home to the famous Samburu Five which include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. You will not find this combination anywhere else in Kenya.

Shaba Wildlife Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Across the Ewaso Nyiro River lie Shaba and Buffalo Springs. Even though they sit side by side, they each feel completely different. Shaba is not known for massive herds but for its striking scenery with rocky outcrops, lush riverbanks and dramatic green stretches. In Buffalo Springs you can even hop out of the car for a swim in the natural hot springs right inside the park. Both reserves are great for camping overnight and can easily be combined since they share the same park fee. 

Mount Ololokwe

Mount Ololokwe, the sacred mountain of the Samburu, is where nature, adventure and culture come together. Hike with Samburu warriors to the summit in about four hours. The trail winds through steep slopes and forested paths, and yes, it is possible to come across an elephant along the way. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with incredible views of the Matthews Range and endless plains. As the sun sets you will understand why the Samburu consider this mountain sacred. After a traditional barbecue and stories by the campfire you will fall asleep in your tent at the top of the world. 

Rhino tracking

For the true adventurers traveling with Charlies Travels we offer rhino tracking in Sera Conservancy. You start at the headquarters hidden deep in the forest where rangers brief you on how to track safely. Then you set off quietly through the bush, following the signs until you spot these amazing animals in their natural habitat. The rangers know exactly where to look and make sure the experience is safe and unforgettable. Just be ready for an early start since rhinos are most active at dawn. 

Meru

Meru National Park is about 350 kilometers from Nairobi and is still a real hidden gem. Unlike the busy Masai Mara, Meru offers peace and space. You can drive for hours without seeing another car, making every wildlife encounter feel even more special.

The park is full of surprises, from open savannas and winding rivers to lush forests. You will find lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and rhinos here, along with more than four hundred and fifty bird species. 

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All your burning questions about the Northern Conservancies answered

What are the Northern Conservancies in Kenya?

The Northern Conservancies include protected areas such as Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Meru, Ololokwe, Shaba, Buffalo Springs, Sera and Reteti. These regions are known for their unique biodiversity and strong cultural ties with communities like the Samburu.

What wildlife can I expect to see in northern Kenya?

You can spot the Special Five which are the gerenuk, Grevys zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe. There are also elephants, lions, leopards and hundreds of bird species.

Is it safe to travel in northern Kenya?

Yes, the Northern Conservancies are safe for tourists. You might come across a few safety stops along the way, usually near military bases, but they are purely precautionary.

How do I get to the Northern Conservancies?

The north is easy to reach by car. You can drive to Samburu National Reserve in one day. Most conservancies are also reachable by domestic flights from Nairobi to nearby airstrips such as Nanyuki or Isiolo, followed by a short drive to your destination.

When is the best time to visit northern Kenya?

The dry seasons from June to October and from December to March are ideal for spotting wildlife as animals gather around water sources and the vegetation is thinner. But honestly, this region is beautiful all year round.

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