In a secluded valley, on the banks of a seasonal river and under the shade of acacia trees.
Location: Porini Rhino Camp is situated in the rugged Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned private sanctuary in central Kenya. This conservancy is a vital stronghold for rhinos, and the camp’s location offers a rare chance to get close to these incredible creatures in a setting that feels both wild and secure. The landscape here is a blend of open plains, riverine forest, and rolling hills, providing a rich backdrop for wildlife viewing with Mount Kenya visible on clear days. It’s a more off-the-beaten-track option for guests wanting an intimate experience in a crucial conservation area.
Rooms: The camp features just 12 luxury tents, each spacious and comfortably appointed with en suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private decks overlooking the bush. Designed with natural materials and neutral tones, the tents create a relaxing atmosphere that harmonises with the surroundings. Large windows and open-air seating areas bring the outside in, letting you watch the wildlife while enjoying modern comforts. The intimate size ensures a peaceful, personalised stay.
Amenities: Porini Rhino Camp keeps things simple yet comfortable, with a central mess tent for meals and socialising, a campfire for evening gatherings, and a small library stocked with books on local wildlife and culture. Meals are freshly prepared with local ingredients, reflecting Kenyan flavours with an international twist. The camp operates on solar power, uses eco-friendly practices throughout, and maintains a low environmental footprint while delivering excellent hospitality.
Activities: The standout activity here is rhino tracking. Guided by experienced rangers and trackers, guests have the unique opportunity to track black and white rhinos on foot or by vehicle, often witnessing these rare animals in their natural habitat. Beyond rhinos, game drives explore the conservancy’s diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees in the nearby Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Birdwatching is superb, with over 400 species recorded. The camp also offers guided bush walks and night drives, giving guests multiple ways to experience the rich Ol Pejeta ecosystem.
Sustainability: Porini Rhino Camp is deeply committed to conservation and community involvement. It operates within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a pioneering model for protecting endangered species like rhinos and promoting sustainable land use. The camp runs entirely on solar power, minimises waste, and sources food locally. Most importantly, a significant portion of the conservancy’s revenue goes directly to supporting local communities and wildlife protection efforts. Staying here means you’re contributing to one of Kenya’s most important conservation success stories.
Let me help you create your perfect Kenya holiday.
Best places to stay in Laikipia
Laikipia Trip Inspiration
When to visit Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
Speak to a Kenya expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Ottilie
