Situated at the foot of Mount Kenya and overlooked by its dramatic snow-capped peak, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 360 km² not-for-profit wildlife conservancy and the largest black rhino sanctuary in East hosting the two remaining northern white rhino.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in Central Kenya in Laikipia District, the conservancy was established in 1998. Originally, the area was a cattle farm. The conservancy has developed into a wildlife sanctuary and is an important protected area protecting endangered species including rhinos. Ol pejeta is the best place to see rhinos in Kenya, it is also the only place where you can see chimpanzees in the country.
The conservancy is a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts as well as rhino lovers, a wide variety of wildlife can be enjoyed here, from lion to giraffe and elephants as well chimpanzees.
In addition to protect wildlife species and offering incredible Kenya Wildlife Experiences, Ol Pejeta Conservancy runs a community development program and supports local communities with funding for education, water provisions and infrastures.
Endangered Species Enclosure in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The endangered species enclosure is the only area of the conservancy that is fenced for the animals. Here you will find white and black rhinos that have to be monitored around the clock to protect them from poaching.
The enclosure is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, both of them are female.
The Grevy’s zebras and Jackson’s wildebeests are also kept in the endangered species enclosure. Poaching and loss of habitat has massively led to the decline in their numbers and now need urgent protection.
Safari Activities to do in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Game Drives
Experience the diverse wildlife and myriad bird species in Ol Pejeta Conservancy on a game drive. Game drives are done in 4x4 vehicles and from the comfort of your vehicle, lookout for the endangered species like the African wild dog, cheetah and oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, beisa oryx and jackson’s hartebeest.
In addition to morning and afternoon game drives, there are night game drives in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Experience a unique wildlife adventure by exploring the African darkness in depths, some of the animals to look out for include antelopes and their predators, nocturnal animals like arrdvark, zorilla (which resemble skunks) and white-tailed mongoose. Seeing these animals is incredible rare making sightings a special safari treat.
Meet the Northern White Rhino
A Kenya safari visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers visitors a rare opportunity to visit the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. This rhino is protected by 24-hour armed security within an enclosed habitat. Other animals you will enjoy seeing in their natural habitat include Grevy’s Zebras and Jackson’s hartebeest, giraffes, baboons, hippos and hyenas among others.
Lion Tracking
Join the researchers as they track collared lion throughout the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, on this excursion you will learn about various prides and distinguish individual lions from one another.
Visit Hippo Hides
Take a walk down the Ewaso Nyiro River, patiently waiting and adorned in camouflage, soon you will spot the hippos that come to the surface for sunshine. The walk down to the hide is a scenic nature route, meandering through various indigenous plants that are used by the locals for cooking and medicine to cure several illnesses.
The Hippo Hide is open between 07:00 – 18:30 every day.
Wildlife – livestock Integration
On your safari visit at Ol Pejeta Conservancy you can witness the development of this biodiversity hotspot through a unique model that integrates wildlife, conservation, and livestock, managing more than 6,000 cattle while preserving the environment.
Running in the wild
If you wish to stay on track with your fitness plan even while on a safari in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, join the rangers for an early morning run. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and learn about their essential roles in the conservancy.
Rhino Monitoring and Identification
For a more intimate encounter with the endangered rhinos, join the rhino monitoring team and venture out on foot, learning how to identify individual rhino by their unique ear notches and assist the ranger in the collection of valuable data about their body condition, habitat and activity.
Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta Conservancy is open daily between 10:00 to 15:30, the sanctuary has been home to orphaned chimpanzees since 1993 and has provided a natural environment to the non-indigenous species within an island on the conservancy.
Chimpanzees at the sanctuary are orphaned chimps and some are rescued from poachers, they are nursed to health and released into the conservancy.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the only place in Kenya where you can find chimpanzees.
When to Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy
June to October are the best months to visit Ol Pejeta Conservacy, this is a dry season in Kenya and generally this season offers better game viewing conditions. In November and December, there are short rainy season. Still this is a good time to visit as the plains are in bloom and it is a good time to see the colorful migratory birds.
From January to March is another dry season, following the rains the flowers are in bloom making this period great for photographs. The long rainy season takes place in April and May, this period is not recommend to visit the conservancy.
How To Get to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in Central Kenya and it can be accessed with by road or charter flights. From Nairobi City, it is a drive of approximately four hour to the conservancy.
By Air, there are charter flights from Wilson Airstrip to Kamok Airstrip, followed by a 45-minute drive to your camp.
Where to Stay in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
There are several accommodations in Ol Pejeta Conservancy including
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Ol Pejeta House
- Kicheche Laikipia Camp
- Porini Rhino Camp
