Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Accommodation Options

Campo’s offer provides an exceptional opportunity to experience Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The 2-day visit includes a comfortable stay in a well-appointed camp, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the conservancy. The package includes game drives, meals, and accommodation, providing a hassle-free and enriching safari experience. For more details, please visit Campo’s offer, 2-Day Visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. In addition, for all Campo clients visiting Ol Pejeta 5% of safari fees is goes towards the Northern white rhinos conservation kitty.

We can organize accommodation in some of the best hotels and lodges found in the Ol Pejeta area such as Tambarare Camp, Ol Pejeta Camp, Pelican House, Serena sweet waters Camp, and more.

Location/Getting there

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in Laikipia County, Central Kenya. It is approximately a 3-4 hour drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Visitors can also opt for a flight to Nanyuki Airstrip, which is a 45-minute drive from the conservancy.

Geography

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in the Laikipia County of Kenya, near the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. It spans an area of approximately 360 square kilometers, making it one of the largest black rhino sanctuaries in East Africa. The conservancy is situated on a plateau, and its altitude ranges from 1,700 to 2,100 meters above sea level.

The landscape of Ol Pejeta is diverse, featuring open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. The Ewaso Nyiro River, the largest river in the region, runs along its western boundary, providing a vital water source for the wildlife in the area. The Conservancy is also dotted with several artificial waterholes to ensure the animals have access to water during the dry seasons.

The conservancy’s location near the equator and at a high altitude gives it a unique climate. It experiences two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The temperatures are generally moderate, with average highs ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and lows from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius.

The conservancy’s geographical location and diverse habitats make it an ideal home for a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to the black rhino, it hosts the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as a range of other species including Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, cheetahs, and over 300 species of birds.

The conservancy is also home to several research and conservation projects. These include the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered and remarkably intelligent species can be seen, and the Endangered Species Enclosure, which houses two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos.

The geography of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, with its diverse habitats and abundant water sources, plays a crucial role in its success as a wildlife sanctuary and a conservation model in East Africa.

History

Lord Delamere

The history of Ol Pejeta Conservancy is as enchanting as it is inspirational. The conservancy’s life began as a cattle ranch in the early 1940s under the ownership of Lord Delamere, one of the first and most influential British settlers in Kenya.

Throughout the colonial era, Ol Pejeta was a very successful beef ranch, known not only for its productivity but also for the larger-than-life characters that owned and managed it. One infamous owner was Adnan Khashoggi, a billionaire Turkish-Saudi Arabian arms dealer and businessman.

By the late 1960s, poaching in Kenya by colonial hunters had taken a serious toll on wildlife populations. Elephant and rhino numbers were plummeting, and although elephant hunting was declared illegal in Kenya in 1973, numbers continued to decline. This concerned one of Ol Pejeta’s previous owners, Lonrho Africa, who established the Sweetwaters Game Reserve in 1988 as a sanctuary for black rhinos and other wildlife.

Over time, the Game Reserve expanded to cover 90,000 acres, which is now known as Ol Pejeta. In 2003, the conservancy was purchased by Fauna and Flora International, together with a generous benefactor. The day-to-day operations are undertaken by Ol Pejeta Ranching Ltd, a commercial business that utilizes agriculture and tourism to create surpluses wholly for reinvestment in conservation and community development.

Today, Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos, Fatu and Najin. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya and still manages a very successful livestock program.

Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare, and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians.

Wildlife and Game Drives

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With the majestic peaks of Mt. Kenya as a backdrop, a safari in East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary is as diverse as it is beautiful. It also has a population of about 120 black rhinos (the largest in Africa) and roughly 30 Southern white rhinos. The Conservancy offers an opportunity to explore 90,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness with an experienced guide who will share expert knowledge with you.

The conservancy is home to the Big Five – the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. It is also the closest place to Nairobi where you can see the Big Five, just a three-hour drive from Kenya’s capital. Other wildlife you can expect to encounter includes the Northern White Rhino, Black Rhino, Maasai Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra (endangered), Reticulated Giraffes (endangered) Jackson’s Hartebeests, and a variety of bird species.

White Rhino

The game drives at Ol Pejeta are unique and offer close encounters with elephants, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, and all the plains herbivores. The early morning and evening are the best times to explore the conservancy, as predators are on the hunt and their prey is on high alert.

For those seeking a different kind of adventure, Ol Pejeta also offers night game drives. These drives provide a chance to spot some of Kenya’s more unusual critters, such as aardvarks, zorillas, and bat-eared foxes. You might also witness leopard and lion hunts, which are often included in guests’ campfire tales upon their return.

The conservancy is also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these fascinating primates. The sanctuary was established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market.

The wildlife at Ol Pejeta is not just about the animals; it’s also about the habitats they live in. The conservancy is a mosaic of grass plains, wooded grassland, Acacia woodland and evergreen thicket, extending for over 350 square kilometers. This diverse landscape provides a home for a wide range of animals and birds, and ensures that no two game drives are ever the same.

Other Ol Pejeta Experiences

In addition to its wildlife and game drives, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a range of unique experiences that allow visitors to engage more deeply with the conservancy’s conservation efforts and the wildlife that call it home.

Northern White Rhino Enclosure

Visitors have the opportunity to meet the last two northern white rhinos in the world, Najin and Fatu, in their 700-acre enclosure. This is a unique and poignant experience, offering a stark reminder of the threat of extinction that many species face.

Horse Riding with Rhinos

For a different perspective of the conservancy, visitors can embark on a horse-riding safari. This experience offers an intimate and thrilling way to encounter wildlife, including rhinos, from horseback.

Canine Anti-Poaching Unit

Visitors can meet the conservancy’s Canine Anti-Poaching Unit, a team of highly trained dogs and their handlers who play a crucial role in preventing and detecting illegal activities within the conservancy.

Lion Tracking

Join the Lion Tracking program and assist in collecting data for research on lion behavior and ecology. This is a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures and contribute to their conservation.

Wildlife-Livestock Integration

Learn about Ol Pejeta’s innovative approach to conservation, which includes the integration of wildlife and livestock. This program demonstrates how conservation and agriculture can coexist and benefit each other.

Guided Walking Safaris

Explore the conservancy on foot with a professional armed ranger. This experience allows you to connect with nature in a more intimate way, learning about the smaller creatures and plants that contribute to the ecosystem.

Running with the Rangers

Join the conservancy’s rangers for a morning run. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the rangers’ work, keep fit, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the conservancy.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these highly endangered and remarkably intelligent species. The sanctuary was established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market.

Chimpanzee at Sweetwaters

Each of these experiences offers a unique way to engage with the wildlife and landscapes of Ol Pejeta Conservancy and to learn about the innovative conservation efforts that are helping to protect these precious ecosystems for future generations.

Visit the Equator at Ol Pejeta

The world’s equator line cuts across the conservancy. This is a rare opportunity to stand on the equator.

Equator at Ol Pejeta

Cost & Timing of Conservation Experiences

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Entry Fees

Ol Pejeta is a cashless service and all visits must be booked in advance. Contact us to make a booking.

Entry fees 2nd January – 31st March

Entry fees 1st April – 8th August

Vehicle Entry (1st January – 8th August)

Conservancy fees 9th August Onwards

Vehicle Entry (9th August Onwards)

Timing of Conservation Experiences

Below is the complete information on Conservation Experiences timing at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Before booking an experience, it’s important to be aware that some may have age restrictions or require a minimum number of participants. It’s also suggested that bookings be made at least one day in advance, as weather and availability can impact the experience. Additionally, the activities may be subject to change based on the well-being of the animals involved. Also, all rates include VAT.

Best Time to Travel and Climate

Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year. However, the dry season from June to September is considered the best time to visit. During this period, it’s mostly sunny with little rain. The vegetation is thinner, which improves the visibility of animals, and the roads are in good condition. Water sources attract a steady flow of animals, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing. However, the reserve can get quite busy during this period, and dust in the sky may reduce visibility and make the scenery less spectacular.

The wet season runs from October to May. During this time, the reserve is less busy, and low-season rates might apply. It’s an outstanding time for bird watching with migratory birds present. Newborn animals are readily seen, and the scenery is lush with clear skies offering stunning views of Mount Kenya on cloudless days. However, smaller animals can be harder to spot in the long grass, and road conditions can be challenging, requiring a sturdy 4×4. Rain can interfere with game drives and some lodges close in April and/or May.

The high season runs from June to October and December to March, during which some lodges can get busy. The low season is in April, May, and November when roads might be in bad condition. The best weather is from June to September and December to February when there is less rain. The worst weather is in March, April, May, October, and November when long and short rains occur.

Ol Pejeta Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Ol Pejeta Conservancy located?

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is situated near Nanyuki Town on the equator, between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s main gate is 14 kilometers from the equator turn-off, just before Nanyuki.

2. What are Ol Pejeta fees?

Ol Pejeta has different rates for citizens, residents, and international visitors. The fees also vary depending on the season. You can view the rates on our table above.

3. How do I book online?

In June 2017, Ol Pejeta went cashless. Clear instructions on how to use their online booking system can be found on their website.

4. What time do the entry gates open?

Gates open at 7.00 am and close by 7.00 pm. Entry into Ol Pejeta Conservancy after 7:00 pm is not allowed.

5. What do you mean by single-entry tickets?

Their entry tickets are single entry valid for 24 hours. This means, if you are staying outside of the conservancy, you have to pay each time you enter the conservancy even if on the same day. Their tickets do not allow for multiple entries.

6. How do I get there?

The drive from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta takes about 3-4 hours. The road from Nairobi to Nanyuki is tarmacked and the main entry gate, Rongai gate is easily accessible from Nanyuki Town on a tar road, with the last 13 kilometers to Ol Pejeta on a graded dirt road.

7. Can I come in my own car?

Yes, you can. There is a good network of graded all-weather roads and tracks inside the conservancy allowing self-drive clients to comfortably drive around inside in a 2-wheel drive vehicle.

8. What are the best times for a game drive?

You can do a game drive at any time, but the early mornings and evenings are best as the wildlife tends to be more active at this time.

9. What animals will I see?

Ol Pejeta prides itself in having the highest densities of wildlife in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara and is home to the Big 5. It is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees and the critically endangered northern white rhinos as well as a wide variety of other wildlife and birds.

10. What can I do while I am at Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

There are lots to do while at the conservancy. You can enjoy game drives, and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the rhino memorial, and Baraka, the blind black rhino. You can also enjoy several experiences such as a guided bush and bird walk, ride with the rhinos, and many more.