Everything to Know When Visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in Nanyuki Kenya, is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It’s home to the two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. This is the only place in Kenya where you can see rescued chimpanzees in a sanctuary.

The “Big 5 of Africa” are among the animals to see when you visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Despite being known for the highest density of predators in Kenya, the conservancy runs a successful livestock program, beneficial to local pastoralists and wildlife.

I have been to Ol Pejeta Conservancy several times, it’s definitely one of the best holiday destinations in magical Kenya. Families, honeymooners, and nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this place. Lion tracking and night game drives are some of the activities I enjoyed so much.

Is visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy Worth it?

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kenya. It’s a popular stop for tourists heading to or from Mount Kenya National Park, a certified Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site with thrilling wildlife and adventure hikes.

There are plenty of attractions in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy including the following:

Game drives

The early morning and evening game drives at Ol Pejeta Conservancy offer a close encounter with Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Across the 360 km2 area, you might also spot other rare animals including cheetahs, African wild dogs, and velvet monkeys among others.

Both black and white rhinoceroses also live here. They are heavily guarded to protect them from poachers, who are always after their horns. Electric fences, horn-imbedded transmitters, watchtowers, drones, trained dogs, and armed guards are all deployed for tight security around the clock.

The two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, the Grevy’s zebras and Jackson’s wildebeest are enclosed in a 700-acre endangered species section. By the way, all other animals are free to move in and out of the conservancy except for rhinos which are restricted.

Lion tracking

Lions in the Ol Pejeta are tracked to help find solutions to their common problems including poaching. Some of them have been fitted with radio collars that convey signals to the monitoring units. Data about each pride member in the conservancy is well-kept.

While it’s a conservation strategy, lion tracking is one of the most intriguing wildlife experiences I have ever had on the planet. You can join a ranger to track and locate the pride. This takes place daily between 06:30 am – 08:30 am and 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. 

Guests who would like to be part of the lion tracking experience are encouraged to wear closed shoes and carry sunscreen and a hat. Clothing should be of neutral color. A minimum of two individuals are required and they should always remain in their vehicles.

Bird watching

Ol Pejeta is also a haven for birds, with more than 500 species recorded. Birdwatchers can enjoy early morning and afternoon bird walks organized at the lodges. Game drives tend to focus more on large animals so it might be worth booking a private vehicle if you want to enjoy birding.

Some of the birds you’ll likely see include various types of ducks, geese, storks, herons, and egrets. Ostriches, pelicans, secretary birds, Fire finches, and manning are also common. Other available species include variable sunbirds, flycatchers, wheatears, and common nightingale.

To have a fantastic view of birds in the Ol Pejeto Conservancy, it’s best to invest in a pair of binoculars and perhaps a spotting scope. Snapping a few photos can also be beneficial to avid bird watchers. So don’t forget to bring a quality camera on your Kenya safari holiday.

Bush walks

Nothing is thrilling like following the fresh tracks of an elephant through a bush on foot. In the company of armed ranges, you can touch, smell, and hear nature in its purest form. Ol Pejeta bush walks are available daily between 06:30 – 08:30 and 15:30 – 17:30.

The rangers know the entire 90,000 acres of the conservancy like the backs of their hands. They’ll take you through different routes to the best places to see wildlife. I enjoyed how they were knowledgeable about tracks and spoors of various animals in the wild.

Hippos hides

When unaware of the presence of humans, wildlife can show fascinating behaviors never seen before. Ol Pejeta Nature Trail, located on the banks of the mighty Ewaso Nyiro River is one of the discreet places to observe hippos as they cool in the shallow waters.

What’s more, the walk down to the hide is scenic. The path meanders through various indigenous plants, some of which local communities use for cooking and medicine. As you trek down, guides never cease to explain the history behind every species on the way.

Note: Bush walks are not recommended for children under the age of 12. The activity is restricted to a maximum group of 6.

Beautiful landscapes

Through game drives and walking safaris, you can also enjoy unrestricted views of the park. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. This presents scenic landscapes to viewers.

The surrounding landscape is diverse, featuring acacia woodlands, grassland plains, and riverine forests. Ewaso Nyiro, the longest river in the region runs along the western boundary of the conservancy. It’s the vital source of water for wildlife in the area supplemented with several artificial waterholes.

Chimpanzee sanctuary

Chimpanzee Sanctuary is one of the attractions in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Besides, it’s a rescue center for orphaned and abused chimpanzees. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary opens daily between 10:00 to 15:30. It’s the only place in the country where you can see the creatures.

Most chimpanzees arriving at the Sanctuary are successfully nursed back to health. When completely fit, they are introduced into one of the two large groups at the Sanctuary, living in vast natural enclosures separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Sweetwaters is a chartered member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), comprising of 18 sanctuaries in 12 African countries. Pasa’s role is to rehabilitate chimpanzees and other primates suffering in the hands of humans, through public education and lobbying for political goodwill.

Fun activities

Visitors to Ol Pejeta can also enjoy a range of activities including horse riding, biking, and morning runs. This commonly happens in the predator-free region of the conservancy under the watch of guides. The highlights of these activities are interacting with rhinos and participating in their tracking. 

Best time to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy

June to October are the dry months in the region, making it the best time for game-viewing activities. Bird watching at Ol Pejeta Conservancy is favorable throughout the year, however, migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present from November through April. 

January to March is another dry season with fewer crowds in the conservancy. This time of the year is great for those who appreciate some privacy. The long rainy season takes place in April and May, resulting in muddy roads and poor viewability of wildlife.

How to get to Ol Pejeta from Nairobi

Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County is about 220 Km from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Tourists coming to Kenya must book a flight to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The drive from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy can take about 4-5 hours.

The most common route is the A2 highway, passing through Thika, Karatina, and Nanyuki. Matatus (minibuses) also ply this route. So, if you can’t use a private or rental car, you can always catch a bus to your destination.

There are daily flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Nanyuki Airstrip. The flight takes about 1 hour. From the Nanyuki airstrip, you can arrange for a transfer to the conservancy with your accommodation or hire a taxi. Ol Pejeta Airstrip in the conservancy also serves direct chartered flights.

Entrance fee

Daily charges apply to all guests entering the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The rates are as follows:

Type	East Africa Citizen	East Africa Resident	Non-Resident
Adult	Ksh. 2,000	Ksh. 3,500	USD$ 110
Child	Ksh. 1,000	Ksh. 1,750	USD$ 55
Student	Ksh. 350	Ksh. 350	USD$32

Ol Pejeta gates are cashless, guests need to book entry tickets by visiting the conservancy website. Schools are required to pre-book their visit to receive the concession student entrance fee. The groups of not less than 10 students must be accompanied by a teacher or a letter from their institution.

Proof of residency is required upon arrival. Citizens and East African residents must present a National identity card or a valid passport. Non-residents must have valid travel documents or a work permit. Child rates apply to children between 3 and 11 years old.

Where should I stay at Ol Pejeta?

Ol Pejeta offers various accommodations that suit the needs of every guest. Places around range from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly tented camps. Here is where to stay within the conservancy.

1. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Located along the Ewaso Nyiro River, this camp offers an exceptional opportunity for easy access to wildlife viewing. It’s a comfortable tented accommodation offering privacy in the leafy surroundings. The camp features en-suite bathrooms, a dining area, a bar, Wi-Fi, and campfire facilities.

Ol Pejeta Camp opens from June to April and closes in May due to heavy rainfall in the conservancy.

2. Sweetwaters Serena Camp

Located within the sprawling Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwater’s Serena Camp is a great place to unwind. The tented accommodation offers picturesque views of Mount Kenya, close encounters with wildlife, and tranquil respite in the wild. Meals served in their light-filled restaurant are pretty delicious.

Swetwaters Serana camp features modern facilities including en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a private balcony. A dedicated event venue makes it a suitable destination for weddings and corporate retreats. After game drives, guests can relax at the pool or enjoy a massage in the treatment room.

3. Ol Pejeta House

The Ol Pejeta house is one of the best places to stay within the conservancy. It started as the Rank’s manager home when Conservancy acted as a cattle farm over 65 years ago. Currently, under the management of Serena Hotels, it’s a luxury escape for families or small groups.

This house features a number of facilities dating back to the colonial era. You’ll find an elegant drawing room with a fireplace and a number of scenic verandas around the house. Accommodation includes a private guest cottage, two master suites, and two guest bedrooms.

Ol Pejeta house is within the reach of many game viewing spots in the conservancy. Guests can also enjoy a private swimming pool, a barbeque, and delicious meals at the external dining area.

4. Kicheche Laikipia Camp

Nestled in the silhouette of Mount Kenya, Kicheche Laikipia Camp is a small luxury-class tented camp overlooking a waterhole within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This camp is in the low vehicle density area of the conservancy making the viewing of wildlife in privacy a rewarding experience.

Guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Tents are spacious with en-suite bathrooms and verandas overlooking the plains. A well-furnished lounge and dining tent have two roaring fires for the cooler evenings. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are often served al fresco.

5. Porini Rhino Camp

The Porini Rhino Camp is a small intimate safari eco-camp within the Ol Pejeto Conservancy. The camp is located in a secluded valley on the banks of a seasonal river. Guest tents are spacious and strategically set for a proper view of the wildlife and the entire surroundings.

Each tent at the camp is designed to have a minimal environmental impact, featuring solar-power lighting and an ensuite bathroom with a hot shower and flush toilet. The newest tent, 20 meters from the main site is a family unit consisting of two rooms each with a king-size bed and a single bed.

Other facilities at Porini Rhino Camp include Wi-Fi, a dedicated dining tent, an outside dining area, a centralized phone charging area, and 24-hour security.

Final thought

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is known all over the world thanks to the only two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet. Since being established in 1988, the Conservancy has had visitors from all corners of the world. Conservation efforts for endangered wildlife species are at the top-notch. By visiting this place you become part of this noble cause.