Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Kenya’s most inspiring wildlife destinations, combining unforgettable safari experiences with world-class conservation efforts. Located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta is home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa, as well as the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. It is also home to Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary.
Whether you’re after close rhino encounters, Big Five game drives, or exclusive safari experiences like night drives, lion tracking, or horse riding, Ol Pejeta offers something unique. Every visit supports ongoing conservation and community programs.
“At a Glance” Info Box
- Location: Laikipia, Kenya (approx. 200 km north of Nairobi)
- Size & Habitat: Mixed grassland, acacia woodlands, riverine corridors
- Iconic Wildlife: Black rhinos, white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, over 300 bird species, chimpanzees
- Special Features: Northern white rhino enclosure, Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, night safaris, lion tracking
- Access: By road (3–4 hrs from Nairobi) or air (to Nanyuki, then short transfer)
Where Is Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Ol Pejeta is in Laikipia County, central Kenya, roughly 200 km (124 miles) north of Nairobi.
- By Road: 3–4 hours via Nanyuki
- By Air: Flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Nanyuki Airstrip (approx. 45 minutes) + short drive to the conservancy
Its strategic location allows easy combination with Samburu, Mount Kenya, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara and more in multi-park safari routes.
Why Visit Ol Pejeta?
- Rhino Conservation: The conservancy protects over 130 black rhinos, a healthy number of white rhinos, and the last two northern white rhinos (Najin & Fatu).
- Big Five Safaris: You can see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos in one place.
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary: The only place in Kenya to see historically rescued chimpanzees at Sweetwaters.
- Exclusive & Private: Fewer vehicles and controlled visitor numbers make for a quieter, more personalized safari.
- Unique Safari Activities: Night drives, lion tracking, horse riding, cycling safaris, guided bush walks.
- Stunning Scenery: Wildlife set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya and gently rolling landscapes.
Wildlife & Conservation in Ol Pejeta
Big Five and More
- Rhinos: Over 130 black rhinos and 30+ white rhinos. Najin & Fatu are the last two northern white rhinos.
- Elephants: Large herds roam freely.
- Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are often observed.
- Buffalo, Giraffes, Zebras, Wild Dogs: Commonly seen across the conservancy.
- Hippos & Crocodiles: In marshes and waterways.
- Birdlife: Over 300 bird species including water birds, raptors, and forest species.
- Chimpanzees: The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary houses rescued chimps from Africa, giving visitors a rare chance to observe primates in Kenya.
Conservation Work & Community Impact
Ol Pejeta leads in conservation innovation:
- Anti-poaching units (with dogs, surveillance, patrols)
- Rhino breeding & protection efforts
- IVF & genetic research for rhinos (especially northern whites)
- Community development programs (education, healthcare, water projects)
- Revenue-sharing: Tourism supports local communities and incentivizes wildlife protection
Visiting Ol Pejeta directly contributes to these efforts.
Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta is a year-round safari destination, but timing affects conditions:
| Season | Conditions / Highlights |
| June – October | Dry season; easier wildlife viewing; minimal foliage |
| January – March | Clear skies; ideal for photography & general wildlife |
| November & April – May | Green season; lush landscapes; migratory birds; some roads may get muddy |
Safari Packages & Costs
The cost of a safari in Ol Pejeta depends on:
- Accommodation class ( mid-range, luxury)
- Number of days
- Group size vs private safari
- Season (lower rates Jan–June; higher rates Jul–Dec)
- Transport mode (road vs flight + transfer)
- Extra activities (night drives, lion tracking, chimp tours, horse riding, etc.)
Top Activities at Ol Pejeta
- Game Drives: morning, afternoon, and night safaris
- Northern White Rhino Visits: view Najin & Fatu under ranger supervision
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tours: visit rescued chimpanzees at Sweetwaters
- Lion Tracking: follow ranger teams to monitor lion movements
- Guided Bush Walks: explore on foot with a guide
- Cycling Safaris: ride through wilderness trails
- Horse Riding with Game: unique experience in rhino habitat
- Cultural Visits: meet local communities and learn conservation stories
Sample 3-Day Ol Pejeta Itinerary
- Day 1: Nairobi → Nanyuki → Afternoon game drive
- Day 2: Full-day safari + rhino and chimpanzee sanctuary visits
- Day 3: Early lion tracking or bush walk → Return to Nairobi
How Ol Pejeta Compares with Other Parks in Kenya
| Park / Conservancy | Location | Main Highlights | Best For | How It Compares to Ol Pejeta |
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Laikipia | Rhino & chimp conservation, exclusive safari, Big Five | Conservation-minded travelers, families, exclusivity | Unique for rhinos & chimp sanctuary; quieter & more conservation-focused than many national parks |
| Maasai Mara | Southwestern Kenya | Great Migration, Big Five, high predator density | Migration & big cat fans | More dramatic migration action; Ol Pejeta offers deeper conservation experience |
| Amboseli | Southern Kenya | Elephants, Kilimanjaro views | Photographers, elephant lovers | Amboseli is iconic for elephant & mountain views; Ol Pejeta offers rhino, chimps, exclusivity |
| Samburu | Northern Kenya | Unique “Special Five” species | Culture, rugged safaris | Samburu highlights rare species; Ol Pejeta offers rhino + chimp + more diversified safari |
| Lake Nakuru | Rift Valley | Flamingos, rhinos, birds | Birdwatchers, short safaris | Nakuru is compact & famous; Ol Pejeta is broader in conservation & safari options |
| Tsavo East & West | Southeastern Kenya | Wilderness, lava landscapes, red elephants | Remote, rugged safaris | Tsavo is wild and vast; Ol Pejeta more accessible and conservation-centric |
Suggested Safari Combinations with Ol Pejeta
- Ol Pejeta + Samburu (5 Days): Rhinos, chimps → unique northern species
- Ol Pejeta + Aberdare ( 4 Days): Conservation, forests,
- Ol Pejeta + Samburu + Nakuru + Maasai Mara (13 Days): Grand circuit across ecosystems
- Ol Pejeta + Amboseli + Tsavo (8–10 Days): Elephants, rhinos, wilderness
- Ol Pejeta + Mount Kenya Trek + Maasai Mara (12–14 Days): Safari + trekking combo
FAQs about the Conservancy
Q: Where is Ol Pejeta Conservancy located?
Ol Pejeta lies in Laikipia County, central Kenya, about 200 km (124 miles) north of Nairobi, near Nanyuki and Mount Kenya.
Q: How do I get to Ol Pejeta?
You can drive from Nairobi in 3–4 hours via Nanyuki, or fly from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Nanyuki Airstrip (45 minutes), followed by a short transfer.
Q: What is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta?
Ol Pejeta is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–October, January–March) offer the best game viewing. The green seasons (November, April–May) bring lush scenery, migratory birds, and fewer crowds.
Q: What wildlife can I see in Ol Pejeta?
Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos), plus cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and 300+ bird species.
Q: Can I see the last northern white rhinos?
Yes — Ol Pejeta is home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Visits can be arranged under ranger supervision.
Q: Does Ol Pejeta have chimpanzees?
Yes — the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in Kenya to see rescued and rehabilitated chimpanzees.
Q: What activities are available at Ol Pejeta?
Alongside classic game drives, you can enjoy night safaris, lion tracking, rhino visits, chimpanzee tours, cycling safaris, bush walks, horse riding, and cultural visits.
Q: Are night game drives allowed in Ol Pejeta?
Yes — Ol Pejeta is one of the few conservancies in Kenya that allows night safaris, offering a chance to see nocturnal animals.
Q: Is Ol Pejeta family-friendly?
Yes — lodges and camps are family-friendly, and activities like chimpanzee tours, lion tracking, and educational visits are great for children.
Q: How many rhinos live at Ol Pejeta?
Ol Pejeta is home to 130+ black rhinos, 30+ southern white rhinos, and the last 2 northern white rhinos.
Q: Is Ol Pejeta crowded?
No — visitor numbers are limited, making it one of Kenya’s most peaceful and exclusive safari destinations.
Book Your Ol Pejeta Safari with Ahambi Tours
From rhino encounters to Big Five safaris and exclusive night drives, Ahambi Tours offers custom safari packages at Ol Pejeta. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group, we’ll tailor an itinerary that suits your interests, budget, and time.
📩 Contact us today and let us help you experience the heart of Kenya’s conservation — Ol Pejeta Conservancy.