Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Kenya’s top wildlife sanctuaries, located in Laikipia County, at the foothills of Mount Kenya. Spanning 360 square kilometers, this private conservancy is a leading example of successful wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. It is globally recognized as the home of the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, and East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary, with over 140 individuals. Beyond rhino conservation, Ol Pejeta is a prime destination for Big Five safaris, offering excellent sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos. The conservancy also hosts cheetahs, African wild dogs, hippos, giraffes, and more than 300 bird species.
Visitors to Ol Pejeta can expect an exclusive and immersive safari experience, with activities such as game drives, night safaris, bush walks, and horseback riding among wildlife. Unlike Kenya’s national parks, Ol Pejeta offers unique conservation experiences, allowing guests to participate in rhino tracking, visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and engage with local community projects. Its diverse landscape—featuring open savannah, acacia woodlands, and seasonal rivers—creates stunning scenery for wildlife viewing and photography. Whether you’re a first-time traveler to Kenya or a seasoned safari enthusiast, Ol Pejeta delivers a memorable and conservation-focused adventure.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy lies approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles) north of Nairobi. The journey by road takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through scenic Kenyan highlands, farmlands, and views of Mount Kenya along the way. A 4×4 Jeep is ideal for comfort and photography, especially once you enter the conservancy’s rugged terrain.
Alternatively, travelers can opt for a short 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip, followed by a 30-minute road transfer to Ol Pejeta. This option offers stunning aerial views and saves time.
Whether you choose to drive or fly, getting to Ol Pejeta is easy and rewarding. Most safaris, including those offered by Wild Sights Safaris, provide comfortable transfers, expert guides, and stopovers for photo breaks or cultural visits along the way.
A visit to Ol Pejeta goes beyond traditional game drives. The conservancy offers a hands-on safari experience, allowing visitors to witness conservation in action. Some of the key highlights include:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers more than just game drives—it’s a destination rich in adventure, conservation, and close wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned explorer, every activity at Ol Pejeta adds depth and excitement to your experience.
Explore the conservancy’s vast plains on morning and afternoon game drives. With open-roof 4×4 Jeeps and expert guides, you’ll track the Big Five, spot endangered species like Grevy’s zebras, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kenya.
Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. A visit to their enclosure is both humbling and unforgettable. Learn about their story and the conservation efforts trying to save the species.
This is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Rescued from the illegal pet trade and war-torn countries, the chimps now live in a protected environment where their individual stories and personalities shine.
When the sun sets, the conservancy transforms. A night game drive gives you the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and elusive leopards under the stars.
For a more immersive experience, take a guided bush walk. Led by armed rangers, these walks teach you how to read animal tracks, identify bird calls, and understand the ecosystem up close.
Add a thrill with a horseback ride among wildlife, or join a lion tracking activity using radio telemetry. These unique experiences help support Ol Pejeta’s monitoring and research programs.
Ol Pejeta Safaris offer a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and travel styles:
With its rich biodiversity, conservation success stories, and exclusive safari experiences, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a top choice for travelers seeking a unique, ethical, and adventure-filled safari in Kenya. Whether you’re visiting for a luxury safari, a budget-friendly adventure, or a family-friendly wildlife experience, Ol Pejeta delivers one of the most rewarding safaris in East Africa.
