Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts Kenya’s largest rhino population and is home to the world’s final two northern white rhinos. Ol Pejeta is also home to the Big Five and offers the most activities of any Kenyan park.
OL PEJETA IN A NUTSHELL
Ol Pejeta is a protected area in Kenya’s Laikipia district. Ol Pejeta, which began as a cow farm in 1988, has evolved into a wildlife sanctuary and is an important conservation area safeguarding endangered species.
Ol Pejeta is the greatest spot in Kenya to see rhinos, and it offers the most activities of any Kenyan park or conservancy, including game drives, mountain biking, horseback riding, lion tracking, running with rangers, cycling, and community visits. Ol Pejeta runs a community development initiative and provides financing to local communities for education, water, and infrastructure.
THINGS TO DO AT OL PEJETA
Game Drives: The Big Five, as well as endangered species such as the African wild dog, cheetah, and Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa Oryx, and Jackson’s hartebeest, call the conservancy home. Giraffes, baboons, hippos, and hyenas are other wildlife in ol Pejeta.
Night drives are also available at Ol Pejeta, giving visitors the chance to view the nocturnal wildlife that frequents these grasslands.
Endangered species enclosure: The only portion of the park that is gated off for the animals is the endangered species enclosure. White and black rhinos are housed here and must be monitored around the clock to prevent poaching. The cage is home to the world’s last two northern white rhinos (both female).
The endangered species enclosure also houses Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s wildebeest. Poaching and habitat destruction have drastically reduced their numbers, and they now require immediate protection.
Lion tracking: Ol Pejeta has equipped a few lions with tracking collars to assist rangers in determining the location of the prides.
The lions can roam the entire 360 km2 range. Trackers have been installed to assist rangers in keeping them secure from poachers. You can go lion-spotting with a ranger between 6:00 and 8:00 and 15:30 and 17:30.
On the first day, most visitors to Ol Pejeta would combine lion tracking and the endangered species enclosure—one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Hippo hides: Take a trek down the Ewaso Nyiro River, patiently waiting and dressed in camouflage, and you’ll soon spot the hippos that come to the surface for a little sun. The path down to the hide is a lovely nature trail that winds through a variety of indigenous plants utilized by local communities for cooking and medicine. Every day from 07:00 to 18:00, the hide is open.
Walking safari: A walking safari in the Ol Pejeta Plains provides unrestricted views of the park; be bold and walk alongside park rangers as you explore the area in search of wildlife. Walking safaris are available in the mornings and afternoons, between 06:30-09:30 and 15:30-18:30.
Visit the chimpanzee sanctuary: The Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is open daily from 10:00 to 15:30, has been home to orphaned chimps since 1993 and provides a natural environment to non-indigenous species on an island within the park.
Chimpanzees who arrive at the sanctuary are nursed back to health before being released into the conservancy; Ol Pejeta is the only area in Kenya where these animals may be found.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OL PEJETA?
The best months to visit Ol Pejeta are from June through October. This is the dry season, and the longer you get into it, the better the game watching will be. There is a short wet season in November and December, but it is a really attractive time to visit since the flowers are in bloom, and it is an excellent time to watch migratory birds.
Another dry season lasts from January to March, and the flowers bloom after the rains—this time of year is ideal for photography! The long rainy season occurs between April and May. Due to the rain, the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is closed in May.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN OL PEJETA?
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is one of the nicest places to stay in the reserve. Accommodation is in fully equipped tented camps with en-suite facilities along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River. This is our first pick for lodging in Ol Pejeta.
Sweetwaters, Serena Camp
Sweetwaters Serena Camp is one of Ol’ Peteja’s largest camps. The location is located on the conservancy’s eastern edge and features 50 attractively built tents with views of the mountains, drinking holes, and wildlife.
Ol Pejeta House
The property is in a private and serene portion of the reserve. There are a limited number of rooms available, as well as two private swimming pools.
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
This opulent camp has received numerous honors for its environmental efforts, devoting 25% of its revenue to conservation and community projects.
Porini Rhino Camp
The lonely Porini Rhino Camp is hidden behind a small forest of acacia trees. The camp is environmentally friendly and located in a beautiful valley; it offers a hidden and serene vacation.
