"Preserving the Majesty – Black Rhino and Big Five Encounters"
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Tourism
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in Kenya's Laikipia District, is a vital wildlife sanctuary, known for being East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary. It protects over 165 endangered black rhinos and is home to the last two northern white rhinos worldwide, making it crucial for rhino conservation. Additionally, Ol Pejeta is a habitat for the Big Five animals.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy sits right on the equator, between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. Known for being great for families, it's a top safari spot. With the most activities of any park in Kenya, it has something for everyone. The beautiful hikes are not just stunning but also good for kids. Visitors at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy have free access to Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Entry Fees in Ol Pejeta Conservancy:
Citizen: Adult – KSH 2000, Child – KSH 1000
Resident: Adult – KSH 3500, Child – KSH 1750
Non-Resident: Adult – $110, Child – $55
Vehicle Entry:
Up to 6 seats – KSH 1000
7-12 seater – KSH 2500
15 and more seats – KSH 12000
Activities Fees:
Meet the Northern White Rhinos (1 hour) - $70
Night Game Drive (2 hours) - Adult - $70, Child – $35
Lion Tracking (2 hours) – Adult - $70, Child – $35
Dog Tracking - Adult - $70, Child – $35
Run the Wild – Adult - $40
Livestock-Wildlife Interaction (2 hours) - $70
Guided Bushwalk/Birdwalk - Adult - $70, Child – $35
Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Free entry
Nature Trail – Free entry
Additional Fees:
Armed Guard – KSH 5000
Unarmed Guide – KSH 2500
Entrance Gates to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Rongai Gate: You can enter Ol Pejeta from Nanyuki at Rongai Gate, found at the east end. It's wheelchair accessible and has parking.
- Serat Gate: Located on Rumuruti Road, Serat Gate is another entrance to Ol Pejeta. It is also wheelchair accessible with parking.
Read More
Things to do in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
1. Ol Pejeta Game Drive
The Ol Pejeta game drive lets you see the Big Five and the last two northern white rhinos. You might also see northern black rhinos. Experienced guides share animal insights as you enjoy the views of (Read More)the savannah and woodland landscapes.
2. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established by Ol Pejeta Conservancy, KWS, and the Jane Goodall Institute, is home to 35 orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. They receiv (Read More)e round-the-clock care and rehabilitation before joining large natural enclosures to socialize and live freely.
3. Dog Tracking
Visitors can join the K9 unit for a fun "dog tracking" activity in Ol Pejeta. Led by bloodhounds, visitors hide while the dogs find them. Then, visitors watch as the dogs track a pretend poacher's sce (Read More)nt trail, keeping their skills sharp.
4. Bush and Bird Walks
Join with knowledgeable rangers on guided Bush and Bird walks to get up close with the sights, smells, and sounds of the African bush. These walks are available daily, offering the chance to observe w (Read More)ildlife and learn about the different species in the area.
5. Lion Tracking
Join the lion tracking activity to see these predators up close. Using a receiver, you'll help track lions with radio collars and gather information about each pride member. Your data supports lion co (Read More)nservation efforts and helps address challenges facing Laikipia's lions.
6. Meet the Neighbours
Neighboring communities benefit from education, farming, and healthcare support. Visitors can see the impact by visiting these communities and learning about projects like energy-efficient cooking and (Read More) conservation agriculture.
7. Meet the Northern White Rhinos
In 2009, Ol Pejeta Conservancy welcomed four of the world's last seven northern white rhinos from the Dvůr Králové Zoo. Unfortunately, Suni passed away in 2014, and Sudan in 2018, leavin (Read More)g only two females. Visitors can meet these rhinos up close in a 700-acre enclosure and learn about their story from their keepers.
8. Night Game Drive
Experience the wonders of the African wilderness after dark with Ol Pejeta Conservancy's Night Game Drive. With the help of a spotlight and an expert guide, you may spot unique animals like aardvarks, (Read More) zorillas, bat-eared foxes, leopards, and lions hunting.
9. Livestock-Wildlife Integration
Visitors can learn about our Boran and Ankole cattle herds, visit predator-proof bomas, and even join activities like moving cattle or assisting with cattle spray races to see how we integrate livesto (Read More)ck and wildlife.
10. Run the Wild
Join the Run the Wild experience at Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a 5 to 7 kilometres run with armed rangers. You'll see wildlife like elephants and rhinos and learn about ranger training.
11. Morani Center
The Morani Information Centre at Ol Pejeta Conservancy educates visitors about wildlife species, including anatomy, behavior, and habitat. You can explore a converted rhino transportation crate and le (Read More)arn about rhino conservation through engaging infographics.
12. Meet Baraka
Baraka, the black rhino, lives in Morani's former 100-acre enclosure, continuing his legacy. Visitors can meet him between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm any day, feed him from a special platform, and talk to h (Read More)is keepers. Admission is free.
13. Equator Sign
At Ol Pejeta Conservancy, visitors can stand on the Equator near Rongai Gate, where the southern and northern hemispheres meet. It's a great photo spot with Mount Kenya in the background.
14. Ol Pejeta Nature Trail
Visitors can observe wildlife from the Ol Pejeta Nature Trail hide, discreetly located along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Guides offer insights about the river, hippos, and local plants, providing a unique (Read More)wildlife viewing experience.
15. Scott’s Hide
Scott's Hide at Ol Pejeta Conservancy provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities overlooking a water hole in Scott's Plain. It's perfect for observing animals without disturbing them, with the (Read More)best viewing times between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The hide can accommodate six to eight people and prohibits flash photography.
Must Know Before You Travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Operating Hours: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is open from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM year-round.
- Entry Tickets: Single-entry tickets are valid for 24 hours; multiple entries are not allowed for day visitors. It's recommended to book experiences at least ONE DAY prior via the booking link.
- Cashless Transactions: All gates at Ol Pejeta are cashless.
- Overnight Stay Guidelines: If staying overnight, return to your lodge by 7 PM; driving after 7 PM is prohibited unless in an authorized Ol Pejeta vehicle.
- Accessibility: Both gates have a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.
- Weather Considerations: In the rainy season, the soil becomes challenging to navigate; it's advisable to use a 4x4 vehicle.
- Facilities: Ol Pejeta Conservancy provides public restrooms and picnic tables.
- Transportation: The conservancy doesn't provide road transfers, but a recommended independent taxi service is available.
- Navigational Aid: Purchase a detailed map at the gate upon entry for easy navigation. Road maps are available for sale at the main gate shop and Morani’s Restaurant.
- Road Restrictions: If not in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, avoid crossing Elephant Bridge into the wilderness sector, as roads are not all-weather and lack signposts.
- Guide Booking: Guides can be booked at the Tourism office via email ([email protected]) or directly at the gate.
- Dining Options: Morani’s Restaurant and The Safari Diner (for fast food), located at the Morani Information Center, both offer dining options within the conservancy. Morani's Restaurant is open from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week.
(Read More)
More on Ol Pejeta Conservancy Travel
Wildlife at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya is known for its diverse wildlife and a strong focus on protecting rhinos. It's the biggest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa, with over 165 of them. It is the last place where you can find the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, making it important for rhino conservation.
Ol Pejeta is a great place to see the Big Five, with many lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. It has the second-highest density of predators in Kenya. You can spot other animals like reticulated giraffes, defassa waterbucks, and buffalo. And there's even a hyena den near the airstrip where you can watch these fascinating creatures.
One of the most heartwarming things about Ol Pejeta is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It was created in 1993 by Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Jane Goodall Institute to help rescue chimpanzees. These chimps were taken from the illegal pet trade and now live here for rehabilitation. There are 35 chimps in two big groups, and visitors can see them getting better and learn about their stories.
The birdlife there is impressive, with over 400 species recorded, including ostriches, guineafowl, eagles, and many migratory birds.
Ol Pejeta is a great place to see the Big Five, with many lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. It has the second-highest density of predators in Kenya. You can spot other animals like reticulated giraffes, defassa waterbucks, and buffalo. And there's even a hyena den near the airstrip where you can watch these fascinating creatures.
One of the most heartwarming things about Ol Pejeta is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It was created in 1993 by Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Jane Goodall Institute to help rescue chimpanzees. These chimps were taken from the illegal pet trade and now live here for rehabilitation. There are 35 chimps in two big groups, and visitors can see them getting better and learn about their stories.
The birdlife there is impressive, with over 400 species recorded, including ostriches, guineafowl, eagles, and many migratory birds.
Activity Timings
- Meet the Northern White Rhinos - 08:30 AM - 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM - 12:00 pm| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Night Game Drive - 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM and 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Dog Tracking – 08:30 AM
- Livestock-Wildlife Interaction – 08:00 AM
- Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary - 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Nature Trail – 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy
How to Reach Ol Pejeta Conservancy
How to Reach Overview
To reach Ol Pejeta Conservancy, fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for international flights or Wilson Airport for domestic travel. From Wilson Airport, daily flights to Nanyuki Airstrip, a 45-minute drive from Ol Pejeta, are available.
If driving, the journey from Nairobi takes about 3-4 hours, with the final 13 kilometers on a dirt road. Entry points include Rongai Gate from Nanyuki Town or Serat Gate on Rumuruti Road.
If driving, the journey from Nairobi takes about 3-4 hours, with the final 13 kilometers on a dirt road. Entry points include Rongai Gate from Nanyuki Town or Serat Gate on Rumuruti Road.
How to reach Ol Pejeta Conservancy by flight
For international flights, land at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If flying domestically, use Wilson Airport (WIL) for destinations like Nanyuki.
Daily flights depart from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip, a quick 45-minute drive from Ol Pejeta. Airlines such as Air Kenya and Safarilink serve Nanyuki. FLY SAX offers flights three times a week directly to Ol Pejeta's Kamok Airstrip. Accommodation providers on Ol Pejeta can arrange transfers to and from these airstrips.
For more flexibility, consider chartering a flight. Arrange this from any other wildlife conservancy or airstrip directly to Ol Pejeta's Kamok Airstrip for a personalized and direct travel experience.
Daily flights depart from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip, a quick 45-minute drive from Ol Pejeta. Airlines such as Air Kenya and Safarilink serve Nanyuki. FLY SAX offers flights three times a week directly to Ol Pejeta's Kamok Airstrip. Accommodation providers on Ol Pejeta can arrange transfers to and from these airstrips.
For more flexibility, consider chartering a flight. Arrange this from any other wildlife conservancy or airstrip directly to Ol Pejeta's Kamok Airstrip for a personalized and direct travel experience.
How to reach Ol Pejeta Conservancy by road
The drive from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta takes about 3-4 hours on a well-paved road. The last 13 kilometres to Ol Pejeta are on a dirt road. The main entry gate, Rongai Gate, is easily reached from Nanyuki Town. An alternative is the Serat Gate on Rumuruti Road. If coming from Nakuru/Naivasha, take the road through Nyahururu and Nyeri and enter Ol Pejeta through Nanyuki. Signposts guide the way from the Nanyuki airstrip, which is about 6.5 kilometres away.
Browse Package Collections
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Photos
Have a Question on Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
experience.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Reviews
Your rating