Park Overview

 

Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Kenya’s Premier Wildlife Haven

Nestled between the rolling foothills of the Aberdare Range and the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a jewel of the Laikipia Plateau. This 360 km² protected area boasts an exceptional mix of semi-arid grassland, woodland, riverine forest, and wetlands, making it one of the most ecologically diverse and rewarding safari destinations in East Africa.

Renowned for its thriving populations of wildlife, Ol Pejeta is one of the few places in Kenya where all members of the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and both black and white rhino—can be spotted. The conservancy is globally celebrated for its commitment to conservation, pioneering community development initiatives, and world-class visitor experiences.

One of the crown jewels of Ol Pejeta is its status as the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, offering unmatched opportunities to observe this critically endangered species. It is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on Earth, living under 24-hour armed protection. In addition, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued chimpanzees, making Ol Pejeta the only place in Kenya where you can encounter these great apes.

Set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta combines stunning natural beauty with exceptional biodiversity—creating an unforgettable safari destination for nature lovers, photographers, bird watchers, and conservation enthusiasts alike.

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Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Safari Activities at Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta offers a rich array of safari activities tailored to different interests and levels of adventure. Whether you're looking for close encounters with iconic African wildlife or unique conservation-based experiences, the conservancy has something to offer:

Day & Night Game Drives

Explore the conservancy’s extensive landscapes in custom 4x4 vehicles during the day and night. While day drives offer prime opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos in action, night drives reveal a different world—nocturnal species like aardvarks, porcupines, and leopards on the prowl.

Lion Tracking

Join the Ol Pejeta rangers for a hands-on lion tracking excursion, using telemetry equipment to locate collared lions while learning about their behavior and role in the ecosystem.

Guided Nature Walks

Discover the finer details of the African bush with expert guides. These interpretive walks focus on animal tracks, flora, insects, and smaller creatures, offering a deep appreciation for the ecological balance of the conservancy.

Bird Watching

With over 500 bird species recorded, Ol Pejeta is a birder’s paradise. Morning and evening birding safaris are offered with knowledgeable ornithologists who help identify both resident and migratory birds.

Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A must-see during your visit, this sanctuary is managed in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute. It provides lifelong care to abandoned or rescued chimpanzees in a protected, forested enclosure where guests can observe them from raised boardwalks.

Rhino Encounters & Conservation Education

Learn about rhino conservation at the Morani Information Centre, where guests can see a tame black rhino up close, and gain insight into the daily efforts of protecting endangered species.

Scenic Views & Photography

With Mount Kenya in the distance and wide open plains in every direction, the conservancy offers ideal settings for photography safaris, sundowner experiences, and peaceful moments in nature.

Bird Watching at Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta’s varied habitats support a spectacular diversity of birdlife. Birdwatching here is rewarding throughout the year, but especially so from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, many of them in vibrant breeding plumage.

Notable Bird Species Include: Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Amethyst Sunbird, Black-winged Lapwing, Blue-naped Mousebird

Buff-crested Bustard, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Long-billed Pipit, Montagu’s Harrier, Nubian Woodpecker, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Rufous Chatterer, Taita Fiscal, Temminck's Courser, White-bellied Go-away Bird, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Yellow-necked Spurfowl

Best Time for Birding:

Year-round, with peak activity and diversity between November and April.

When to Visit Ol Pejeta
Best for General Wildlife Viewing:
July to September and January to March, when wildlife congregates around water sources and vegetation is less dense.

Best for Birdwatching:
November to April, during the migratory season and breeding period for many species.

More of Kenya Destinations


Kilifi County

Lake Nakuru National Park

Amboseli National Park

Lake Naivasha

How to get there

Getting to Ol Pejeta is relatively easy and can be done via road or air:

By Road (Self-Drive or Transfer)

  • Approximate driving time from Nairobi is 3.5 to 4 hours via the Nanyuki-Nyahururu Road.
  • A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, particularly during the rainy season (March–May and October–November), as some internal roads can become muddy or impassable.

By Air (Scheduled or Charter Flights)

  • Nanyuki Airstrip is the nearest airport, served by daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
  • The airstrip is located just 45 minutes’ drive from the conservancy’s main gate.
  • Charter flights can also be arranged to nearby airstrips within the conservancy.

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