About the Reserve
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a pioneering 90,000-acre wildlife sanctuary situated on the equator in Kenya's Laikipia County, between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. It is not a national park but a private, non-profit conservancy and a global model for wildlife conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism. Ol Pejeta is best known as the home of the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet, Najin and Fatu, who live under 24-hour armed protection. The conservancy also hosts the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and is a protected sanctuary for chimpanzees at its Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary—the only place in Kenya to see these great apes.
Beyond its flagship species, Ol Pejeta is a fully integrated ecosystem with a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), and operates as a successful working cattle ranch that demonstrates how wildlife and livestock can coexist. Its innovative approach includes state-of-the-art security, cutting-edge conservation technology, and robust community partnerships, making it a critical ark for endangered species and a leading destination for ethical and impactful tourism.
Beyond its flagship species, Ol Pejeta is a fully integrated ecosystem with a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), and operates as a successful working cattle ranch that demonstrates how wildlife and livestock can coexist. Its innovative approach includes state-of-the-art security, cutting-edge conservation technology, and robust community partnerships, making it a critical ark for endangered species and a leading destination for ethical and impactful tourism.
Highlights
- World-Class Conservation: Directly contribute to pioneering rhino and chimpanzee protection.
- Guaranteed Rhino Sightings: Unparalleled chance to see both black and the last northern white rhinos.
- Diverse Activities: Unique offerings like night drives, lion tracking, and chimp visits.
- Exclusive & Uncrowded: Offers a more private safari experience compared to mass-market parks.
- Scenic Landscape: Stunning views of Mount Kenya and diverse habitats.
- Ethical Tourism Model: Revenue directly funds conservation and community projects
Good to Know
- Higher Cost: Park and activity fees are generally higher than public national parks.
- Not a "Traditional" Wilderness: As a working ranch with fences and active conservation management, it feels more managed than vast, untamed parks like the Mara.
- Wildlife Density: While diverse, overall herbivore numbers (like wildebeest) can be lower than in the migratory ecosystems of southern Kenya.
- Weather Dependent: Access roads can become challenging during the heavy rainy seasons (April-May, November).
Wildlife & Nature
Experiences
Day & Night Game Drives: Daytime drives to see the Big Five and specialized night drives to spot nocturnal species like aardvark, bat-eared fox, and leopard.
Conservation & Species Experience: Visit the Northern White Rhino Enclosure, meet the last two individuals, and learn about the bio-technical efforts to save the subspecies.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit: Guided tour of the sanctuary to observe rescued chimps.
Lion Tracking: Join researchers to locate lions via radio telemetry (supplemental fee).
Guided Nature & Bush Walks: Explore on foot with an armed ranger for a ground-level perspective.
Horseback & Camel Safaris: Unique wildlife viewing experiences.
Visit the Endangered Species Boma: See other rare species like Grevy's zebra and Jackson's hartebeest.
Community & Cultural Visits: Interact with neighboring communities.
Fishing: Catch and release in the conservancy's dams.
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