1. Introduction & Positioning
Pelican House is a private, self-catering cottage located within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, overlooking the tranquil Pelican Dam. It offers a relaxed, home-style lodging alternative to the tented camps. Because it combines reasonable comfort with flexibility and privacy, it is ideal for families, small groups, or travelers who prefer a cottage stay rather than formal lodge settings.
With its location inside the conservancy, Pelican House gives guests freedom in scheduling, direct proximity to wildlife zones, and the ability to craft their own itinerary.
2. Location & Access
- Pelican House is situated inside the boundaries of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, facing the Pelican Dam, which is a frequent watering spot for wildlife.
- The veranda overlooks this waterbody, making it a great vantage point for dawn choruses or evening wildlife sightings at the water’s edge.
- Obtaining official access to the conservancy roads from Pelican House allows guests to drive into primary wildlife areas without long transit, enhancing safari time.
- Guests typically arrive via the Nanyuki Airstrip, followed by a transfer by road through Ol Pejeta’s internal roads to Pelican House.
Because it is inside the conservancy, the location gives Pelican House a strong advantage for early and flexible access to game drives and landmark Ol Pejeta attractions like the rhino sanctuary and chimpanzee sanctuary.
3. Accommodation & Facilities
3.1 Layout & Rooms
- Pelican House accommodates up to eight guests in the main house.
- The main house has two large en-suite double rooms and a third double room with a separate bathroom.
- In addition, there is a garden suite separate from the main house, with its own bathroom — ideal for guest privacy.
- The property offers four extra beds on request, allowing flexibility for groups.
- Each room has veranda access (in the main house or separate veranda) with views over the dam or bush.
3.2 Kitchen & Living Area
- Pelican House functions as a self-catering cottage: a fully equipped kitchen with a five-burner gas stove, electric oven, fridge and freezer.
- There is an open‐plan living and dining area built to encourage social interaction; it includes a fireplace, seating, and dining setups.
- Guests choosing a fully catered option may request a chef who will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner (extra cost).
- A staff presence handles housekeeping, groundskeeping, and night watch, ensuring guest comfort and security.
3.3 Utilities & Services
- Electricity is supplied via a generator, typically running 8 hours per day.
- Hot water is provided for guests according to schedule.
- Telephone reception is limited; however, free Wi-Fi is available when the generator is on.
- The property maintains garden landscaping, staff support, and basic guest services.
- Security and staff presence on-site ensure safety and assistance at all hours.
4. Rates, Packages & Booking
4.1 Rate Structure
Pelican House offers two main rate paradigms:
| Option | Group Size | Rate (Self-Catering) | Non-Resident Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Catering 2–4 pax | 2–4 guests | KES 9,000 per person per night | USD 100 per person per night |
| Self-Catering 5–8 pax | 5–8 guests | KES 8,000 pp/night | USD 90 pp/night |
| Self-Catering 9–12 pax | 9–12 guests | KES 7,300 pp/night | USD 80 pp/night |
| Child Rate | – | KES 4,500 per child per night | USD 50 per night |
If guests opt for a catered option (chef services included for full meals):
- An extra charge of USD 50 per day (chef cost) or equivalent in KES applies.
- This elevates the package to fully inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
These rates are exclusive of conservancy entry fees and vehicle or activity costs, which need to be arranged or charged separately.
4.2 Booking & Reservation Notes
- Advance booking is recommended, particularly in high season, due to limited capacity.
- Guests must clarify whether they are booking under self-catering or catered basis.
- For catered stays, menu preferences and dietary needs should be communicated in advance.
- Transfers from airstrips or arrangement of game drives may be organized by Pelican House or via external safari operators.
5. Experiences & Activities
Staying at Pelican House gives guests access to all of Ol Pejeta’s top safari activities, while offering more freedom and privacy than standard lodges.
5.1 Wildlife & Game Drives
- Guests may join morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives through Ol Pejeta’s wildlife zones.
- The Pelican Dam view often provides wildlife activity during quiet hours, within view of veranda.
- Drives can be organized to the rhino sanctuary, chimpanzee sanctuary, watering holes, predator zones, and plains habitats.
5.2 Flexibility & Self-Driven Itineraries
Because Pelican House is self-catered, guests can tailor their own itinerary — choosing drive times, rest periods, or extension into neighboring conservancies.
5.3 Additional Activities
Pelican House guests may arrange:
- Bush breakfasts or sundowner dinners at scenic spots near the dam
- Night drives, under approved conservancy protocols, with spotlighting
- Walking safaris with armed rangers in safe zones
- Cultural visits to local Maasai or Laikipia communities
- Birdwatching near the dam and in bush corridors
- Alternate excursions to Mount Kenya, hiking, cycling or mountain trails nearby
6. Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- Mid-range pricing with flexibility: offers cost advantage over luxury lodges while giving more comfort than camps.
- Privacy & exclusivity: the entire house can accommodate your group, no shared walls with other guests.
- Location advantage: inside Ol Pejeta, with direct access to wildlife areas and convenience for conservation activities.
- Self-catering option: gives guests control over meals, schedule, and cost control.
- Veranda views & dam frontage: a beautiful vantage point for wildlife sightings from your doorstep.
Considerations
- Generator-based electricity means power is available on schedule, not continuous.
- Limited staff and services compared to full lodges (no spa or large facilities).
- Must manage provisioning or chef services in advance.
- Not all meals or staff are included under self-catering; optional chef costs apply.
7. Best Traveler Profile
Pelican House is well suited to:
- Families and groups wanting privacy and shared space
- Budget-conscious safari travelers who want inside-conservancy lodging
- Travelers who prefer flexibility in meals and schedule
- Conservation-minded guests who wish to stay inside Ol Pejeta but not in a luxury tented lodge
- Repeat visitors who already did the main lodges and now want a more personal, home-like base
It is less ideal for travelers expecting full amenity lodges — spa, many common facilities, concierge services — or those who require continuous power or full-board lodge service included.
8. How to Integrate Pelican House into an Ol Pejeta Itinerary
- You can use Pelican House as your primary base for Ol Pejeta, joining organized drives or hiring transportation.
- Alternatively, you may split stays: combine a night or two in a luxury tented camp (for experiences) and then spend a few nights at Pelican House to relax and self-drive.
- Because of its flexibility, Pelican House works well for extended stays or research travel, giving guests time to absorb wildlife rhythms without constant guide dependency.
9. Summary & Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Pelican House |
| Type | Self-catering / optional catered cottage |
| Location | Within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, overlooking Pelican Dam |
| Capacity | Sleeps up to 8 guests (plus extra beds) |
| Utilities | Generator-based electricity (8 hrs/day), hot water scheduled |
| Layout | Two en-suite doubles, third double, garden suite |
| Rates | KES 9,000 pp (2–4 pax) self-catering; USD 100 non-resident; cheaper per person in larger groups |
| Catering Option | Chef available at extra cost (USD 50/day) |
| Amenities | Open plan living/dining, kitchen, veranda, staff support, Wi-Fi, fireplace |
| Activities | Game drives, bush walks, night drives, birding, cultural visits |
| Suitability | Families, groups, flexible travelers, cost-aware safari guests |