Where to Stay, What to Expect, Rates, Amenities, Activities, and How to Book
Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, remains one of East Africa’s most unique wildlife destinations—a landscape where Big Five safaris, rhino conservation, chimpanzee sanctuary experiences, and behind-the-scenes conservation activities meet. While Ol Pejeta hosts a range of accommodation options—from luxury safari camps to budget bandas—the Safari Cottages at Ol Pejeta offer one of the most private, comfortable, and versatile ways to experience the conservancy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about staying in the Safari Cottages, including cottage types, amenities, locations, accessibility, pricing, food options, nearby attractions, how to book, and practical travel tips.
1. Overview: What Are Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages?
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages are private, self-contained accommodation units located inside the conservancy, offering:
- Full privacy in a natural bush setting
- Easy access to wildlife viewing tracks
- Self-catering kitchen options
- Family-friendly layouts
- Proximity to key attractions (Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Morani Centre, Baraka Rhino, Serena Sweetwaters, Endangered Species Enclosure)
These cottages are ideal for:
- Families
- Small groups
- Couples seeking privacy
- Long-stay guests
- Self-catering travelers
- Photographers wanting early gate-free access
- Visitors looking for mid-range accommodation inside the conservancy
2. Cottage Types & Layouts
the Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages offer five exclusive-use cottages designed to feel like a true home in the wild. Each cottage combines comfort, privacy, and seamless indoor–outdoor living, supported by an exceptional hospitality team and a private safari guide with your own vehicle.
One-Bedroom Safari Cottages
Ideal for couples & solo travellers
The two single-bedroom cottages—Moja Juu and Moja Chini—are intimate and tranquil, set among thick acacia woodland. They feature a cozy lounge and dining area, ensuite bathroom, and a private verandah perfectly positioned for afternoon relaxation while listening to elephants moving through the nearby bush.
Highlights:
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Comfortable lounge & dining space
- Shaded private verandah
- Flexible king or twin bedding
- Peaceful, romantic, and private
Two-Bedroom Safari Cottages
Perfect for families & small groups
The three larger cottages—Mbili, Tatu, and Inya—offer spacious accommodation with two ensuite bedrooms flanking a generous central lounge and dining room. A full-length verandah opens toward the riverine trees, creating an elegant indoor–outdoor flow ideal for multi-night family stays.
Highlights:
- Two ensuite bedrooms
- Large living & dining area
- Wide verandah for outdoor relaxing
- Flexible bedding (king, twin, or triple)
- Excellent for families, friends, or multi-generational trips
Amenities & Services
Every cottage is entirely exclusive-use, with its own professional team dedicated solely to your group. Your stay includes:
Accommodation Comforts:
- Ensuite bathrooms with hot showers
- Bathroom toiletries
- Drinking water & reusable bottles
- Solar power for charging devices
- Basic Wi-Fi for light browsing
- Access to private viewing decks
Dedicated Staff:
- Private chef
- Personal server/waiter
- Housekeeping and daily cleaning
- Professional safari guide
- Private safari vehicle for all game drives
This creates a fully personalised safari—your meals, timings, and activities run on your schedule.
Style & Ethos
The cottages are built with a solid structure but feature a fully canvas front that rolls up, offering a fluid transition between home-like comfort and the surrounding wilderness. It’s a thoughtful design that blends privacy, safety, and open-air living.
Guests are welcomed into a warm, family-like environment. You’re invited to join Jarom in the kitchen, wander through the garden with Dom, stargaze with Peter, share stories with John, or learn about wildlife with Mike—a hospitality style rooted in connection, knowledge, and genuine care.
Summary
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages provide:
- Exclusive-use cottage accommodation
- Private safari guide and vehicle
- Personal chef and full service team
- Beautiful indoor–outdoor living
- Prime location inside a leading conservation area
A stay here feels like a private home in the heart of the savannah—comfortable, welcoming, and deeply immersive in the natural world
3. Location Inside Ol Pejeta
Safari Cottages are centrally positioned close to:
- Morani Information Centre
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Baraka the blind rhino viewing platform
- Serena Sweetwaters Waterhole
- Endangered Northern White Rhino enclosure
- Nanyuki Gate (main entrance)
- Airstrip pickups (for scheduled flights)
This centrality allows guests to reach major attractions and game drive loops within 5–15 minutes.
4. Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages — Master Rate Table (2025 & 2026)
Fully Inclusive • Non-Resident Rates • Per Night
| Cottage Category | Sleeps | 2025 Rate (USD/Night) | 2026 Rate (USD/Night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Safari Cottage | 2–3 guests | $950 – $1,200 | $1,050 – $1,300 | Private chef, exclusive vehicle, guide, all meals & drinks included. |
| 2-Bedroom Safari Cottage | 4–5 guests | $1,700 – $2,100 | $1,900 – $2,300 | Ideal for families or small groups; exclusive-use setup. |
| 3-Bedroom Safari Cottage | 6–7 guests | $2,400 – $3,000 | $2,700 – $3,200 | Full safari house experience with private-staff team. |
| Exclusive-Use Property (Entire Camp) | 6–7 guests | $3,200 – $3,900 | $3,500 – $4,200 | Optimal for groups, retreats, photographers. |
| Conservation Fees | Per adult/child | $110 pppn | $110 pppn | Mandatory Ol Pejeta conservancy fee (per person per night). |
| Bednight Levy | Per adult/child | $44 pppn | $44 pppn (increases to $55 pppn after 31 Mar 2026) | Government tax; mandatory. |
| Children’s Rates | – | Quoted on request | Quoted on request | Varies by age & group configuration. |
| Resident Rates | – | Available on request | Available on request | Kenyan residents should request special packages. |
| Closure Dates | – | – | Closed 23 Apr – 8 May 2026 | Annual maintenance. |
Additional Costs
- Conservancy entry fees (per 24-hour cycle or 12-hour depending on ticket category)
- Night game drive fees
- Lion tracking / Rhino encounters
- Guided bush walks (bookable at Morani Centre)
- Optional chef services (some operators provide a chef)
- Firewood (in units with fireplaces)
5. Amenities & Facilities
Safari Cottages are designed for comfort, privacy, and extended stays. Common amenities include:
Self-Catering Facilities
- Gas cooker or stove
- Fridge
- Utensils, pots, and pans
- Kettle & basic starter supplies
- Cutlery and plates
Bedroom & Bathroom
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Hot showers (solar-heated)
- Mosquito nets and bedside lighting
- Comfortable mattresses
Living & Dining
- Cozy lounge area
- Indoor dining
- Outdoor sitting area
- Fireplaces (in selected two- and three-bedroom units)
- View of wildlife-rich plains or bush
Security & Services
- 24/7 security personnel
- Daily cleaning
- On-site caretaker assistance
- On-call maintenance support
Connectivity
- Limited mobile network in some areas
- Wi-Fi varies by cottage (often available at Morani Centre nearby)
6. Best Features & Unique Selling Points
1. Stay Inside the Conservancy
No gate queues. No commuting from Nanyuki. Immediate access to wildlife at dawn and dusk.
2. Ideal for Families & Groups
Large spaces, kitchens, and safe surroundings make cottages perfect for multi-night stays.
3. Self-Catering Flexibility
Guests can cook, hire a chef, or dine at Morani’s Restaurant and Serena Sweetwaters.
4. Excellent Wildlife Viewing
Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes frequently pass near the cottages.
5. Multi-Day Access to Top Attractions
Being inside the conservancy reduces travel time to major points of interest.
7. Nearby Attractions Inside Ol Pejeta
Safari Cottage guests have excellent access to:
1. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The only place in Kenya to see rescued chimpanzees.
2. Baraka the Blind Rhino
Popular viewing platform for educational tours.
3. Morani Information Centre
Museum exhibits, gifts, information boards, and ranger briefings.
4. Endangered Species Enclosure
Home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos in the world.
5. Waterholes & Viewing Hides
Including Serena Sweetwaters waterhole for night-time viewing.
6. Guided Activities
- Night drives
- Lion tracking
- Horseback safaris
- Walking safaris
- Dog tracking experiences
8. Comparing Cottages to Other Ol Pejeta Accommodation
Safari Cottages vs other options inside Ol Pejeta:
| Category | Cottages | Lodges (e.g., Serena) | Budget Bandas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | High | Medium | Medium |
| Cost | Mid-range | High | Low |
| Self-Catering | Yes | No | Yes |
| Wildlife Access | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Family-friendly | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Space | Very large | Medium | Basic |
| Amenities | Full kitchen | Restaurant | Basic kitchen |
9. How to Get to Safari Cottages
By Road From Nairobi
- Distance: ~220 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Via Thika Superhighway → Nanyuki
By Air
- Flights from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (Safarilink / AirKenya)
- Transfer to cottages in 30–40 minutes
Transfers
Private 4×4 vehicles and safari Land Cruisers available via partner operators:
- Kambu Campers
- Bamm Tours
- Roadtrip Africa
10. Who Should Stay at the Safari Cottages?
Ideal for:
- Families with kids
- Birdwatchers
- Photographers
- Digital nomads (long stays)
- Independent travelers
- Budget-conscious visitors wanting comfort
- Private groups
- Parents seeking kitchen facilities
- Wildlife enthusiasts wanting early starts
11. What to Pack
- Warm clothing for cold Laikipia nights
- Binoculars
- Camera & long lens
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Groceries (can be bought in Nanyuki)
- Closed shoes for walking
- Torch/headlamp
12. Booking Safari Cottages (How to Reserve)
Most bookings are managed through:
- Ol Pejeta reservations office
- Licensed safari operators
- Trusted travel partners
- Online booking platforms (limited availability)
To Book
You typically need to provide:
- Travel dates
- Number of guests
- Cottage size needed
- Self-catering or full board preference
- Number of nights
- Park entry fee details (resident or non-resident rates)
Payment
- Bank transfer, card, or MPesa depending on booking channel
- Deposit required in high season
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Are cottages inside the conservancy?
Yes—guests stay inside Ol Pejeta, eliminating daily gate entry.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle?
Recommended, especially in rainy season.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Some cottages have limited Wi-Fi; best signal is near Morani Centre.
Are guided activities included?
No, they are booked separately.
Are animals near the cottages?
Yes. Expect zebras, impalas, warthogs, elephants (occasionally), and many birds.
Is self-catering allowed?
Yes. Kitchens are equipped for self-cooking.
14. Why Stay in an Ol Pejeta Safari Cottage?
Staying in a Safari Cottage offers a rare blend of privacy, comfort, affordability, and prime wildlife access. You’re inside one of Africa’s most innovative conservation landscapes—with rhino sanctuaries, Big Five viewing, and community-driven conservation at your doorstep.
For families, couples, or groups wanting freedom, space, and flexibility, safari cottages remain one of the best mid-range accommodation choices in Ol Pejeta.