Tucked within the breathtaking landscapes of Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, lies a place of hope, healing, and second chances—the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It’s the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, and more importantly, a safe haven for great apes rescued from illegal captivity and trafficking.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history, mission, daily life of the chimps, and how you can experience this extraordinary sanctuary during your visit to Ol Pejeta.
🧠 Overview: What Is the Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta?
- Official name: Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Location: Inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near Nanyuki, Kenya
- Founded: 1993, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute
- Purpose: To rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care to orphaned and abused chimpanzees from across Africa.
It is a non-breeding, fully protected sanctuary that focuses on welfare, enrichment, and public education.
📜 History of the Sanctuary
The sanctuary was created in response to a growing crisis: chimpanzees across West and Central Africa were being orphaned by the bushmeat trade, or captured and sold illegally as pets and entertainers.
In 1993, Ol Pejeta partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute to offer a permanent home to chimps who could not be returned to the wild. The first group of rescued chimpanzees came from Burundi, escaping civil unrest and dire conditions.
Today, Sweetwaters is a shining example of compassionate wildlife care, housing over 40 chimpanzees in large, natural enclosures.
🐒 Meet the Residents: Life Inside the Sanctuary
Each chimpanzee at Ol Pejeta has a unique story—many were rescued from:
- Pet trade
- Illegal circuses or tourist entertainment
- War zones and conflict areas
- Smuggling operations across Africa
Key Features of the Sanctuary:
- Two large riverside enclosures (250 acres total)
- Night holding facilities with individual rooms
- Daily enrichment programs (toys, puzzles, climbing activities)
- 24/7 veterinary care and trained caregivers
- Fully protected with electric fencing and round-the-clock security
Chimps are not native to Kenya, so they are not part of the wild population. This sanctuary provides a safe, enclosed, and stimulating space for chimps to live with dignity.
🧬 How Chimps Differ from Humans & Other Primates
Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of human DNA and have complex emotions, social structures, and problem-solving skills.
- Lifespan: Up to 50–60 years in captivity
- Diet: Fruits, nuts, leaves, insects, and occasionally meat
- Behavior: Highly social, use tools, communicate through vocalizations, facial expressions, and gestures
Watching them interact—whether grooming each other or solving puzzles—is a deeply moving and humbling experience.
🗺️ Visitor Experience at the Sanctuary
You can explore the sanctuary as part of a visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
What to Expect:
- Guided tours led by knowledgeable staff
- Learn about each chimp’s rescue story
- Watch feeding sessions and enrichment activities
- Explore educational exhibits on primate conservation
- Get photography opportunities from viewing platforms
- Combine with Big Five game drives in the same day
Note: You cannot touch or enter the enclosures—this is for the safety of both the animals and visitors. However, you’ll get close enough to observe behavior and interactions in detail.
💡 Educational Programs and Outreach
The sanctuary serves as a learning hub for:
- School groups and students
- Conservation researchers
- Veterinary and animal welfare trainees
- Wildlife tourists and families
Topics include:
- Illegal wildlife trade
- Primate behavior and welfare
- Habitat loss and conservation ethics
- Role of sanctuaries in modern conservation
❤️ Impact & Mission
Since its inception, the sanctuary has:
- Rescued over 40 chimps from traumatic environments
- Provided lifelong care to chimps that would not survive in the wild
- Raised awareness about illegal pet trade and wildlife trafficking
- Created a model for primate welfare in Africa
It is run under strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that no chimp is exploited, bred, or commercialized.
🧭 Best Time to Visit
The sanctuary is open year-round, but the best conditions are during:
| Months | Why Visit Then |
|---|---|
| June–October | Dry season, easy access, clear weather |
| December–February | Warm, dry, fewer crowds |
| April–May | Green season, best for birders, fewer tourists |
💵 Entry Fees & Access
Access to the sanctuary is included in your Ol Pejeta Conservancy entry fee:
| Category | Non-Resident (USD) | Resident (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $90 | 2,300 |
| Child | $45 | 1,150 |
| Vehicle entry | Varies by size | 400–1,500 |
All proceeds support the care of the chimps and Ol Pejeta’s wider conservation efforts.
🛍️ How You Can Help
You don’t need to visit to make a difference. Support the sanctuary by:
- Donating to chimp care and enrichment programs
- Sponsoring a chimpanzee
- Purchasing sanctuary merchandise
- Raising awareness on social media
- Supporting Ol Pejeta’s conservation campaigns
🙌 Final Thoughts: A Rare Encounter with Resilience
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a testament to the power of second chances and human compassion. Every chimp you meet carries a story of survival, and every visit supports a future where animals are treated with the respect they deserve.
If you’re visiting Kenya and want to experience wildlife with real impact, this sanctuary should be high on your itinerary.