Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a premier safari destination located in Laikipia County, Kenya, and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style—from eco-friendly campsites to luxurious tented lodges nestled in the African bush. Whether you’re visiting for wildlife viewing, conservation experiences, or a family holiday, there’s a place for you to stay that’s close to the action.
This guide covers all the key accommodation types available within and around Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including budget, mid-range, luxury, and special experiences.
🧭 Quick Overview: Accommodation Categories
| Category | Examples | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | The Stables, Campsites | Backpackers, solo travelers, students |
| Mid-Range | Kongoni Camp, Pelican House | Families, couples, small groups |
| Luxury | Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp | Honeymooners, high-end travelers |
| Exclusive Use | Kifaru House, Mutara Camp | Private groups, family reunions, VIPs |
| Special Interest | Research Cottages, Eco-camps | Conservationists, researchers, photographers |
🏕️ 1. Budget & Camping Options
🛏 The Stables
- Located inside the conservancy
- Former staff quarters converted into simple dorm-style rooms
- Shared bathrooms and dining area
- Ideal for students, volunteers, and travelers on a tight budget
Price range: $35–$60 per night per person
Good to know: Meals available; very social, backpacker-friendly vibe
⛺ Public Campsites
Ol Pejeta offers designated self-catering campsites for adventurous travelers.
- Pitch-your-own tent or bring a roof tent
- Firewood and water available on request
- Basic latrines and sometimes showers
Popular Sites: Ewaso Campsite, Hippo Hide Campsite
Price: ~$30 per adult, camping gear not provided
Ideal for: 4×4 travelers, overlanders, nature lovers
🛌 2. Mid-Range Lodges & Guesthouses
🏡 Pelican House
- A beautiful self-catering private house
- Sleeps up to 12 people in spacious, homely rooms
- Large living area, garden, and indoor fireplace
- Located within the conservancy
Ideal for: Families, groups, extended stays
Price: ~$300–$500 per night (entire house)
🦓 Kongoni Camp
- Located just outside Ol Pejeta, in Nanyuki
- Offers cottages and rooms with en-suite bathrooms
- On-site restaurant, WiFi, and swimming pool
- Easy access to both Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya
Ideal for: Travelers who want to stay near but not inside the conservancy
Price: ~$80–$120 per night
🏕️ 3. Luxury Lodges and Camps
🌟 Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- One of the most popular luxury options in Ol Pejeta
- Located next to a waterhole that attracts wildlife 24/7
- Offers 47 luxury tents (Standard and Deluxe), with en-suite bathrooms
- Facilities include: restaurant, bar, gift shop, spa, and lounge
Bonus: Located near the Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Price: ~$200–$350 per person per night (Full Board)
🌿 Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (Asilia Africa)
- Eco-conscious luxury tented camp with only 7 tents
- Offers a rustic yet elegant safari experience
- Guided bush walks, rhino tracking, and conservation tours available
Best for: Ethical travelers, small groups, honeymooners
Price: ~$400–$700 per person per night (All-inclusive)
🦏 Kifaru House
- Exclusive-use lodge offering luxury and privacy
- Beautifully designed stone cottages with fireplaces and expansive views
- Private chef, housekeeping, and safari guides
- Accommodates 10–12 guests
Price: ~$1,800–$3,000 per night (entire house, all-inclusive)
Ideal for: VIPs, celebrities, families, and exclusive groups
🌄 Mutara Camp
- Just outside the northern boundary of Ol Pejeta
- Offers a private feel with only 15 tented suites
- Elevated tents with views over Mutara plains
- Infinity pool and luxury dining
Perfect for: Romantic escapes, boutique safaris
Price: ~$300–$500 per person
👣 4. Research & Conservation Lodging
🧬 Research Cottages
- Simple but functional housing for researchers and interns
- Run in partnership with universities and NGOs
- Located within ranger or admin compounds
- Not generally open to tourists, but can be arranged for extended conservation stays
Contact: Ol Pejeta’s conservation department directly for long-term academic stays
📅 When to Book Accommodation
| Season | Months | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | July–Oct, Dec–Feb | Book 4–6 months in advance |
| Mid Season | March, June, Nov | Easier to find availability, shoulder pricing |
| Low Season | April–May | Discounted rates, fewer tourists |
Tip: Some luxury camps offer resident rates, early bird discounts, or last-minute deals.
🧭 Choosing the Right Accommodation
| Traveler Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Budget traveler | The Stables, Campsites |
| Family or group | Pelican House, Kifaru House |
| Honeymooners | Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Mutara Camp |
| Ethical luxury | Sweetwaters Serena, Asilia’s Bush Camp |
| Researchers | Research Cottages |
| Overlanders | Public Campsites |
❤️ Why Stay Inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
- Early access to game drives and sunrise safaris
- Night game drives available for inside guests
- Close proximity to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Rhino Enclosures, and waterholes
- Contribution to conservation and community efforts—your stay helps fund anti-poaching, education, and habitat restoration
🔐 Tips for Booking
- Confirm if park fees are included in your rate (often they are not)
- Clarify meal plans: Full Board (all meals) is common, but not always standard
- Ask about safari activities: Some packages include daily game drives or conservation experiences
- For self-catering stays, confirm if cooking staff are provided or optional
- Don’t forget to pack warm layers—Ol Pejeta can be chilly at night!
🛎️ Final Thoughts: Stay with Purpose
Ol Pejeta offers not just a place to sleep—but a chance to immerse yourself in impactful conservation, extraordinary wildlife, and soulful landscapes. Whether you’re tracking rhinos, stargazing from a tent, or sipping coffee as elephants pass your porch, the right accommodation will shape your safari story.