Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is more than just a safari destination—it’s a hub of wildlife conservation, community empowerment, and unique safari experiences. Spanning over 90,000 acres, it is home to the Big Five, the last two northern white rhinos on earth, and Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary.
Whether you’re after classic game drives, conservation experiences, community visits, or immersive walking safaris, Ol Pejeta offers a diverse itinerary for every kind of traveler.
🔟 Top Things to Do at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
1. 🐘 Go on Big Five Game Drives
Explore open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and riverbanks teeming with wildlife. Ol Pejeta is one of the few conservancies in Kenya where you can see:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Leopards
- Both black and white rhinos
Options:
- Morning, afternoon or full-day game drives
- Self-drive or guided safari vehicle
- Night game drives to spot hyenas, servals, aardvarks, and more (extra fee)
📌 Tip: Max 6 vehicles per sighting ensures a peaceful and ethical safari.
2. 🦏 Visit the Last Two Northern White Rhinos
Meet Najin and Fatu, the only remaining northern white rhinos in the world, living under 24/7 protection.
⏰ Times:
- 8:30–9:30 am | 11:00–12:00 pm | 3:00–4:00 pm | 4:30–5:30 pm
💵 Cost: $70 per adult | $35 per child
📌 Advance booking recommended. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. 🐵 Explore the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The only place in Kenya to see rescued chimpanzees! Run in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, this sanctuary offers heartwarming stories and educational tours.
⏰ Open: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
💵 Included in your entry fee
4. 🦁 Lion Tracking
Join researchers in tracking collared lions using radio telemetry. Learn about behavior, social dynamics, and predator conservation firsthand.
⏰ Daily: 6:30–8:30 AM or 3:30–5:30 PM
💵 $70 per adult | $35 per child
📌 Minimum 2 people per session
5. 🐶 Dog Tracking
Track a simulated poacher with the help of Ol Pejeta’s trained anti-poaching dogs. This fun, interactive activity lets you witness conservation in action.
⏰ Daily at 8:30 AM
💵 $70 per adult | $35 per child
6. 🌾 Join Behind-the-Scenes Conservation Experiences
Learn how Ol Pejeta operates day-to-day through immersive conservation programs:
| Activity | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-Scenes Tour | 11:45 AM–12:45 PM | $70 |
| Rhino Monitoring | Daily | $70 |
| Livestock-Wildlife Integration | 8:00 AM (2 hrs) | $70 |
| Conservation Talk | On request | $20 |
| Run the Wild | Anytime | KES 5,000 |
📌 These experiences support Ol Pejeta’s long-term sustainability and education efforts.
7. 🏕️ Camp in the Wild or Stay at Exclusive Lodges
Choose from:
- Public campsites (bring your own gear)
- Budget stays at The Stables
- Private luxury: Pelican House, Sweetwaters Serena, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Enjoy starlit skies, distant lion calls, and true immersion in nature.
8. 🐴 Horseback Safari in Predator-Free Zones
Ride through open plains alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelope. A tranquil and unique way to view wildlife, perfect for families and photographers.
💵 Book through Ol Pejeta or your lodge
📌 Only available in designated safe zones
9. 🧑🌾 Meet the Neighbours: Community & Cultural Visit
Learn about the local communities living near the conservancy. Visit farms, schools, and women’s projects and see how tourism directly impacts livelihoods.
⏰ Mon–Sat: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💵 $70 per adult | $35 per child
📌 Book 24 hours in advance
10. 🧭 Visit Baraka the Blind Rhino & Morani Information Centre
- Feed and take selfies with Baraka, a black rhino who is now an ambassador for his species
- Visit the Morani Information Centre to learn about rhino ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation in Kenya
🕒 Open: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
💵 Free (included with entry)
11. 📸 Wildlife Photography Safari
Ol Pejeta is a paradise for wildlife photographers thanks to:
- Low visitor density = fewer cars in your frame
- Epic backdrops of Mount Kenya, acacia woodlands, and golden savannahs
- The chance to shoot unique species like wild dogs, northern white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and rare birds
Options:
- Hire a private vehicle and guide for full-day photography
- Stay at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, known for photography-focused guiding
- Book a conservation photography experience (custom setup)
📌 Tip: Bring a zoom lens (200–600mm), beanbag for window support, and spare batteries.
12. 🌄 Sundowners in the Wild
End your game drive with drinks and snacks as the sun sets over Mount Kenya or the Laikipia plains.
- Some camps include sundowners in bush settings with firepits and canapés
- You can also request this as an add-on for private game drives
📌 Perfect for couples, honeymooners, or those looking for peaceful moments in the wild.
13. 🧘♀️ Wellness in the Wild (Yoga & Nature Connection)
A growing number of visitors are combining wildlife travel with mindfulness and wellness, and Ol Pejeta offers the perfect setting.
- Some camps offer yoga sessions overlooking the savannah
- Forested and riverbank areas provide peaceful spaces for meditation or journaling
- The Nature Trail near Morani Centre is perfect for solo nature walks or stretching
📌 Ask your lodge if they offer yoga mats or can arrange wellness guides.
14. 🦓 Track Endangered Species on Foot
Get closer to conservation by joining a trained ranger for walking safaris in secure, non-predator zones. You may:
- Track black rhinos
- Learn about territorial markings, spoor identification, and behavioral signs
- Explore vegetation types, water sources, and ecological dynamics
📌 Best for active, curious travelers aged 12+. Wear neutral colors and closed shoes.
15. 🌌 Stargazing & Night Sounds
With minimal light pollution and expansive skies, Ol Pejeta is a phenomenal location for stargazing.
- Spot constellations from both hemispheres (you’re right on the equator!)
- Hear night sounds like hyenas laughing, elephants rumbling, or owls calling
- Some lodges offer telescopes, guided sky tours, or bonfire chats about constellations
📌 Perfect way to end the day in reflection and awe.
16. 🛍️ Visit the Conservation Shop
Support local artisans and take home meaningful souvenirs:
- Handmade crafts, beadwork, and rhino-themed gifts
- Locally-sourced items like honey, coffee, and wellness teas
- Branded merchandise supporting Ol Pejeta’s mission
📌 Located near Morani’s Restaurant
17. 🐦 Birdwatching Safaris
Ol Pejeta is home to 300+ bird species, making it a great destination for amateur and expert birders alike.
Birding hotspots include:
- Ewaso Nyiro River: Kingfishers, herons, cormorants
- Woodland belts: Hornbills, turacos, sunbirds
- Grasslands: Secretary birds, lapwings, crowned cranes
📌 Best early morning or late afternoon. Bring your binoculars and a bird book (or guide)!
18. 🎓 Volunteer or Join a Conservation Internship
For those staying longer, Ol Pejeta offers structured programs that allow you to:
- Assist in research and monitoring
- Participate in education and outreach
- Learn about livestock-wildlife coexistence models
📌 Visit: www.olpejetaconservancy.org/get-involved/vacancies
19. 🐮 Visit the Cattle Ranch Operation
Ol Pejeta is a working ranch and conservancy, with over 7,000 Boran cattle raised alongside wildlife. You can:
- Learn about sustainable grazing systems
- Visit cattle yards and vet units
- Understand how livestock-wildlife coexistence helps fund conservation
📌 Offered as part of the Livestock-Wildlife Integration Experience ($70)
20. 🧒 Kid-Friendly Activities & Education
If you’re traveling with children:
- Meet Baraka the blind rhino (feed & touch)
- Visit Morani Info Centre’s interactive exhibits
- Join guided nature walks focused on animal signs and poop ID
- Camps like Sweetwaters Serena offer kid-friendly menus and family tents
📌 A fantastic, hands-on educational experience for budding conservationists!
🗓️ Plan Your Visit Around Special Events
Ol Pejeta occasionally hosts:
- Conservation-themed marathons & runs
- Fundraising galas
- Special photography or art workshops
- School holiday programs for local children
📌 Follow:
- Instagram: @olpejeta_escapes
- Facebook: OlPejetaEscapes
- Website: www.olpejetaconservancy.org
Free Activities Included in Entry Fee
| Attraction | Time |
|---|---|
| Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2–4:30 PM |
| Baraka & Morani Centre | 7:30 AM–6:00 PM |
| Nature Trail | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Restaurant & Shops | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM |
📞 Booking & Contact Info
- Phone: +254 707 187141 / +254 705 911021
- WhatsApp: 0110 094 457
- Email: reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org
- Bookings: bookings.olpejetaconservancy.org
🧾 Important Notes
- All activities require advance booking
- Rates include VAT
- Book at least 1 day in advance
- All activities are subject to availability, weather, and animal welfare
- Always request an ETR receipt for payments
🧡 Final Thoughts
From rhino conservation and game drives to chimpanzee rescues and community impact, Ol Pejeta is more than a safari—it’s a journey into the heart of African conservation. Whether you’re spending a day or a week, each activity brings you closer to nature and the mission to protect it.
Would you like this turned into a visitor brochure, day planner, or interactive website guide? I can also add activity maps or suggested itineraries based on traveler type!