Located in Laikipia County just west of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy spans 90,000 acres of rich wildlife territory and offers visitors access via two main gates. Whether you’re a day tripper, overnight guest, or part of a guided tour, knowing the right gate and what to expect can help you make the most of your visit.
📍 Overview: How Entry Works at Ol Pejeta
- Ol Pejeta is a fenced private conservancy, and all entry is controlled through official gates.
- Entry is strictly cashless—you must book tickets online at:
👉 bookings.olpejetaconservancy.org - Gates operate under a single-entry policy: if you leave, you’ll need to pay again to re-enter.
- Entry is allowed only during specific hours, and proof of ID/residency is required to confirm your ticket category.
🕓 Gate Operating Hours
| Gate | Open Daily |
|---|---|
| All Entry Gates | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
❗ No entry or exit allowed after 7:00 PM
🚫 No driving within the conservancy after 7:00 PM unless on a pre-booked night drive
🚪 1. Rongai Gate (Main Entry Gate)
📌 Location:
- South of the conservancy, near Nanyuki town (approximately 20–25 minutes drive)
- Easily accessible from the Nanyuki–Rumuruti Road
🚗 Best For:
- Self-drive visitors
- Guests staying at Pelican House, The Stables, or Sweetwaters Serena
- Public transport travelers arriving via Nanyuki
- Day visitors from Nanyuki or Nairobi
🧭 Key Features:
- Primary gate with security check, ticket verification, and reception
- Closest to most Ol Pejeta-managed properties
- Main starting point for most safari itineraries
- Near Morani Information Centre and Baraka the Blind Rhino
🚪 2. Serat Gate (Secondary Gate / North-West Access)
📌 Location:
- North-west side of the conservancy, near the Rumuruti–Maralal Road
🚗 Best For:
- Visitors arriving from Samburu, Lewa, or Rumuruti
- Safari itineraries that include northern Kenya circuits
- Travelers staying near the northern side of Ol Pejeta
🧭 Key Features:
- Quieter gate with less congestion
- Less developed but functional for entry/exit
- Used by tour companies operating multi-park circuits through Laikipia-Samburu region
🛣️ Directions to Main Gates
🗺️ From Nairobi to Rongai Gate:
- Route: Nairobi → Thika → Karatina → Nanyuki → Rongai Gate
- Distance: ~200 km
- Drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours
- Fuel up at Nanyuki town before entering the conservancy
🗺️ From Samburu or Lewa to Serat Gate:
- Route: Isiolo → Timau → Rumuruti → Serat Gate
- Drive time: 3–4 hours
- Recommended for northern safari circuits
🎟️ Booking & Entry Requirements
- All visitors must book online in advance:
🌐 https://bookings.olpejetaconservancy.org - You’ll need to show:
- QR code or booking reference at the gate
- National ID or passport to verify residency status
- Vehicle details (if self-driving)
- Confirmation from your accommodation provider if booking through a lodge
📌 Print or screenshot your ticket in advance in case of weak mobile signal at the gate.
🪪 Entry Categories & Documentation
| Visitor Type | Required Document |
|---|---|
| Kenyan Citizens | National ID or valid Kenyan passport |
| East African Residents | Valid passport with work permit/alien ID |
| Non-Residents | Passport |
❗ Failing to provide proof of eligibility will result in being charged the non-resident rate.
🚦 Important Entry Rules & Policies
- 🎫 Single-entry policy: Re-entry requires a new ticket
- 🕖 Gates close at 7:00 PM—no exceptions
- 🗺️ Off-road driving is strictly prohibited unless approved
- 🗑️ The conservancy is plastic-free—bring reusable bottles and bags
- 🎥 Drones are prohibited unless pre-authorized
- 🦓 Wildlife always has right of way
🤝 Need Help or Have Questions?
You can contact the Ol Pejeta Booking Office directly:
- 📞 +254 707 187141 / +254 705 911021
- 💬 WhatsApp: 0110 094 457
- 📧 Email: reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org
🌿 Final Word: Plan Smart, Enter Smoothly
Knowing which gate to use, how to book, and what documents to bring will ensure your visit to Ol Pejeta is stress-free and memorable. Whether you’re coming from Nairobi or the wilds of Samburu, these gates are your passage into one of Africa’s most innovative and inspiring conservation landscapes.