Welcome to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories.
Located in Laikipia County, Kenya, just under four hours from Nairobi, Ol Pejeta is a model of sustainable wildlife protection — where Big Five safaris directly fund rhino conservation, community development, and environmental education.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions from travelers, conservation enthusiasts, and photographers planning a visit.
🌍 General Overview
1. Where is Ol Pejeta Conservancy located?
Ol Pejeta lies on the Laikipia Plateau in Central Kenya, between the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the east and the Aberdare Ranges to the west.
Coordinates: 0.0013° N, 36.9646° E.
Nearest town: Nanyuki, approximately 14 km away.
2. How big is Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
The conservancy spans 90,000 acres (364 km²) of mixed grassland, bush, and riverine forest, making it one of East Africa’s largest and most successful wildlife conservancies.
3. Who manages Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
It is managed by the Ol Pejeta Conservancy Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife, supporting local communities, and pioneering conservation innovation.
🛣️ Getting There
4. How far is Ol Pejeta from Nairobi?
The distance is approximately 217.3 km, about 3 hours 58 minutes by road via the A2 Nairobi–Thika–Nanyuki Highway.
This route passes scenic highlands, pineapple plantations, and tea farms before reaching Nanyuki.
5. Can I fly to Ol Pejeta?
Yes. Scheduled flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Nanyuki Airstrip (NYK) take about 40 minutes, followed by a 45-minute transfer to the conservancy’s Serat Gate.
Private charter flights can also land on Ol Pejeta’s private airstrip inside the conservancy.
6. What are the main entry gates?
- Serat Gate: Main gate from Nanyuki (most used by tourists)
- Endana Gate: Northern access point, ideal for visitors from Laikipia or Isiolo
- Rongai Gate: South-western gate often used by camps and internal guests
7. What are the operating hours?
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays according to the website.
Night drives (with permit) are conducted between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
🦁 Wildlife & Conservation
8. What animals can I see in Ol Pejeta?
Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos.
Other notable species include Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Jackson’s hartebeest, cheetah, giraffe, and wild dog. Over 300 bird species have been recorded.
9. What is Ol Pejeta known for?
It is globally recognized as:
- The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
- The home of the world’s last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu.
- The site of Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, established with the Jane Goodall Institute.
- A model for integrating wildlife conservation with community development.
10. Can I see the northern white rhinos?
Yes. You can visit the Endangered Species Enclosure, a secure 700-acre area within the conservancy where Najin and Fatu live under 24-hour armed protection.
Visits must be booked in advance and include a guided tour by rangers who share the story of ongoing IVF efforts to save the species.
11. What is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary?
It’s Kenya’s only facility for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. The sanctuary provides lifelong care in natural enclosures along the Ewaso Nyiro River, and is open to visitors daily between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
12. What conservation programs does Ol Pejeta support?
Visiting Ol Pejeta directly funds:
- Anti-poaching and rhino monitoring units
- Community schools, water, and healthcare projects
- Habitat restoration and climate-resilient grazing
- Wildlife research in partnership with global institutions
- Education outreach for local youth on conservation and sustainability
🏞️ Activities & Experiences
13. What activities are available inside Ol Pejeta?
- Game drives (day and night)
- Guided walking safaris with armed rangers
- Lion tracking experience using telemetry
- Horseback riding alongside rhinos (in the Endangered Species Enclosure)
- Birdwatching tours (Pelican Dam, Morani Loop)
- Cycling safaris and fun runs (seasonal events)
- Cultural visits to neighboring Maasai and Turkana communities
14. Are night game drives allowed?
Yes. Ol Pejeta is among the few Kenyan conservancies licensed for night drives.
These offer a chance to spot nocturnal species such as leopards, aardvarks, hyenas, and bat-eared foxes.
15. What are the best game-viewing areas?
- Toki Plains: Herds of elephant and buffalo
- Morani Loop: Excellent for lions and plains game
- Nyangoro Sector: Open savannah popular with cheetahs
- Ewaso Nyiro Riverine Belt: Ideal for birdlife and hippos
- Pelican Dam: Great for black rhinos and waterbirds
16. Can I walk or cycle inside the conservancy?
Walking safaris are available only in designated areas under ranger supervision.
Cycling events (like Ride 4 Rhinos) are held seasonally — inquire in advance.
17. Are there educational or research programs for visitors?
Yes. The Morani Information Centre offers interactive exhibits on conservation, ranger work, and wildlife protection. Educational visits can be arranged for schools or groups upon request.
🏕️ Accommodation & Facilities
18. Where can I stay in or near Ol Pejeta?
Options range from budget to luxury:
- Inside the Conservancy: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Sanctuary Tambarare Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (Asilia)
- Outside (Nanyuki Area): Rhino Watch Lodge, Falcon Heights, Soames Hotel, Kongoni Lodge
19. Are meals and amenities available inside the park?
Yes. The Morani’s Restaurant offers à la carte meals and refreshments with outdoor seating overlooking wildlife. Restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a souvenir shop are available at the visitor centre.
20. Can families with children visit?
Absolutely. Ol Pejeta is fenced, safe, and family-friendly. Most lodges provide family tents, children’s menus, and educational nature walks.
💵 Fees & Payment
21. How much are the entry fees?
- Non-resident adults: $95 per day
- Resident adults: KES 2,400 per day
- Children (3–11 years): 50% of adult rate
- Student / Citizen discounts: Applicable with valid ID
Fees are paid via MPesa, Visa/MasterCard, or eCitizen at the gate.
22. Are night drives or special activities charged separately?
Yes. Activities such as night drives, lion tracking, horseback rides, and rhino encounters attract additional costs (typically $40–$70 pp). Always confirm in advance with your guide or lodge.
23. Is cash accepted at the gates?
No — Ol Pejeta is a cashless conservancy. All payments must be made via card, MPesa, or eCitizen.
☀️ Seasons & Climate
24. When is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta?
The conservancy is open year-round, but:
- June–October & January–March: Dry season – best for wildlife visibility.
- April–May & November: Green season – fewer visitors, lush scenery, excellent for photography.
25. What is the climate like?
Ol Pejeta sits at an altitude of 1,800–2,000 m, with daytime temperatures between 20–26°C and cooler nights around 10–14°C. Bring a warm jacket for morning and evening drives.
📸 Photography & Safari Tips
26. What camera gear is recommended?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 70–300mm zoom lens is ideal.
Don’t forget a wide-angle lens for landscapes and Mount Kenya backdrops. Binoculars (8×42 or higher) enhance viewing.
27. Can I use drones in the conservancy?
No. Drones are not permitted inside Ol Pejeta for wildlife safety and privacy reasons.
28. What are the best photo locations?
- Mount Kenya viewpoints (sunrise shots)
- Pelican Dam for reflections and birdlife
- Rhino Enclosure for conservation photography
- Morani Loop for predator action
- Equator Line in Nanyuki for iconic travel photos
🧭 Logistics & Safety
29. Is Ol Pejeta safe to visit?
Yes. The conservancy is fully fenced, patrolled by professional rangers, and adheres to strict safety standards for visitors and wildlife alike.
30. What vehicles are used for safaris?
All tours booked through OlPejetaKenya.org use custom 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, elevated seats, safety belts, cooler boxes, charging ports, and comprehensive insurance.
31. What should I pack?
- Comfortable safari clothing in neutral tones
- Light jacket or fleece for evenings
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle, binoculars, camera, insect repellent
32. Is Wi-Fi or mobile coverage available?
Yes, mobile signal is strong near lodges and main gates. Most accommodations and Morani’s Restaurant offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
🌿 Responsible Travel & Impact
33. How does visiting Ol Pejeta support conservation?
Your park entry fee directly funds:
- Rhino protection & anti-poaching patrols
- Chimpanzee care & welfare programs
- Community healthcare, education, and water projects
- Habitat restoration & climate-resilient land use
By visiting, you’re not only enjoying a safari — you’re contributing to one of Africa’s most effective conservation models.
34. How can visitors support Ol Pejeta further?
- Adopt a chimp or rhino through Ol Pejeta’s official adoption program.
- Donate to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy Trust.
- Shop sustainably at the Morani Gift Shop.
- Spread awareness of ethical wildlife tourism and responsible travel.